Laserfiche WebLink
considered. The average annual precipitation during the "re-growing' season was <br /> 11,08 inches_ From this data it was decided that wet and dry years would be those <br /> years during which the precipitation varies by more than one standard deviation from <br /> the mean. The standard deviation was 2.63. Thus, precipitation during a "dry" year <br /> would be less than 8.45 inches and during a "wet" year, precipitation would be greater <br /> than 13.71 inches from October through May. As conditions permit, West Elk will <br /> collect data in representative years and submit the data to the DMG. <br /> Shrubs will be re-established to a minimum standard of 1,000 stems per acre. This <br /> criterion was established by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. For specific <br /> information regarding this criterion, see Exhibit 62 in the permit document. <br /> The proposed post-mining land use is rangeland and wildlife habitat. Tables 48 and 49 <br /> of the permit document list the seeds and shrubs to be planted to establish this land use. <br /> The West Elk Mine also will reclaim 1.3 acres within the riparian buffer zone. The <br /> riparian seed and shrub mix is listed on page 2.05.53 of the permit document. The <br /> mine based their selection of plant species on species listed in the baseline biological <br /> survey, species geographical range, soils, climate, slope and aspect, root competition, <br /> cover and seasonal variation. Seed mixes are also based on experience gained on West <br /> Elk Mine revegetation plots, and quantitative data collected in 1980 describing the <br /> present vegetative cover, and in terms of wildlife requirements suggested in literature. <br /> The Division approves the use of these species based on the post-mining land use. <br /> Once the topsoil has been distributed and graded, the surface is prepared for planting. <br /> Surface preparation loosens and roughens the surface by disking, harrowing, or <br /> dragging which increases infiltration and reduces surface runoff. Seeding and planting <br /> are conducted parallel to the contour unless such activities prove hazardous to <br /> equipment and/or operators. Various conditioners and neutralizers may be used to <br /> modify the seedbed conditions. Seeding and shrub planting will be done during the <br /> spring (March 15 through June 15) or fall (September 15 through November 15). <br /> The grasses and forbs are seeded primarily by drill seeding. Broadcast of seed is <br /> utilized on small areas with hydroseeding used on areas with slopes steeper than 3:1. <br /> Shrubs are planted in conjunction with seeding operations. The shrubs will be <br /> planted, after the affected acreage has been seeded, in clusters approximately 0.5 to 2 <br /> acres in size and will cover 30 acres of the total 110 affected acres. <br /> Newly planted areas will be mulched with hay or straw. Crimping or tracking will be <br /> used to stabilize the hay or straw mulch. Straw mulch or an equivalent cover of <br /> hydromulch, wood chips,jute netting, excelsior mat, etc. will be applied. After <br /> seeding, revegetated areas are protected from livestock grazing until areas are judged <br /> capable of withstanding grazing pressure. Protection of revegetated areas is <br /> accomplished by excluding livestock by using fences, or discontinuing grazing on <br /> adjacent areas by other means. <br /> 54 <br />