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community, mapped in 1991 and 1992. The Sagebrush Rangeland community mapped in 1991 (Mining Area Nos. i and 2), was matched to SREF A. Therefore, this refeence area alone will be used to determine revegetation success for all disturbed Sagebrush Rangeland areas mapped in 1991 and disturbed by Mining Area Nos. 1 or 2. Sagebrush Rangeland community areas mapped as a prt of the 1992 study and disturbed by Mining Area No. 3 will be assessed for revegetation success using SREF A and SREF B, as described in the baseline report. Finally, the Juniper-pinon WWOOdland community will be assessed for revegetation success using the Sagebrush Rangeland reference area scheme. The 1991 areas (Mining Areas Nos. 1 and 2), can be matched to SREF A. the 1992 areas, (Mining Area No. 3), will be matched to the SREF A/SREF B combination. Because the reclaimed areas may be composed of portyions of all three communities, each area will be assessed for success using the weighted averages method of comparison outlined in Rule 4.15.7(4)(b). A revegetation success standard will be used for woody plant density and species diversity. The upland sagebrush community is dominated by Big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata), Needle-and-thread grass (Stied comata) and Blue grams CBouteloua gracilis). Other grasses include sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus>, Squirrel-tail (Elymus elymoides), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides) and Galleta (Hilaria 'amp esii>. The grassland community consists basically of the same grass species found in the upland sagebrush community. ' The Juniper-Pinon community is dominated by Utah juniper (Sabina osteosperma), Big sagebrush, Pinon pine (Pious edulus), and the same grasses mentioned above. The present land use of the area is for cattle grazing and wildlife habitat. The proposed mine area and surrounding area is used by a large variety of wildlife including coyotes, fox, mule deer, elk (in the winter) and numerous bird species. Description of the Operation and Reclamation Plan Operations on the proposed Hamilton Mine will be similar to most surface mining operations (see section 2.05 of the permit). The Hamilton Mine will recover coal from three mining areas. Mine area one is in the north part of the permit area; mine area two to the south, and the proposed mine area three to the east. Prior to any disturbance, except for road building, the surface water control system for the proposed area will be built. Topsoil will then be cleared of brush or trees, salvaged according to the topsoil salvaging plan and stockpiled in designated areas. Whenever possible, topsoil will be live hauled to active reclamation areas. •. When this is not possible, topsoil will be added to stockpiles. Stockpiles will be protected frpm wind and water erosion by contour disking, terracing, mulching, ripping; or seeding. If the stockpile is to be left more than 90 days it will be seeded with the topsoil stockpile seed mix and berms will be constructed around the base to prevent any .topsoil loss. -6-