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Vegetation <br />Page 2.04-43 states that woody plant density will be sampled in the Refuse Disposal Aarea. <br />No density sampling has occurred in this area as of this writing. However, density sampling <br />will be conducted in this area during the 1994 season. <br />In regard to the comment concerning the need to reduce the amount of seed in the seed mix <br />and to provide special grass mixes for the three different vegetation types being disturbed: <br />The seed mix was based on a mix which had performed well when used on the side slopes <br />of the Purgatoire River diversion and is expected to work well in this application. The seed <br />mixture will be modified for use in different areas, depending upon the post mining land use, <br />by additions of shrub and tree plantings. With the inclusion of Kentucky bluegrass, Poa <br />pratensis, we feel that the grass components are diverse enough to fit in with the riparian and <br />upland sites, and that with the addition of the shrub and tree plantings, the planting plan is <br />adequate. Poa pratensis has been added to the seed mixture. We believe the comment on <br />the amount of seed was addressed prior to this writing. The amount of seed, currently at <br />10.64 pounds pure live seed per acre does not appear to be unreasonable far reclamation. <br />The diversity standard has been re-worded at page 2.05-47(a) in the text to read: Species <br />diversity will be deemed adequate when the reclaimed lands consist of a minimum of 2 cool <br />season grasses, 2 warm season grasses, and 1 forb. These species shall each comprise 5 <br />percent relative cover, and shall consist of perennial non-noxious species. <br />Table 26, page 2.05-48 states that "On-site stock will be used" for transplants. This reference <br />has been changed in the text. The transplant material will be acquired from two sources. <br />Willows will be cut on site in the spring and planted in the riparian zones. Other woody <br />plants will be planted as bare root stock obtained through the Las Animas County Soil <br />Conservation Service and the State Forester. The plant material will be special ordered as <br />needed and planted directly upon receipt at the mine. The cost of the plant material is <br />estimated to be approximately $65,500. The surety bond will be raised by this amount, <br />following acceptance of this revision. <br />The success standards shown on page 2.05-47 have been modified to meet the state's current <br />standards. <br />The West Portal area disturbances predate 1977 and were, therefore, considered "pre-law" <br />areas. However, some of these areas have now been disturbed. Page 2.05-51 has been <br />revised to indicate a new strategy for this area. <br />The methodology for sampling for revegetation success has been revised at pages 2.05-51 <br />through 54. <br />