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place the plants under continual stress at certain times of the year <br />to reduce plant vigor and competitiveness in order to allow for <br />establishment and development of other species. These treatments may <br />include mowing, grazing and a timely application of a light rate of <br />selective herbicides. <br />Eradication or significant reduction of the alfalfa stands over the <br />short term can best be accomplished by application of a selective <br />broadleaf herbicide which will allow for survival of graminoids in the <br />stand. While some forbs and shrubs will also be lost, it is <br />anticipated that the extensive alfa]fa canopies will intercept much of <br />the spray, thus shielding to some degree more desireable broadleaf <br />plants. Those areas where the kill is extensive and the remaining <br />cover is poor will be interseeded with grasses, forbs, and shrubs with <br />concentration on the latter two growth forms in order to enhance <br />diversity and shrub densities. A grazing management plan oriented <br />towards long term control will be developed far the reclaimed areas in <br />order to "pressure" the alfalfa stands both in sprayed areas and <br />non-sprayed areas. Proper timing and management of the grazing will <br />reduce bloat opportunities while reducing the vigor of the alfalfa. <br />Initial grazing pressure will be heavy with the grazing pressure <br />continued for several years to realize any benefits. Fall grazing <br />must also be carried out to further enhance the effectiveness of this <br />management tool. Rotary mowing or chopping with equipment such as <br />brush beaters may achieve the same results over the long term, but <br />cannot be applied selectively, i.e., the entire stand is treated. <br />Thus, at this .time, these types of manipulations are only being <br />considered as options to a spraying/grazing program. <br />The alfalfa maintenance program will be developed during the winter of <br />1986/1987 and presented to the CMLRB prior to treatment in the 1987 <br />field season. Detailed plans of herbicides to be used, application <br />rates and areas to be sprayed will be presented to the CMLRB by 1 <br />February 1987. A grazing management plan for control areas will also <br />be submitted at that time. It should be noted that implementation of <br />the grazing plan will depend on the availability of a livestock <br />operator committed to PCC's management objectives and willingness to <br />graze in heavy stands of alfalfa during the growing season. <br />2.05.4 Reclamation Plan <br />9. One potential problem not addressed on the reclaimed areas in the <br />above-referenced report (Point 8) is the lack of shrub <br />individuals to meet the stems per acre standard. Considering <br />shrub density is one of the performance standards that will have <br />to be met to obtain performance bond release, Peabody Coal should <br />address actions to be implemented to increase shrub density. <br />RESPONSE: <br />• The followia3 res-•cnse is presented in two parts. The first part <br />summarizes a:•~asure~ Peabody Coal Company (PCC) has implemented to date <br />25 Revised 8/27/86 <br />