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National King Coal's proposed success standards are: <br />1. 1.9.15.8(3) Cover - The standard for herbaceous cover is 300, to be measured <br />by methods acceptable to the Division; <br />2. 2.9.I5.8(4) Productivity - The standard for herbaceous productivity is <br />500 pounds/acre of dry biomass; <br />3. 4.15.8(5) Species Diversity - The seed mix recommended by the Division <br />contains a combination of 3 cool season grasses, 4 warm season grasses, 3 forbs <br />and 3 shrubs. Natural invasion from the surrounding communities is expected. <br />To ensure achievement of species diversity, the following combination of <br />species and diversity standards will be used by National Xing Coal: <br />No one species will comprise greater than 20~ of the total relative <br />vegetative cover. A minimum of 4 graminoid species, comprising 2 cool season <br />grasses and 2 warm season grasses must be established. Each of the four graminoid <br />components in this evaluation must comprise a minimum of 3q of the total relative <br />vegetative cover. A minimum of 3 forb species, each one comprising at least l~ <br />of the total relative vegetative cover must be established. A minimum of 2 <br />shrub species comprising at least Io each of the total relative vegetative <br />cover must be established. <br />4. 4.15.8(7) Shrub Density - The naturally occurring shrub density in the <br />area is approximately 9800 stems/acre. The Division has determined that this <br />density is undesirable for the post-mining land use of livestock grazing and <br />wildlife habitat. Since the mine site is surrounded by dense shrub communities <br />which will provide sufficient cover and edge effect for wildlife, a reduced <br />shrub density will enhance the wildlife habitat by providing additional herbaceous <br />forage with preferred browse species. Therefore, National King Coal will <br />establish a minimum of 600 stems/acre to meet the needs of the approved post- <br />mining land use. <br />The proposed operation is in compliance. <br />XIII. Fish and wildlife (2.04.11, 2.05.6(2), 4.18) <br />National zing Coal contacted the local office of the Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife requesting their assistance in assessing any potential impacts the <br />mining operation may have on wildlife. A copy of the Division of Wildli fe's <br />response is found in Sections 2.04.11 and 2.05.6, page 2 of the permit applica- <br />tion. <br />The general area of the mine site is considered critical deer winter range. <br />However, it is the Division of wildlife's opinion that, because of the long history <br />of mining in the area, many of the impacts to wildlife have already occurred. <br />Since no additional surface disturbance is anticipated, no additional impacts <br />should occur. Reclamation of the site will enhance wildlife habitat in the <br />area. <br />