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X1. Revegetation <br /> Information regarding the vegetation in the West Elk Mine permit area is found in <br /> Section 2.04.10, 2.05.4, Exhibit 31, 32, 33, Map 42, 43, and 44 of the permit <br /> application. No threatened and/or endangered plant species were found anywhere <br /> within the permit area. However, the Grand Mesa penstemon (Penstemon <br /> mensarum), which is a candidate plant species has been located in abundance on and <br /> adjacent to MCC's permit area. MCC has recommended that the species be <br /> reclassified. Currently, no operations threaten the plants. <br /> Success of revegetation efforts will be based on reference areas established in July <br /> 1980 and enlarged in 1981. Reference areas were established for muted shrub and <br /> dry meadow communities and are shown on Map 44. Shrubs will be re-established <br /> to a minimum standard of 1,000 stems per acre. This criterion was established by <br /> the Colorado Division. of Wildlife. For specific information regarding this criterion, <br /> see Exhibit 62 in the permit application. <br /> The proposed post-mining land use is rangeland and wildlife habitat. Tables 48 and <br /> 49 of the permit document list the seeds and shrubs to be planted to establish this <br /> land use. The West Elk Mine also will reclaim 1.3 acres within the riparian buffer <br /> zone. The riparian seed and shrub mix is listed on page 2.05.53 of the permit <br /> application. The mine; based their selection of plant species on species listed in the <br /> baseline biological survey, species geographical range, soils, climate, slope and <br /> aspect, root competition, cover and seasonal variation. Seed mixes are also based on <br /> experience gained on West Elk Mine revegetation plots, and quantitative data <br /> collected in 1980 describing the present vegetative cover, and in terms of wildlife <br /> requirements suggested in literature. The Division approves the use of these species <br /> based on the post-mining land use. <br /> Once the topsoil has been distributed and graded, the surface is prepared for <br /> planting. Surface preparation loosens and roughens the surface by disking, <br /> harrowing, or dragging which increases infiltration and reduces surface runoff. <br /> Seeding and planting are conducted parallel to the contour unless such activities <br /> prove hazardous to equipment and/or operators. Various conditioners and <br /> neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed conditions. Seeding and shrub <br /> planting will be done (luring the spring (March 15 through June 15) or fall <br /> (September 15 through November 15). <br /> The grasses and forbs are seeded primarily by drill seeding. Broadcast of seed is <br /> utilized on small areas with hydroseeding used on areas with slopes steeper than 3:1. <br /> Shrubs are planted in conjunction with seeding operations. The shrubs will be <br /> planted, after the affected acreage has been seeded, in clusters approximately 0.5 to <br /> 2 acres in size and will cover 30 acres of the total 110 affected acres. <br /> Newly planted areas will be mulched with hay or straw. Crimping or tracking will <br /> be used to stabilize the: hay or straw mulch. Straw mulch or an equivalent cover of <br /> hydromulch, wood chips, jute-netting, excelsior mat, etc. will be applied. After <br /> seeding, revegetated areas are protected from livestock grazing until areas are judged <br /> 44 <br />