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• requlrements were similar to the 1969 law with the seed mixture <br />chosen using the advice of qualified experts. No grazing was <br />permitted until the vegetation was firmly established as <br />determined by the board, landowner, and the SCS. If the land <br />could not be successfully reclaimed within 10 years because of <br />acid or toxic material or because of the texture of the material, <br />an equivalent number of acres of previously mined and unreclalmed <br />land could be reclaimed in Its place to satisfy the surety <br />requirements. The area to be traded must be shown on a map. <br />(Reclamation Board Rules Effective February 25, 1976) <br />These rules again expanded the detail needed in a permit <br />application concerning the methods of reclamation and type of <br />reclamation that was proposed to be achieved. Grading was to be <br />appropriate to the post-mining land use and must be a physically <br />attractive surrounding and must control erosion. Revegetatlon <br />must "establish a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative <br />cover native to the area of land that was affected and must be <br />capable of self-regeneration and plant succession". Bond release <br />requires the board to affirmatively find that reclamation was <br />successful and complete. This judgement to be based on completion <br />of the applications plan, compliance with the rules, and the lands <br />capability to sustain the planned land use. The board may require <br />• grazing to gauge tolerance to pressure and may release the bond in <br />whole or in part. <br />Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act <br />(Rules Effective July 1, 1976) <br />These rules again expanded the requlrements for reclamation <br />becoming more detailed but not as stringent as the present laws. <br />Grading must be appropriate to the post-mining land use with <br />slopes restored to the satisfaction of the board and shall not be <br />too steep to be traversed by livestock. The post-mining <br />topography was to be shown as part of the application. Topsoil <br />was to be salvaged and replaced, and revegetation must "establish <br />a diverse, effective, and long lasting vegetative cover that is <br />capable of self-regeneration and at least equal in extent of cover <br />to the natural vegetation of the surrounding area". Seed mixtures <br />were again to be chosen using expert advice and experience from <br />past success. If the area could not be successfully reclaimed <br />because of acid or toxic material or unsuitable texture within 10 <br />years, the operator could reclaim an equal number of previously <br />mined and unreclalmed acres to satisfy the surety requlrements. <br />The area could only be considered unreclaimable if the unsuitable <br />condition could not be remedied by chemical treatment, <br />fertilization, replacement of overburden, or like measures. Bond <br />could be released after filing a written Notice of Completion with <br />the board. <br />C_~ <br />