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Johnston <br />July 19, 1994 <br />-3- <br />An Evaluation of the two maps against a recent aerial photo <br />will give an indication of which boundaries are correct. In <br />each case where the boundaries on the Envirocon Map differ <br />from the boundaries on Map 57 an explanation should be <br />provided to clarify which map is correct. When the disturbed <br />area boundaries and topsoiling locations are correctly <br />identified, a final accurate map should be submitted for <br />incorporation into the permit to replace Map 57 (assuming Map <br />57 is not accurate at this time). Map 56 will also need to be <br />verified and modified if necessary. <br />Once the correct disturbed area acreage has been verified, the <br />topsoil balance will need to be revised accordingly. <br />6. In my January 19, 1994 memo to you, I suggested that MCC add <br />a couple of non-wheat grass, highly palatable (to wildlife) <br />grass species to those designated as "always included" in the <br />revegetation seed mix. These species are added to enhance <br />species diversity and wildlife habitat on their future <br />reclaimed areas. MCC responded that mountain brome and <br />Kentucky bluegrass are always going to be included in the seed <br />mix. <br />According to page 2.05-46 of MCC's permit, Kentucky bluegrass <br />is not designated to be always included in the seed mix, <br />please have them revise the list accordingly and indicate one <br />other species to always be included. <br />MCC's list of potential seed mix species is good. My intent <br />was to ensure that the grass species added to the mix, in <br />addition to the "always included" species, are not <br />wheatgrasses, and that the "additional forbs" are highly <br />palatable to wildlife. <br />7. MCC is very optimistic about the success of their shrub <br />plantings. History shows that in general there is a <br />significant mortality of planted seedlings. Encroachment of <br />undisturbed area shrubs into the reclaimed areas has proven to <br />be minimal. <br />I highly recommend that MCC plant extra seedlings (>1,000) in <br />anticipation of a high shrub mortality. Planting 90~ of their <br />success requirement and expecting mother nature to fill in the <br />rest is not prudent. <br />Considering the limited size of West Elk Mine's disturbed <br />area, I am comfortable with the approved woody stem density <br />standard of 1,000 stems per acre within clumps spread over 30 <br />of the disturbed acres. <br />