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that the existing gob pile haul road drains northward into ditch D-F2, rather than southward onto topsoil stockpile "D". Please revise the appropriate figures to show revised sediment control for topsoil stockpiles "D" and "E". Ve eg tation 12. BRL identified two vegetation communities associated with the WRDA proposed disturbance - a mixed shrubland and a juniper woodland. Both community types were quantitatively sampled for cover and production. BRL has pre-established reference areas for both of these vegetation types that were also sampled in July 2003. Rule 4.15.7(3) requires the permittee to demonstrate statistically that each proposed reference area is comparable to its equivalent area to be disturbed in terms of vegetative cover and herbaceous productivity. BRL has not provided a statistical comparison. Based on the narrative on page 14, the mixed shrubland reference area is not representative of the area to be disturbed. The mixed shrubland in the WRDA has 38% plant cover. The WRDA disturbed area is described as a south facing slope in an area that has been heavily grazed in the past. The mixed shrubland reference area has 54% percent plant cover, 26% higher than the area to be disturbed. BRL has proposed reducing the reclamation standard for the WRDA by 50%. As stated above, Rule 4.15.7(3) requires the permittee to demonstrate statistically that each proposed reference area is comparable to its equivalent area to be disturbed. The Division does not agree with a fifty percent reduction for the standard. There are some alternatives BRL may want to consider. First, BRL can commit to the higher mixed shrubland reference area standard. Second, BRL has hvo methods by which reference areas may be utilized as described in Rule 4.15.7(4). BRL may want to evaluate using a weighted acreage comparison. Rule 4.15.7(4)(6) states that, "a single comparison would be made between all reference areas and the entire revegetated area and would be based on the relative area occupied by each plant community in the premising surface ". If this method is selected the disturbed area acreage by community type would need to be detailed. Lastly, BRL could select another well-managed mixed shrubland reference area with a southern exposure at a lower elevation. Response accepted. In the submittal dated February 11, 2004, pages 14 and 15 of the baseline vegetation report were revised to use the weighted average compazison. 13. Woody plant density standards have been proposed but concurrence by the Colorado Division of Wildlife is necessary before it can be considered final. Stipulation number 14 remains outstanding. BOWIE RESOURCES MUST SUBMIT VERIFICATION TO THE DIVISIONTHAT THE COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONCURS WITH THE PROPOSED PLAN CONCERNING THE WOODY PLANT STEM DENSll'Y STANDARD FOR THOSE AREAS TO BE RECLAIMED.4T THE BOWIE NO. 2 MINE. What progress has BRL made in addressing this stipulation? BRL submitted a letter frcm the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) dated May 15, 2002. The DOW does not recommend that the woody plant density standazd be reduced to zero. The first paragraph of the letter states: "..the shrub component ir: this area is a very important part of the 4