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MINING PLAN <br />Riparian Forest and Isolated Tree Setbacks: <br />REQUIREMENT: No mining will occur within 100 feet of living cottonwood stands or <br />single, living isolated cottonwood trees. If the trees occur within the flow channel of Coal Creek (very <br />rare) then the Stream Channel Setback will apply. When the trees occur outside the flow channel <br />(more normal) then this setback determines the limit of mining adjacent to forest and stream. <br />Discussion: In the past a requirement of not mining within the drip line of the trees was <br />stated in the plans. In recent years, it has been determined that with many trees, including <br />cottonwoods with their shallow, spreading root systems, mining up to the drip line produces <br />considerable stress on the tree. Although support roots and some feeder roots occur within the drip <br />line, a vast majority of the feeder roots (the most important) extend a considerable distance beyond <br />the drip line. <br />Because protection and even restoration of the riparian forest is a primary goal of the overall <br />plan for this land under the Stewardship Trust, avoiding impact on the tree communities is important. <br />It is the desire of the Colorado Board of Land Commissioners to do whatever can be done to protect <br />this riparian forest resource. Therefore, it was agreed that sand mining should stay well away from the <br />trees. <br />EXCEPTIONS: <br />1. Isolated trees: Trees identified in the "pre-mine planning" (described later) as being <br />alive and are separated from other trees by a considerable distance at that time and which <br />subsequently die will not count in determining the setback. This only applies to isolated trees; not to <br />stands or groves of riparian forest. An isolated tree may also include a few trees growing in an <br />unusually tight little cluster. Such trees are often a single plant with multiple trunks separated by only <br />a few feet. These are sometimes called cluster trees. The cluster trees usually originate from a tree that <br />washed down the stream, became partially buried and sprouted from several nodes. These trees <br />sometimes share a common root system and are often actually single trees rather than a small grove. <br />Therefore, cluster trees are considered isolated trees if they are not a part of a larger stand of trees. <br />2. Trees to be Lost by Other Causes: Trees located where destruction of those trees will <br />occur anyway (e.g. construction of a reservoir in a valley where cottonwood trees occur within the <br />reservoir site) need not be protected. If, at the time mining is to occur it has not been determined that <br />dam construction that would destroy the trees will occur, the normal setback requirements will apply. <br />If, at a later time, it is determined that the trees can be destroyed, the operator will have the <br />opportunity to return to the site, remove the trees and mine the sand. <br />Coal Creek Sand Resource Amendment 3 (2005) - M-1988-044 Exhibit D Page 17 <br />