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<br /> <br />a) 50 meter [ransects with 10 points every 5 meters for 100 "hits" for determination of <br />cover; <br />b) production from the clipping of three '/.-square-meter quadrants placed randomly <br />along the cover transect; <br />c) woody stem density will be determined by counting rooted shrubs along a 2-X-50- <br />meter transect; <br />d) successful diversity will require two perennial grasses to exceed 5% composition and <br />one perennial forb to exceed 3% composition with no one species exceeding 40% <br />composition. <br />Specific details for the Fish Creek Tipple concerning revegetation success and sampling <br />methodologies can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Vol. VII. <br />The Division has previously approved the use of these techniques,(4.15.7(I)). <br />2. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that success <br />criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based weighted means and variances <br />relative to their respective acreages and reference areas. Specific details concerning revegetation <br />comparisons can be found beginning on page 2.05-I 14 of Vol. I. This excludes the Fish Creek <br />Tipple which was disturbed prior to implementation of the regulations. No topsoil was salvaged <br />for this area. Cover and production requirements are based on standards. Woody stem density is <br />1000 stems~acre for this area. Details related to determination of revegetation success at the Fish <br />Creek Tipple can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Vol. VII. The Division proposes to <br />approve the basis for this comparison. <br />3. The Division has previously approved of the reference areas which the applicant has selected <br />based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner which the <br />Division finds acceptable except at the Fish Creek Tipple, where standards are to be used and <br />also for those small disturbed areas associated with outlying facilities, (4.15.7(4)). <br />XI1. Post-mining Land Use <br />Pastureland and Rangeland are the predominant land uses in the Eastern Mining District. Historically, <br />marginal lands have been planted to small grain crops. The Federal Conservation Reserve Program has <br />encouraged the return of these marginal croplands to rangeland or pastureland. Twentymile Coal <br />Company post-mining land use of Pastureland supports the CRP goal and is in agreement with section <br />4. i 6. <br />XIII. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Twentymile Coal Company evaluated the mine plan expansion area for threatened and endangered <br />species. The mining area is at an elevation above that for habitat defined for Ute lady's tresses orchid. <br />The expansion area is below the elevation expected for Boreal toad and lynx. A raptor survey was <br />conducted on areas projected for subsidence of Middle Creek. No active nesting sites were identified <br />along the proposed affected area of Middle Creek, and no Bald eagles were observed in the survey area. <br />l7 <br />