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<br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Considering the above potential benefits, a grazing plan was <br />designed for a portion of reclaimed lands at the Seneca II Mine <br />which contained heavy grass and alfalfa composition and poor <br />shrub densities and diversity. A 303-acre pasture was fenced <br />and stockwater facilities were provided at two locations to <br />facilitate grazing distribution. Stocking rates were based on <br />production data collected during monitoring studies. Short- <br />term stocking rates based on utilization rates as high as 75 <br />percent were planned. Grazing seasons running from spring to <br />mid-fall, dependent on the type of livestock and the potential <br />for bloat, were specified. Sheep or cattle were considered for <br />grazing since both kinds of livestock are run on grazing lands <br />adjacent to the mine. The primary goals of the grazing plan <br />were to reduce the vigor and presence of alfalfa and possibly <br />introduced grasses; increase the presence of native grasses, <br />fortis, and shrubs; increase shrub density, and improve species <br />diversity. Any other benefits would be in addition to the <br />primary goals. <br />Grazing was initially conducted in the fall of 1987 following <br />establishment of the pasture. A total of 332 yearling cattle <br />were run for a total of 28 days, resulting in an estimated 33 <br />percent degree of use. In 1988, the pasture was again grazed <br />in the summer and fall. Yearling cattle totaling 340 head were <br />run for 45 days. This resulted in a 39.8 percent forage use <br />estimate for the 1988 grazing season. Grazing in 1989 was <br />conducted during the same period as 1988; however, cattle were <br />turned in during four different periods in July. A total of <br />291 yearlings were run during the 1989 grazing season, <br />resulting in a forage utilization estimate of 59 percent. With <br />the exception of 1989, the degree of use or forage utilization <br />values have not been as high as initially planned. Peabody <br />does not provide its own livestock, and therefore must use <br />livestock from local operators. For the grazing in 1987 <br />n~-eoorcan~coMVaNr <br />Xlestsm Dlvlslon <br />