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.:' X. REVEGETATION Baseline vegetation information may be found in Tab l0 with plant community types identified on Exhibit 10-1. Revegetation plans are found in Tab 20 and Exhibit 18-1 of the permit application. Post operational revegetation plans correspond with existing and surrounding vegetative communities. Dryland cropping of small grains, dryland pasture, improved pasture, and native rangelands exist both on the permit azea and in the general vicinity of the loadout. Soils associated with the Dry Creek drainage tend to be alkaline clay looms and looms. Plant species found in the area aze adapted to saline and alkaline conditions. Approximately 70 acres were revegetated following construction of the loadout and rail loop facilities. Plant species present in the revegetated aeeas include intermediate wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass, Russian wildrye, timothy, alfalfa, and yellow sweetclover. Adjacent and undisturbed lands tend to have a high incidence of shrubs. Heavy use by livestock grazing has aided in the increase of shrub densities. Postmining cotrtmunities will be: dryland pasture, improved pasture, and rangeland. Due to the narrow co~guration of the azea designated as rangeland, approximately 200- 250 ftwide, no woody plant density standard will be imposed on the rangeland azea. The Division has received confirmation from the Colorado Division of Wildlife in a letter dated Mazch 10, 1993 that the absence of a woody plant component in the rangeland azea would not be detrimental to wildlife use and would increase the "edge" effect along adjacent shrublands. Four seed mixes will be used. Each mix has been formulated for adaptation to a particulaz land use and location for which it will be planted. HGTI proposes to include an introduced legume, alfalfa, in the rangeland seedmix. The Division proposes to approve the use of a less aggressive species of alfalfa, such as ed'ca o alcata, in small quantities in the seed mix. Drill seeding will be the preferred method of planting. Broadcast or hydroseeding will be employed where steep slopes or small areas limit accessibility of the seed drill. Mulching will be achieved by use of a cover crop of winter wheat or barley. HGTI has found that the use of a straw mulch introduces undesirable weedy species into the reclaimed area and will not be required. Revegetation success will be monitored qualitatively through visual observations. Quantitative sampling shall occur in the 3rd and 6th years after reclamation for cover, species, production, and woody plant density.