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this approach for reclamation of drill sites and similar disturbances on BLM surface. <br />A. The Division approves the use of certain introduced species in the reclamation seed <br />mix. The species proposed have been used successfully within similaz climatic zones <br />in the region. Pursuant to 4.15.2(3), the Division finds that the introduced species aze <br />desirable and necessary to achieve the approved postmining land uses of livestock <br />grazing and wildlife habitat. <br />B. The Division approves the use of mulching and cover crops as a means to meet soil <br />stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Certified noxious weed-free hay and straw mulch, <br />wood fiber mulch with tackifier, or stubble mulch will be used on the reclaimed sites. <br />Straw/hay mulch is applied at a rate of 2.0 tons/acre, and crimped into the soil <br />(permit page V-42). If stubble mulch will be used, oats, bazley, winter wheat, or <br />"regreen" will be planted at specified rates, depending on nature and timing of seeding <br />(permit page V-42). <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in Section V of the permit application. These techniques <br />include the use of comparisons to a reference azea. The Division proposes to approve <br />of these techniques (4.15.7(1)). Herbaceous and woody plant cover will be sampled <br />using a point intercept method. Woody plant density will be sampled using a <br />modified belt transect. Herbaceous productivity will be measured using 0.25 mZ <br />quadrats. (Permit pg. V-65-66) <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed azeas, in order to demonstrate that <br />success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on reference <br />azea comparisons for cover and production, and comparison to technical standazds, for <br />woody plant density and species diversity. Three reference areas; 0110, 0140, and <br />0150 will be utilized for revegetation success comparisons. Success criteria aze <br />summarized in Table V-I5, permit page V-64. For "lazge permanent azeas", the <br />species diversity standard requires the establishment of at least two perennial grasses <br />with relative cover of at least 3%; perennial forbs with cumulative relative cover of at <br />least 3%; and specified relative cover restrictions for non-native species. Woody <br />plant density standazd is 500 stems per acre for lazge permanent sites, and 200 stems <br />per acre for "small and linear features". No woody plant density standazd is specified <br />for "degas and exploration pads and roads". <br />The Division approves the basis for these comparisons. <br />E. The Division approves of the reference azeas which the applicant has selected based <br />on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />The reference azeas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable 4.15.7(4)). The operator proposes to use <br />weighted average comparison of 4.15.7(4)(b) for the "D" Portal disturbance azea, and <br />3R <br />