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about. The application of inorganic fertilizers in our previous two year test plot study produced nothing but negative results. In fact, the control plot did better than the fertilized plots. As far as testing other materials, there is no desire to make a commitment in the permit to do additional testing of other materials. We believe that past successes at this quarry speak for themselves and clearly indicate that excellent vegetation can be developed using the methods described in this application. O~ the other hand, Castle Concrete is always interested in finding new, economical ways to improve chat is already done. We "discovered" Biosol after receiving a brochure in the mail and reading the literature provided in that package. Without that sales literature we probably would have never came across it. So, yes, Castle Concrete is always looking for new ways to irtprove reclamation, but a commitment to doing extensive research in a multitude of techniques is not desired. It has been our policy to fully inform the Board of our results, both good and bad, through our annual reports and through special presentations to the Board as was done on October 23, 1987, at the invitation of Anne Baldrige. ITEM 6 _ Under revegetation on page 32, it is stated that "some alteration in the mixture and the time of seeding may be needed to ensure as much success." What seed mixture change would this involve? RESPONSE: Alterations in the mixture and time of seeding refers to minor changes in the blend. For example, if the planting in a particular year was to occur on drier sites it would 6e beneficial to reduce the Intermediate and Pubescent Wheatgrasses and increase the Western Wheatgrass and Blue Drama. Any changes in the species used would require notification of the Board, but Castle Concrete wishes to reserve the right to modify the balance of the blend to accommodate particular sites. Of course, the actual number of seeds placed per square foot would not change; just what composes all those seeds. Furthermore, sortie sites might be better suited to a spring planting while others might be better planted in the fall. Warm sites where germination in the winter would be possible would best be seeded in early spring. Cold sites where the danger of winter germination would be minimal could be seeded in the fall. Castle Concrete wishes to reserve the right to utilize its discretion as to when planting occurs without having to request approval of the Board. At times in the past, planting dates were missed as a result of delays in the consideration of a minor change in seed mixtures or seeding rates. We have therefore taken the approach of stating in the permit application that such changes will be made as needed in order to avoid the serious problems of missed seeding dates caused because the staff simply had more irtportant issues to consider and could not get to such a minor request immediately. ITEM 7 -_ The 1984 amendment included a letter from the Colorado Division of Wildlife requesting that Antelope Bitterbrush, Ladak Alfalfa, Mountain Mahogany, and Oak Brush be provided in the seed mixture for wildlife habitat improvement. Please incorporate these in your seed mix or discuss why they should not be. RE.SPOfVSE: The inclusion of Antelope Bitterbrush would be possible, except the species is difficult to establish and is considered to be an "ice cream plant". As a result of the intensive browsing it receives, new plantings, unless protected, have great difficulty becoming established. SNYOER NW AhETIDhIIdT ADE(aLIACY RESPONSES MAY 22, 1989 PA(~ 8