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- >.>. - lions. It was verified statistically that the McClane and Munger respective communities were not significantly different in terms of vegetative productiv- ity within the bounds of each vegetative community. Data from the McClane and Munger sites were combined (within communities and between sites), and it was determined that the combined .data met confidence level requirements. Due to the small area of disturbance at the McClane site, the CMLRD has deter- mined tfiat premine productivity and premine cover data may be applied as rec- lamation success criteria. It was also determined that the productivity data for the reference areas for the McClane Canyon vegetative communities did not meet sample adequacy requirements and required stipulation (see preferred alternative section). The applicant has not demonstrated that adequate woody plant density sampling has taken place at the McClane Canyon site and required stipulation (see pre- ferred alternative section.) The applicant has proposed a variance from baseline woody plant densities for the greasewood shrubland and the shadscale shrubland. but has not provided justification for the proposed stocking level, and is therefore stipulated (see preferred alternative section). The permittee has measured species diversity in terms of species richness and species equitability but has not proposed a means to evaluate revegetation success in terms of species diversity. Q CMLRD is concerned with the ability of Salt Creek Mining Company to reclaim the area given the low annual precipitation and subsequently stipulated it far the compliance. It has determined that no threatened or endangered species of plants exist at the McClane Canyon site, based on information supplied by the applicant. Fish and Wildlife CMLRD has consulted with Division of Wildlife personnel who are familiar with the area. Both agencies agree that there is little potential for adverse ef- fects of the mine on wildlife since nearly all of the arrticipated surface dis- turbance has occurred and a very limited area is affected. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided a concurrence that the wildlife portion of the ap- plication was sufficient (see second paragraph of USFW letter). Other sugges- tions made by them were considered by OSM and found not to be of sufficient concern to warrant stipulation since the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) feels there will be little potential for adverse impact on wildlife. DOW is the recognized authority for big game resources and is quite familiar with wildlife habitat in this area. Backfilling and Grading Because the mine is an underground mine, only a limited area of surface dis- h turbance will require backfilling and grading. All portals and the sediment pond will be backfilled. The coal seam will be completely covered with backfilled material. Drainage will be restored to ap- proximate pre-mining conditions. If underground development waste is generated during mining it will be retain- ed in the nine workings. „ I