2004-07-27_REVISION - M1981044 (2)

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slope to a minimum depth of 6-inches. If more soil is available and is not needed for the reclamation of the old mined areas, then a greater depth can be placed on the slopes. The soil has a good fertility for the species selected for the revegetation program. Therefore no fertilizers should be needed. Because weeds can be a problem on disturbed land in this area the use of fertilizer could act to enhance weed growth. If fertilizer is needed as evidenced by nutritional deficiencies in the vegetation, then fertilizer will be applied in the fall of the year rather than the spring. This will help to boost root growth of the desired species with little enhancement of weeds. Topsoil replacement will occur just prior to seeding. Because seeding in this area can occur in the spring or fall, soil replacement will occur in either of those seasons. If no areas are ready for revegetation then the soil will remain in stockpiles. Stockpile protection is not necessary if the stockpile is there for a short period of time. However, on this operation most stockpiles will be in place for a period of at least two years. Therefore, the stockpiles that will be in place for more than one growing season will be protected by planting with a fast growing grass mixture discussed more fully in the next section. Reve~etation: Revegetation of this site is considered to have an average feasibility potential under average weather conditions. In wet years the potential increases. This is due to a combination of slope gradients, slope aspect, and the nature of the growth medium. In above average moisture years the sandy soils are not as limiting as they are in average or below average years. Planting will occur in either spring or fall of the year. If it occurs in the spring the planting dates can be as early as February but should not be later than April 15. Planting after April 15 may result in a reduced success rate and secondary seeding maybe required. If planting occurs in the fall it should be accomplished between October 1 and December 1. Seeding can occur between December 1 and February but is not recommended particularly on south facing slopes. The seed mixture will be applied by either broadcast or drilling methods. The method used will beat the discretion of the permittee. The following seed mixture is designed for broadcasting. If the seed is to be drilled then the quantity of seed shown should be divided by two.