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4. The Division requests that Colowyo also include a control plot(s) on topsoil <br />without overburden to assess the overall success of the test plots. The control plot(s) <br />should be seeded with the identical seed mix, use the same seeding method, fencing <br />(or half fencing) and any other treatments and techniques used on the test plots. <br />The control plot(s) should have the same exposure and elevation as the test plots. <br />Please update the permit text to include a reference to the control plot(s). <br />Response: Colowyo will use the standard approved reclamation mix to seed these plots. <br />The control for this test will be the surrounding reclamation area, which will <br />provide essentially a side by side comparison. Colowyo has no intentions of <br />fencing off each successive year's reclamation acreage individually at this <br />time. Numerous enclosures including the CSU shrub plot areas demonstrate <br />the effects of fencing and Colowyo does not see a necessity to facilitate <br />another control area when there is already adequate data of shrub <br />establishment in other areas of the reclamation. Colowyo would like to limit <br />this test reclamation procedure to the two, two acres plots with buried topsoil <br />only. <br />5. Colowyo has committed to monitor the test plots (and control plot(s)) for a period <br />of at least five years. The Division requests that Colowyo include the test plot data in <br />the Annual Reclamation Report. Please include this commitment in the permit text <br />on page 4.15-9. <br />Response; Colowyo will include the test plot data into the Annual Reclamation Report <br />as requested. Colowyo plans to leave the test plots in place for a term greater <br />than five years, permanently if they are successful. Additionally, a <br />commitment to include this data in the Annual Reclamation Report has been <br />included on page 4.15-9 in the permit text. <br />