GENERAL41265 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-36- Given the above considerations, the Division finds that the plan meets the requirements of Rule 4.15.2 regarding the use of introduced species. The revegetation plan should allow for the establishment of a diverse, effective and permanent vegetative cover. Specific aspects of the revegetation plan include use of oats or milo to stabilize areas topsoiled in spring and early summer. Permanent seeding will be done in fall, after mid-September. When a cover crop is used, the permanent mix will be directly interseeded. Areas topsoiled in late summer or early fall will not be seeded with a cover crop. These areas will be mulched following seeding with a hay or straw mulch at the rate of 1.5 tons per acre or a wood cellulose mulch at the rate of 1 ton per acre. The application states that soil samples will be sent to the C.S.U. Soils Testing Lab in Fort Collins for analysis. Fertilization rates will be based on the results of these tests. Since reclamation and testing is an ongoing process at Grassy Gap, the fertilization rates should be included in the application at this time. The following stipulation is necessary: Stipulation No. 6: WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF PERMIT ISSUANCE, THE PERMITTEE MUST SUBMIT RESULTS OF THE C.S.U. FERTILITY ANALYSES AND A PROPOSED FERTILIZATION PLAN (RATE AND TIMING OF APPLICATION). Sheep are commonly grazed on the permit area during the summer, and the applicant has specified that grazing within the permit area will be controlled by providing specific instruction to the sheep herders regarding areas which are off limits to grazing. At the present time, vegetation is adequately established on portions of Pit 1, and most of Pit 2 and could support light grazing. It is anticipated that in the next 2 to 3 years, vegetation on Pits 3, 5 and 6, as well as Pits 1 and 2 will be sufficiently well established to allow grazing, but .decisions regarding~razina Wsii ha~a +~ he made ~~ a season-b -season basis. Prior to initiation of grazin on reclaimed areas, the permittee will submi a grazing ~lan_an o gin approval from the ivision Revegetation success determinations will be limited to herbaceous production and cover, and species diversity. Cover and production will be based on direct comparison to sagebrush reference area No. 17 during the last two years of the bond liability period. The species diversity standard, based on pre-mine species composition data is as follows: A revegetated area will be considered to have acceptable species diversity if cover data demonstrate the presence of at least 4 perennial grasses and one perennial forb with relative importance of at least 3 percent, with all of these species combined not exceeding 75 percent relative importance nor any one species exceeding 40 percent relative importance.