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GCC Rio Grande, [nc.-Red Rock Mine Drought Management Plan also provide some shade for developing vegetation. Modification of the reclamation area's microclimate through moisture capture and increased shade can enhance seedling germination, establishment and growth. -For example, 1 foot of snow captured by a wind barrier or break translates roughly into one inch of rainwater. This captured water may significantly improve seedling survival during drought periods. Wind barriers and breaks may be created using commonly available construction materials or plant materials. Common examples of bazriers and breaks include snow fences, shrub or tree shelterbelts and strip cropping (herbaceous plant covers). When used, wind barriers and breaks will be placed on the windward perimeter of the azea being planted. Additional wind barriers and breaks will be placed as necessary downwind from the upwind perimeter barrier or break at periodic intervals based on site configuration, orientation and exposure to prevailing winds. The most effective windbreaks are 75 to 80% solid (20 to 25% open or porous). Allowing some air to flow through and under the wind barrier or break prevents much of the down-drafting and scouring that occurs behind a solid structure. Generally, wind barriers and breaks provide 10 feet of downwind protection for each foot of their vertical height. Wind barrier and break height will be adjusted to protect reclaimed areas, while allowing adequate space for conducting routine agronomic management practices. Woody seed mixtures can be planted on the leeward side of wind fences to take advantage of increased soil moisture to be expected from increased snow deposition and melt. Establishment of woody species in these zones will be improved and once established will effectively create living wind barriers or breaks that are capable of self-regeneration, thus becoming permanent wind erosion control features. Cover Cropping Residue or growing vegetation on the soil surface reduces wind velocity at the ground surface. As the quantity of residue on the surface increases, the wind velocity decreases. Pound for pound, residues with a stem of a smaller diameter result in more surface area of residue and therefore produce more friction. As stem friction increases wind velocities are reduced. Standing residues reduce wind velocity more than those Lying flat. Triticale will be used as a Habitat Management, Inc. 6 03/03/2003