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careful selections of reclamation seed mix which contains palatable species adapted to this type of site <br />should improve the availability of forage for both livestock and wildlife. <br />The proposed post-mining land use is compatible with adjacent land use. The surrounding area is <br />essentially of the same type and condition. <br />Description of [he Operations and Reclamation Plans <br />Surface mining operations started in 1976 and continued through 1985 when economic conditions <br />and expansion were no longer feasible. Final reclamation of the site started in 1990 and was <br />completed in 1991. In accordance with the landowner's request, the permittee returned the eastern <br />mesa top to a dryland pasture and the Barren Ridge area to rangeland. The approved seed mixes <br />contained a mix of species that is drought resistant and should establish aself-sustaining stand of <br />vegetation. The out slopes on the East Pit Area and all of the Barren Ridge Area were returned to <br />a rangeland land use during reclamation. Revegetation has reduced erosion and provides additional <br />forage for livestock and wildlife. The Federal Lease Area was reclaimed for wildlife use. The seed <br />mix for this area contains a diverse mixture of shrubs and fortis in addition to various grass species. <br />The landowner of the private surface area has requested that, after mining, certain structures remain; <br />specifically, the old and new shop, truck turnarounds, two trailers, and the road accessing the East <br />Pit Area and Stollsteimer Creek. All other structures were removed and the area returned to a stable, <br />productive state. <br />After the Division approved a Phase II bond release in July 1997, for the entire site, the operator <br />removed and reclaimed all ponds and associated drainage structures in accordance with the approved <br />plan. <br />