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are characterized by a more mesic moisture regime and more fertile soils. The remaining mountain shrub can be subdivided into two distinguishable components; communities dominated by chokecherry, and communities dominated by serviceberry. serviceberry communities are found dominating steep south facing slopes in the southern portion of the mine permit area. These areas are characterized by a relatively xeric moisture regime and poorly developed soils receiving large amounts of high intensity solar radiation. Chokecherry communities are found on the gently sloped hill tops in the area. These communities intergrade with the aspen, sage, and oak communities. Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plans A more detailed description of the mining operations can be found in the January 23, 1987 Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance for the Permit Renewal No. 1. All mining and reclamation operations have ceased at the mine site. Mining operations had begun in 1978 and ceased in 1986 when market conditions prompted a shutdown. Five seams were mined using an area strip mine method. On average, 500,000 tons of coal were mined each year, from 1979 through 1986. Coal was hauled to the Hayden Gulch loadout, which was eventually sold in June of 1993. No coal processing took place. Only the .A horizon of topsoil was salvaged due to the sufficient availability of the topsoil. Sedimentation control during mining consisted of pond HG-8, on the east side of the mine site, and three ponds, the shop area pond, the explosives area pond, and the landfill area pond, on the west side of the mine site. The explosives area pond and the landfill area pond have since been removed, after a demonstration that the disturbed areas draining to these two ponds can meet effluent standards without treatment. The shop area pond and the HG-8 pond are to be permanent ponds. Several diversion and collection ditches are located at the mine site. Ditches 1 and 3, and the west collection ditch have riprapped portions. Ditches 1, 2 and 3 are permanent ditches. Reclamation operations immediately followed mining cessation,- with the mine pit completely backfilled and graded, topsoiled and seeded by the end of 1986. Office/shop/warehouse facilities were reclaimed in the Fall of 1987. A total of 362 acres were disturbed and reclaimed at the mine site. Topsoil replacement depths averaged 21 inches. Three different seed mixtures were employed for revegetation. Pages 2.05-8, 2.05-9 and 2.05-10 of the consolidation volume from TR-63 list the seed mixes. Through Technical Revision No. 62, the Division granted approval for the establishment of three shrub augmentation areas, in order to supplement the woody species on the mine site. 5