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reflects compositional differences between the two areas, or whether there may have been a significant die-off of grass plants due to drought, between the two sampling years, which accounts for the dramatically reduced grass production in the 2005 data. We recommend that the operator and Division undertake a joint, qualitative assessment of the two reference areas. Dryland pasture reclamation is generally directed toward the establishment of grass dominated stands. If there appears to be a qualitative difference with respect to perennial grass abundance, production, and cover between the two areas, reversion to use of the combined reference area may be warranted. New Horizon 2 Revegetation (Section 2.05.4(21(e)) 8. There is some confusion in the text of the Revegetation section and in the Postmine Vegetation/Land Use Map 2.05.4-5, with respect to designation/delineation of postmining land uses versus postmining vegetation types (including crop types and pasture types). Clarifications are requested, similar to the clarifications requested previously in this letter, with respect to premine land use versus vegetation type delineations. We note that more intensive management practices are specifically allowed under DMG regulations for lands designated as alfalfa hay or grass hay cropland, as compared to pastureland. Specifically, for these perennial cropland types, Rule 4.15.7(d) allows periodic stand renewal including major tillage and reseeding...when such practices are consistent with normal or prudent management in the region and could reasonably be expected to occur after final bond release. In accordance with Rule 1.04 land use definitions, the primary postmining land uses within the permit area would appear to be "Cropland", "Pastureland", and "Rangeland". Crop types within the Cropland Land Use areas would appear to include irrigated alfalfa hayland (Seedmix 7), irrigated grass hayland (Seedmix 5), and possibly some or all of the areas currently designated irrigated pasture-well drained (also Seedmix 5). The distinction between reclaimed areas currently identified as irrigated grass hayland and irrigated pasture is not clear. If there are specific reclamation plan distinctions or management practice differences between postmine Seedmix 5 areas designated irrigated grass hayland compared to areas designated irrigated pasture, these differences should be explained. Even if there are reclamation or management distinctions between the two types, if it is a reasonable expectation that the irrigated pasture fields would be regularly used for hay production following bond release, cropland would likely be the appropriate land use designation. Forage or pasture types within the Pastureland land use classification would appear to include irrigated pasture-poorly drained sites (Seedmix 6), and possibly some or all of the areas designated irrigated pasture-well drained (Seedmix 5). The remaining type within the Pastureland land use classification is dryland pasture (Seedmix 8). Please amend the "Postmining Land Use" narrative on pages 1 and 2, to be consistent with the land use designations of 1.04. Also, please amend Map 2.05.4-5 to eliminate ambiguities. The current map includes categories of dryland pasture, irrigated pasture, irrigated hayland, irrigated alfalfa hayland, and rangeland. These categories don't directly match up with postmining vegetation types and seedmixes listed later in the text. For example, the map type "irrigated hayland" apparently corresponds to the vegetation typelseedmix "irrigated grass hayland", but this should be clarified. Also, while rangeland types are depicted on the map, there is no rangeland seedmix listed, and Table 3 lists no rangeland postmine acreage. This should be explained, and the map amended if warranted. 4