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disturbance from the permit, narrative regarding comparison of specific reclaimed areas to <br />particular reference areas was modified by RN-03 amendments. <br />The following specific findings are required. <br />A. The Division has approved the use of three introduced species in the reclamation seed mires. <br />The species are Russian wildrye, small bume[, and cicer milkvetch. The introduced species are <br />desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post-mining land use, and are not poisonous or <br />noxious (4.15.2). Introduced species comprise approximately 10% of the seeding rate on a <br />seeds/sq.ft. basis. <br />B. The Division has approved the use of wood fiber, grass hay, or straw mulch as a means to meet <br />soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant density <br />are discussed in Section 2.05.4, Tab 14, Volume 5, of the permit. These techniques include <br />point intercept cover sampling, quadrat production, and belt transect woody plant density <br />sampling. Appropriate methods for sample adequacy demonstration and statistical comparison <br />aze specified. <br />The proposed success measurement techniques are approved by the Division (4.15.7(1)). <br />D. 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 on the following: <br />The Division has approved of the reference areas which the permittee has selected based on the <br />requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation <br />success in a manner which the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(4)). <br />Technical standards are proposed for woody plant density and species diversity success <br />determination, pursuant to Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)(iii). The standard for woody plant density is 800 <br />woody plant stems per acre. The Division has approved the standard after consultation with the <br />Division of Wildlife, pursuant to Rule 4.15.8(7). <br />The species diversity standard is specified on page 14-24. The standard is as follows: <br />- At least one cool season grass species with > 3% relative cover; <br />- Perennial warn season grass species contribute greater than 3% relative cover; <br />-Perennial forb species contribute greater than 3% relative cover; and, <br />- No reclaimed area shall have a single species that represents greater than 40% relative <br />cover. <br />The Division finds that the proposed standard will satisfy the species diversity and seasonal variety <br />requirements of Rules 4.15.8(5) and 4.15.8(6). <br />U<. Protection of Fish. Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Fish and Wildlife Resources Information is contained in Section 2.04.1 I of Tab 1 I, Volume 3, of the <br />application. The Fish and Wildlife Plan is included within Section 2.05.6(2), Tab 16, Volume i, of <br />42 <br />