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sampled using a point intercept method. Woody plant density will be sampled using <br /> a modified belt transect. Herbaceous productivity will be measured using 0.25 in <br /> quadrats. (Permit pg. V-65-66) <br /> D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br /> success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on <br /> reference area comparisons for cover and production, and comparison to technical <br /> standards, for woody plant density and species diversity. Three reference areas; <br /> 0110, 0140, and 0150 will be utilized for revegetation success comparisons. <br /> Success criteria are summarized in Table V-15, permit page V-64. For "large <br /> permanent areas", the species diversity standard requires the establishment of at <br /> least two perennial grasses with relative cover of at least 3%; perennial forbs with <br /> cumulative relative cover of at least 3%; and specified relative cover restrictions for <br /> non-native species. Woody plant density standard is 500 stems per acre for large <br /> permanent sites, and 200 stems per acre for "small and linear features". No woody <br /> plant density standard is specified for "degas and exploration pads and roads". <br /> The Division approves the basis for these comparisons. <br /> E. The Division approves of the reference areas which the applicant has selected based <br /> on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br /> F. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br /> which the Division finds acceptable 4.15.7(4)). The operator proposes to use <br /> weighted average comparison of 4.15.7(4)(b) for the "D" Portal disturbance area, <br /> and individual reference area comparison of 4.15.7(4)(a), for other disturbed areas. <br /> VII. Protection of Fish and Wildlife and Related Environmental Concerns- Rule 4.18 <br /> Fish and Wildlife Resources Information is presented in Section II.G and II.H, Volume <br /> 3, of the application. The Fish and Wildlife Plan is included within Section IV.M, of <br /> Volume 4. Wildlife resources information is summarized in "Description of the <br /> Environment", in the Summary section of this document. Specific findings regarding <br /> threatened and endangered species are included in Section A, of this findings document. <br /> Various sections of the operations and reclamation plan within sections III, IV, and V of <br /> the permit application, in addition to the Fish and Wildlife Plan, address the wildlife <br /> protection requirements of Rule 4.18. The operator has committed within Section II.D <br /> to the use of raptor- proof power poles within the permit area, to minimize the <br /> electrocution hazard to raptors, pursuant to Rule 4.18(5)(4). The barrier to wildlife <br /> movement presented by the overland coal conveyor was successfully addressed by the <br /> provision for overpasses and underpasses at frequent intervals along the conveyor. A <br /> speed limit of 30 mph is posted and enforced for haul and access roads to minimize the <br /> potential for mule deer or pronghorn road-kills (pursuant to 4.18(5)(a) and (b)). In <br /> accordance with 4.18(5)(c) and (g), the operator has committed to fence any ponds <br /> 33 <br />