REV96248 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Mark Heffner - 5 - June 5, 1989 Item 14: No additional response is necessary; however, as some of the proposed seeding rates are less than the US SCS Critical Area Planting Seed Rates, be prepared to discuss this at the Hearing. Water Items 1-5: Please address the outstanding concerns raised by MLRD Reclamation Specialist John Doerfer in his letter of May 25, 1989. Soils Item 1: No additional response is necessary. Thank you. Item 2: Replacement of one to eight feet of growth media is commendable. This is a good step toward meeting the requirements of Rule 6.4(6), which addresses the use of alternative growth media when existing topsoil is of insufficient quantity or poor quality for revegetation. I have just a few unresolved concerns. You state in your response that "just because four inches is the minimum (topsoil replacement depth), don't think that four inches is all that will be replaced. Some harsh sites will receive more, and sites where backfilll material is of a proper texture and...moisture condition may not receive any." To somewhat reiterate the concerns I raised under Item 1 of the Reclamation Plan, have any revegetation test plots been conducted in which topsoil was not replaced? If so, were any of these test plots south-facing? What are the revegetation results? These plots are important in the context of Rule 6.4(6), which states topsoil alternatives may be approved if they "can be shown to be more suitable for vegetation requirements." Please address. Vegetation Item 1: You stated in your response that Mountain Mahogany serves a dual importance at this site by providing for wildlife use and encouraging vegetation reestablishment. However, you state you do not wish to incorporate it in your revegetation seed mix because of its natural invasion ability and the possibility of adversely increasing species density above the level at which the environment could ably support it. After discussion with tdinerals Program Supervisor Bruce Humphries, we feel that replacement of one Mountain Mahogany seedling transplanted every 200 square feet would encourage shrub establishment without overpopulation. This would require approximately 1525 seedlings, an amount we feel necessary in light of the fact that losses will occur due to transplant shock and some grazing. This would not be economically unfeasible as the seedlings are available at a low cost from the Colorado State Forest Service, the same place where you will acquire the 200-400 tree seedlings. In addition, as you will be hand irrigating the trees, it would be easy to at the same time irrigate the shrubs. Please adjust your bond calculations accordingly. Item 2: No additional response is necessary. Thank you. Item 3: No additional response is necessary. Thank you.