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:~, . _2P_ The Division requested that Kerr Coal propose a reclamation success standard with respect to species diversity (4.15.8(5)). Subsequent to permit issuance, the Division and. the permittee reached agreement on a species diversity standard based on species composition. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XII. Fish and Wildlife Rules 2.04.11, 2.05.6(2), 4.18 The following concerns were identified in the original Kerr permit application. With the specified stipulation, the operation is in compliance. The sage grouse which inhabit the northeast quarter of North Park have been of considerable concern to MLRD, the Division of Wildlife, and the various mining operations in North Park. Voluminous comment has been made by all parties concerned for over a year's time. After reading literature provided and contacting various individuals the Division has found Kerr Coal's plan for mitigation of impacts on sage grouse to be acceptable with the following stipulation: With respect to Kerr Coal's plan for mitigation of possible impacts on sage grouse, precise locations for fertilizer application gust be submitted each year to the Mined Land Reclamation Division for approval, at lease 30 days prior to the scheduled fertilization date. Such approval shall be based on a comparison (to be provided by Kerr Coal) at areas to be fertilized with areas to be disturbed, relative to sage grouse habitat types as shown on Map 23. A discussion of these areas with respect to sage grouse use and accessibility to the birds must also be provided. Subsequent to permit issuance, the permittee requested relief from the obligations of this stipulation, and after further analysis by the Division, this stipulation was deleted. In Kerr's agreement with the BLM, provision was requested for the replacement of antelope fence at the termination of mining activities. Kerr has agreed to this and has incorporated the appropriate wording into their permit document (December 4, 1980). On the basis of available information, this Division finds that the proposed operation will not affect the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitats (2.07.6(2)(n)). The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XIII. Prime Farmland Rules 2.04.12, 2.06.6, 4.25 Pursuant to Rule 2.07.6(2)(k) the Division has made a negative determination for the presence of prime farmlands within the proposed permit area. The decision was based on the evidence provided by the Soil Conservation Service that there are no prime farmland mapping units within the proposed permit area. The operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section.