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~,, <br />4. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to <br />demonstrate that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, <br />will be based on the following values: 1) total cover, 2) herbaceous <br />productivity, 3) woody plant stem density, 4) species diversity, and 5) <br />frequency (4.15.7(2)(d)). <br />The Division proposes to approve of the reference areas which <br />the applicant has selected based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />6. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a <br />manner which the Division finds acceptable <br />(4.15.7(4)). <br />7. The Division finds that the use of a density standazd density is not appropriate <br />for the rangeland portion of the loadout, as discussed previously in this <br />section. (4.15.8(7)) - <br />XI. POST-MININ ND E <br />Information regarding post-mining land use may be found in Tab 20 and Exhibit <br />18-1 of the permit application. Post-mining land uses of the loadout azea aze <br />designated as grazing and wildlife use. These land uses will be supported by <br />reestablishing rangeland, dryland pasture and improved pasture on areas disturbed <br />by proposed operations. <br />XII. PROTEC'TiON OF FISH WILDLIFE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL <br />FACTORS <br />Fish and wildlife habitat is a planned post-mining land use. The applicant has <br />selected appropriate plant species and distributions to benefit fish and wildlife. <br />Detailed information on matters relating to fish and wildlife issues is found in <br />Tabs 11 and 21 and Exhibit 11-1 of the permit application; and the Surrunary <br />Section of this document (4. ] 8(4)(i). <br />The HG Loadout was originally permitted in 1982 in conjunction with the HG <br />Mine (Permit C-80-003). A comprehensive biological inventory was not <br />conducted at the HG Loadout during that period or since. The applicant has, <br />however, done some site reconnaissance at the site and referenced regional studies <br />of the azea. <br />In lieu of a comprehensive inventory, both the applicant and the Division have <br />undertaken extensive consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service <br />(USFWS) and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW}. This review of fish <br />and wildlife concerns proceeded with the approval of both agencies. A biological <br />