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We would request that the amended map depict postmine vegetation types with applicable seedmix denoted. Postmine land use categories could be clarified by including a note on the margin of the map listing the vegetation typelseed mix parcels that comprise each land use type (Pastureland, Cropland, or Rangeland). Please ensure that text, tables, and the map are all consistent. 9. The second paragraph on page 2.05.4(2)(e)-9 appears to be an outdated relict, as it indicates that irrigated pasture may be irrigated, and indicates that irrigation design and application rates will be submitted to CDMG. However, the fourth paragraph on the same page clarifies that the revegetation methods and management for irrigated pasture and irrigated hayland will include irrigation, and further provides details of irrigation design and application rates, along with discussion of other management practices. Please delete or amend the second paragraph on page 9, as appropriate. 10. The Seedmix #8 (Dryland Pasture) mix on page 2.05.4(2)(e)-10 contains an error; the individual components total a seeding rate of 4.8 pounds per acre, not 5.7 pounds per acre as indicated. Please amend the seedmix as appropriate. If the same species are used, we would recommend crested wheatgrass at 0.8 pounds per acre, pubescent wheatgrass at 2.3 pounds per acre, Russian wildrye at 1.3 pounds per acre, RS wheatgrass at 0.8 pounds per acre, and alfalfa at 0.5 pounds per acre (totaling 5.7 pounds per acre, PLS). RS wheatgrass is a relatively recently developed artificial hybrid of quackgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. It is seldom used on reclaimed coal lands, and we are not familiar with its performance on dryland sites similar to those at New Horizon. We recommend that NRCS be contacted regarding their knowledge and experience with the hybrid, in dryland pasture mixed plantings in the region. If the decision is made to drop RS wheatgrass from the mix, rates could be adjusted to 1.0 for crested wheatgrass, 2.7 for pubescent wheatgrass, 1.5 for Russian wildrye, and 0.5 for alfalfa (totaling 5.7 pounds per acre, PLS). 11. On page 2.05.4(2)(e)-11, the plan for dryland pasture reclamation indicates that such areas "will initially be irrigated by water cannon for the first 3 years to ensure successful establishment". Irrigation rate and timing of irrigation applications are not specified, but apparently irrigation practices are similar to those used for irrigated pasture. Based on results observed at the NH-1 Rice Tract, we question whether the three year irrigation period, with relatively high application rates utilized each year, is beneficial to the long term growth and survival of the seeded species. Relatively heavy irrigation rates for two or three years may favor certain species at the expense of other species in the mix, and without some moisture stress during the early establishment years, the stand that does become established may not be well adapted to dry periods in the early years following termination of irrigation. In our limited experience with use of irrigation for establishment on reclaimed lands in Colorado, irrigation has been applied only during the initial year of establishment, and at rates intended to supplement natural precipitation. However this was on deep aeolian sand derived soils in eastern Colorado (Keenesburg), and the growing conditions and climate differed considerably from those in the Nucla area. At the San Juan Mine near Farmington, New Mexico, conditions may be somewhat more comparable to those at New Horizon. At San Juan Mine, a two year irrigation approach is used, with high application rates the first year for germination and seedling establishment, and lowered rates the second growing season, adjusted monthly as necessary to simulate an above normal rainfall month. Irrigation is terminated after the second growing season. Average annual precipitation at San Juan is 8.26 inches, so it is somewhat dryer than New Horizon, but the theory and basic approach may be applicable. We have enclosed correspondence with David Clark of the New Mexico Coal Program, which includes excerpts from the San Juan irrigation plan.