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Information on Soil Resources can be found in the permit application in Section 2.04.9. Additional information can be found in Exhibit D, which is a map of the soils on and adjacent to the permit area. A soil survey was conducted on the Blue Ribbon Mine permit area and adjacent areas on July 29, 1981. The field analysis and laboratory data were used to determine soil suitability as a plant growth medium and soil requirements for successful revegetation. Five map units, consisting of three soil series and three miscellaneous types, were identified. The units included Absarokee, Pollard-Torriorthents, Work Clay loams, Disturbed land, and Fluvents. Disturbed land was considered the areas disturbed by mine development. The influence of topography is readily apparent in the development of the soils at the Blue Ribbon Mine. On the east-facing slope to the west of the mine, the soils aze generally deep (more than 60 inches) and have clayey subsoils. On the west-facing ridge, those slopes with a more southerly exposure are generally shallow (less than 20 inches) to moderately deep (20 to 40 inches) and are clayey throughout. On the more northerly exposures on the west-facing ridge, the soils are moderately deep to deep, and have clayey subsoils. Vegetation -Rule 2.04.10 Specific information regazding collection and analysis of vegetation can be found in Section 2.04.10. Additional information can be found in Exhibit E. Vegetation communities on the Blue Ribbon Mine permit area were surveyed on July 29, 1981. Five communities were identified and their distributions are shown in Exhibit E. The communities are oak shrub (west aspect and east aspect), mountain mahogany, ripazian, and disturbed areas. These communities are still evident with the exception of the disturbed area, since the mine is now mostly reclaimed. The west aspect, oak shrub community can be found along the northeastern edge of the permit area. The dominant ovetstory species is Gambel oak. Grasses were found only in openings in the oak shrub, and were practically nonexistent under the dense stands. The slope of this area varies From l5 to 50 percent, with a west aspect. At the time of the survey it was noted that this community had been extensively grazed, with Indian Ricegrass showing the heaviest signs of use. The Mountain mahogany and Oak shrub community can be found along the southeastern side of the permit area. The slope vanes from 40 to 70 percent, and has a southwest aspect. Due to the aspect, the vegetation on the southwest-facing slope is not as dense as the oak shtub community with the west aspect. The riparian community is found along Hubbard Creek. The community varies in width from 20 to 120 feet. The dominant overstory species is willow. Boxelder and Alder are also found in the overstory. The understory dominants are Canada thistle; Redtop, Kentucky bluegrass, and sedges. Due [o the mining operation, much of the riparian community had been disturbed down to the edge a•