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mining has occurred at the Edna Mine since the late 1940's, with underground mining <br />• preceeding this date. The areas affected by these activities are referenced in <br />Section 3.1.1. The landownership has changed frequently, complicating research <br />towards a detailed land use previous to mining. All available information known <br />about the Edna Mine land use is provided. <br />2.9.3 MINING AND RECLAMATION INFORMATION <br />2.9.3.1 Land Capability <br />The Edna Mine permit area has native and introduced grasses, shrubs and trees <br />found upon a rolling topography. The hydrologic nature of the area is one of low <br />water tables with low retention capability and the majority of The available rainfall <br />coming in the form of snow. Considering the topographic, hydrologic and climatic <br />conditions, the soil characteristics enhance the designated land use of rangeland and. <br />wildlife habitat. A letter from the Soil Conservation Service, Exhibit 2.9-2, varifies <br />that the mine plan area is not classified as prime farmland. The soils are classified <br />for each soil map unit (Section 2.3) under The Soil Conservation Land Classification <br />• System. Capability classification is the grouping of soils in a general way to show <br />their suitability for most kinds of farming. The soils are classified according to the <br />degree and kind of permanent limitations but without consideration of major and <br />generally expensive landforming or reclamation projects that would change the slope, <br />depth, or other characteristics of the soils. Roman numerals show the eight <br />capability classes with small letters following to indicate the subclass problem or <br />hazard. The classes and subclasses are as follows: <br />Class I. Soils in Class I have few limitations that restrict their use. They are suited <br />to a wide range of plants and may be used safely for cultivated crops, pasture, range, <br />woodland, and wildlife. <br />Class I1. Soils in Class II require careful soil management, including conservation <br />practices, to prevent deterioration or to improve air and water relations when the <br />soils are cultivated. The limitations are few and the practices are easy to apply. <br />The soils may be used for cultivated crops, pasture, range, woodland, or wildlife food <br />and cover. <br />• <br />Revised 7-81 2.9-13 <br />