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.::~- The revegetation plan is presented in Volume 4'II, Tab 13. Six seed mixes composed of perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs are proposed, each developed for site- specific conditions. Shrub seedlings will be planted in "islands" throughout the reclaimed area to increase habitat diversity. Aspen stands will be reestablished in the northern permit area. Two reference areas have been established to measure revegetation success: One in the mixed brush type/aspen subtype, and one in the upland sagebrush. Peabody has committed to submit to the Division an annual planning map for the reclamation to be done for a particular year showing the approximate location of the shrub and aspen plantings. The baseline cover data was collected using Daubenmire cover classes during the surmner of 1979. This method is no longer acceptable by the regulatory authorities, however, correspondence in the files (July 28, 1980) indicates that the MLRD and OSM approved the use of this technique provided that cover data for all future vegetation studies will be in the farm of actual percent instead of quadrat cover classes. The operator has complied with this stipulation in developing procedures for revegetation success. Poor range management in the past resulted in very dense shrub communities which limits the grazing use by domestic livestock and wildlife. The operator is there- fore proposing to reduce the shrub densities in the post-mining area and switch to an herbaceous dominated community. An adequate demonstration has been presented on pp. 13-2 - 13-5, for the Division to approve this change. Rangeland grazing and wildlife habitat, will be enhanced due to an increase in carrying capacity. The Division, in conjunction with several interested professionals, is working on the establishment of an appropriate shrub density standard. However, further research is necessary to determine what the reestablished shrub density should be. Therefore, the following stipulation will be attached to this permit: AN ACCEPTABLE SHRUB DENSITY SUCCESS STANDARD MUST BE ESTABLISHED AND INCOR- PORATED INTO THE APPLICATION BY DECEMBER 31, 1981. The operator has proposed several site adapted perennial seed mixes which are to be supplemented with available forb and shrub seeds. In order for the Division to adequately evaluate the seed mixtures, it is requested that the Seneca II seed mixture be sent to the Division annually for approval before the purchase of each year's seeds. This approach will allow the Division to review what forb and shrub seeds will be planted and also changes in planting that may result from the trials at Seneca II. In addition, several introduced species have been proposed in the seed mixes. The proposed introduced species are compatible with the plant and animal species of the region, and may be necessary for the approved post-mining land use. They will be allowed only when native varieties are unavailable. The introduced species will be approved on a case-by-case basis when the yearly seed mix is submitted. The following stipulation is necessary: A LIST OF PROPOSED SEED MIXTURES MUST BE SUDMZTTED ANNUALLY TO TfIE DIVISION FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL. THE LIST SHOULD INCLUDF. PURE LIVE SEED (PLS) PER SQUARE FOOT, POUNDS FLS PER ACRE, SPECIES ORIGIN, AND ACRE ESTIMATES TO BE SEEDED FOR EACH MIX.