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24HG2E27XC Sample Hole(s) Project Plan Minor Revision 320 Page 4 of 11 VEGETATION Vegetation communities in the project area include: Mountain shrub (dominated by Gambel oak), Aspen, Gambel oak, Spruce-Fir, Douglas fir and Grass/forbs. Vegetation and reclamation at previous MDW sites is described in a document titled, "Mountain Coal Company, West Elk Mine 2004 Reclamation Photograph Project", and Mountain Coal Company's, "Annual Reclamation Report, November 1, 2004", completed by Michael Wazd Outdoors. Additional vegetation information is contained in the attached report entitled, "Box Canyon West Methane Drainage Wells, Wildlife Habitat Evaluations and Inventory for T&E, Sensitive and Management Indicator Species" prepazed by Michael Ward Outdoors and Monarch & Associates dated June 2005. SOILS Soils vary from silty and sandy loams mainly derived from the Wasatch Formation, to organic humus covering clay soils observed in the Aspen groves. A sandstone and conglomerate bedrock is present throughout most of the mesas and ridges as observed from the rock outcroppings. Experience at previous exploration, methane drainage well sites, and present methane drainage well locations, indicates that the size of drill pads will be approximately 150' x 150' (approximately one-half acre). Previously surveyed methane drainage drilling locations show a range in pad size from 0.45 acre to nearly one acre. Topsoil salvaged at other nearby sites for reclamation purposes indicates that revegetation is not a problem in this area. The revegetation of previous drill pad sites and roads in adjacent exploration azeas has been very successful. To protect the resource, stored topsoil will be placed in a separate pile; the pile will be located outside of drainages and placed in an area where it will be protected from wind erosion; signs identifying the pile as "Topsoil" will be placed so as to prevent unintended contamination, compaction or use for other than reclamation purposes; alternate sediment controls (silt fence, straw wattles, or slash) will be used; and the pile will be seeded in the first seeding season following its construction using a seed mix that will stabilize erosion. WILDLIFE Vegetation communities in the project area include: Mountain shrub (dominated by Gambel oak), Aspen, Gambel oak, Spruce-Fir, Douglas fir and Grass/forbs. Wildlife species associated with these habitat Types are commonly found throughout this portion of the North Fork Basin. The project area is an important range for deer, elk, and beaz. Other animals in the project area include coyote, rabbit, porcupine, beaver, squirrel, mice and other rodents.