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• Gutty formation and sediment loss was significantly reduced in postmine draiaageways when compared to pre6rainage reconstruction. In Coyote Gulch, for example, an estimated 99,400 cubic yards of sediment was lost to gully erosion and sheet and rill erosion from 1984-1987. Following treatment an estimated 1,360 cu yds of sediment is lost annually to sheet, rill and gully erosion. This is a reduction in the annual erosion rate of 24 times the pre-veatment erosion rates. Much of the success for the reduction in erosion rates must be attributed to rite wide variety of erosion control materials, methods and sediment reducing measures that were used in reconstructing dtainageways and adjacent reclaimed sideslopes. As a result of appropriate erosion control treatment in reestablished postmine drainageways, Trapper Mine has not needed to clean a single sediment pond in five years. 3.8 Condusionv As a strategy for soil conservation planning, the promotion of vegetation in combination with natwal and/or artificial erosion control measures, has much to offer. Vegetation is one factor that can be easily manipu- lated by careful management Beyond that, better vegetative growth, by selecting plants that are well adapted to a particular climate or soil, will almost always provide direct economic benefits in terms of vegetation production, stability and reduced soil loss. The proper implementation of erosion control materials and sediment reducing measures on reclaimed sideslopes, drainageways, and on regraded spoils are valuable in reducing peak water flows and sediment loads into drainages. Dozer basins are useful to vap and store sediment on newly stripped topsoil areas anti on regraded spoils. Livestock water tanks are valuable as they vap water on reclaimed sideslopes, in • drainageways, and reduce peak rates of flow at downstream locations, making available reliable water for wildlife and livestock use. Water harvesting diversions constructed aaoss slopes are important to transport excessive water from areas [hat need protection to sites where water can be used or disposed of safety. Con- tour farming is essential to reduce sheet and rill erosion on reclaimed sideslope. When combined with live haul topsoil transport the erosion potential is further reduced. The installation of rock check swctures to dissipate the energy of flowing water and vap sediment and debris is valuable in stabilizing channels and promoting vegetation growth. Finally, the use of geotextiles, erosion blankets and other erosion control fabrics are effective in reducing sveam velocities and increasing sedimentation in drainageways. The combination of appropriate conservation measures and an aggressive repay program add up to success- ful treatment of reconstructed drainage channels and consequently successful reclamation at Trapper Mine while permanent vegetation establishes. Perhaps the major problem with such a soil conservation strategy is that it requtres continuous, sensitive, timely and knowledgeable management of the soil and vegetation and the use of appropriate and cost effec- tive erosion control techniques and material to be fully effective. But Ute rewards in terms of reduced soil loss and potential dollar savings are indisputable. 3.9 Referwces Dnt, R.L. 1961..4n application of the pointeentered quarter method to the sampling of grassland vegeta- tion. J. Range Manage. 14:6369. Viert, S.R. 1985. A new instrument far measuring ground cover based on [he point-hit technique - [Ile opti- cal point bar. p. 106-109. In: 1985 Annual Meeting of the Amer. Soc. for Surface Mining and Reclamation. • Oct 8-10, 1985. Denver, CO. NyfJ)6 3193 [CO[v11.R\92REPT3]