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concentrated aspen planting sites). In concentrated aspen planting sites, the density standard will be based on future test plot results and planting strategies based on those results. Jn mesic drainage-wetter phase sites along Dry Creek, and at permanent pond planting sites, the 2000 stem per acre stem density standard will include at least 150 stems per acre as tree species. General location of planting areas is shown on Exhibit 22-1 (former Exhibits 22-1 and 22-1A were combined in PR-5). Various regevetation plan refinements resulted from approval of PR-3 in May 2003. The primary upland seedmix was amended to include mountain big sagebrush, the "shrub only" seedmix (Mix 6) was amended to include a native forb component, and intermediate wheatgrass, an aggressive sod-forming introduced grass was deleted from the stabilization seedmix. The procedures to be employed in the concentrated shrub establishment areas have been modified in several respects to enhance success, including use of elk fencing, use of initial supplemental irrigation, use of combined seedling transplanting and seeding with the native shrub/forb seedmix, and preparation of a very rough seedbed with track-hoe or dozer blade gouges. These modified practices will apply to areas topsoiled and revegetated during or subsequent to 2003. In addition, within PR-3, the operator committed to implement an aspen reestablishment field study that will evaluate the feasibility of aspen reestablishment on reclaimed areas, using sapling transplants obtained from aspen stands on the permit area. The study will include three rates of supplemental irrigation and two soil treatments, as well as a non- irrigated control. The detailed study design is presented in Tab 22, Appendix 22-3. Specific aspen reestablishment approaches to be employed on an operational basis in the future, as well as success standards for aspen will be based on information gained from the study. Certain design and scheduling changes associated with the aspen study were approved by TR-47 in February 2004. Under the revised schedule, planting of the selected aspen saplings was to occur in the fall of 2004. Within TR-47, the operator also committed to limited aspen sapling planting in locations other than the primary field study location. Planting will be in specified locations, using specific planting approaches. In addition, the revision included a commitment to establish aspen sapling "farms", small fenced areas where mature aspen would be mechanically treated to stimulate suckering of saplings for future reclamation use. The aspen study and other aspen plantings have been conducted to date (June 2006) in wnformance with the amended plan and schedule. The applicant has submitted adequate information regarding plant species of threatened or endangered status potentially occurring in the Seneca II-W Mine permit area. During on site inventories conducted in 1983, 1985, 1990 and 1997, no species of special concern were found. The Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were contacted during the PR-2, PR-3, PR-4, and PR-5 reviews, and they did not Seneca II-W Findings Document 58 June 12, 2006 Permit Renewal No. 5