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Diversity in reclaimed azeas will be based on a performance standazd reflecting <br />evaluation of monitoring data from reference areas and reclaimed areas collected since <br />1987. The species diversity standazd for the mine area requires establishment of at least; <br />five perennial forbs, six perennial grasses, and three shrubs. Minimum and maximum <br />cover is described in further detail in Tab 13. <br />As part of a technical revision, Seneca proposed a reduction in the mine azea woody plant <br />density standazd from the originally approved 1000 stems per acre to 250 stems per acre. <br />The proposed standazd was not accepted by the Division, due to the concems expressed <br />by the Division of Wildlife {DOW) that wildlife habitat needs were not satisfactorily <br />addressed. The original standazd of 1000 stems per acre remains in effect. <br />During the previous permit renewal process, three azea of concern were identified <br />regarding revegetation on reclaimed azeas. Those concerns were 1) the presence of <br />Canada thistle, 2) an overabundance of alfalfa, and 3) very low woody plant density. A <br />weed control program has been in effect at the Seneca II Mine since 1487. Seneca Coal <br />Company has sprayed with herbicides in an effort to control Canada thistle. Grazing and <br />a reduction of alfalfa in the seed mix have been used to reduce the abundance of alfalfa. <br />Seneca Coal Company has planted clumps of shrub and tree transplants in an effort to <br />increase the average per acre woody stem density. <br />Grazing has been permitted on portions of the reclaimed Wadge mining area since 1986. <br />The operator has been required to monitor annually the effects of grazing on the study <br />area, with the results submitted to the Division. Reports have been submitted as required. <br />This commitment remains in effect for the 2002-2007 permit term. <br />X. Post-mining Land Use <br />The predominate pre-mining land use on the mining azea has been the grazing of <br />domestic livestock on native rangeland and utilization of associated habitat types by <br />wildlife. While not as extensive, secondary pre-mining land uses consist of industrial <br />azeas (oil, gas and methane exploration). The reclamation plan has been developed to <br />achieve a primary postmining land use of livestock grazing and a secondary use of <br />wildlife habitat. These uses aze described in Volume 12, Tab 13 of the permit <br />application. <br />The Division hereby approves the primary post-mining land uses of livestock grazing and <br />wildlife habitat (2.07.6(2)(1)). The proposed operation is in compliance with the <br />requirements of this section. <br />XI. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />The fish and wildlife resources information is presented in Volume 4, Tab t 1 of the <br />permit application. <br />37 <br />