Laserfiche WebLink
submit a minor revision to the Division for species approval prior to seeding. The <br />complete seedmix used in each reclaimed area is also listed in the Annual Reclamation <br />Report. <br />Revegetation success criteria, monitoring plans and methods of comparison for testing <br />revegetation success are addressed in Tab 22. Cover and production success for the <br />major mine area vegetation communities will be based on weighted average reference <br />area comparisons as described on page 40 of Tab 22. The cover standard for mine area <br />reclamation and south extension area reclamation will be based on comparison of "ali- <br />bi[" reference area herbaceous cover, to "all-hit" reclaimed area total vegetation <br />cover. Justification and specific details of the approach are provided on pages 40 <br />through 43 of permit Tab 22. The applicable approaches were modified and <br />clarified in TR-50, approved December 2005. <br />Cover and production success for upland and lowland rangeland reclamation areas in the <br />tie-across haul road corridor will be based on direct comparison with the low sagebrush <br />and meadow reference areas, respectively. Grain production from reclaimed wheat <br />cropland in the tie-across haul road corridor will be compared to county average dryland <br />wheat yield. <br />Species diversity standards for the mine area, south extension area and tie-across haul <br />road rangeland reclamation were substantively revised and clarified in TR-50. The <br />basis and specifics of the diversity evaluation approach are described on pages 44 <br />through 47 of permit Tab 22. Success demonstration will require that reclaimed <br />areas meet one mandatory test (Test A - No single species > 60% relative cover), <br />and at least two of three alternative tests based on species density (Test B -Total <br />species density reference area comparison; Test C -Species abundance/life form <br />reference area similarity index comparison; and Test D -Cumulative number of <br />native species in reclaimed area density plots vs. average number of native species <br />in reference azea density plots). <br />The woody plant density standard was approved in TR-26, in response to Stipulation <br />No, 23 of the permit. The overall woody plant density for the reclaimed area was <br />initially set at 450 stems/acre. In all concentrated planted areas, as shown on Exhibits <br />22-1 and 22-1A, the woody plant density standard was set at 2,000 stems/acre. In the <br />mesic drainage areas along Dry Creek and at the permanent pond sites, at least 150 of <br />the 2,000 stems will be tree species. <br />Woody plant density standards were amended in PR-3 and TR-50. The amended <br />standards reflect increased focus on establishment of shrubs in concentrated <br />planting areas, and uncertainties regazding aspen reestablishment. The revised <br />overall woody plant density standard for the mine is 200 stems per acre, with a <br />standard of 2000 stems per acre within concentrated planting areas (not including <br />Seneca II-W Findings Document 57 June 12, 2006 <br />Permit Renewal No. 5 <br />