2001-12-11_PERMIT FILE - C1981012A (7)

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The species diversity standard for the [dew Elk and Golden Eagle Ptines was developed using baseline vegetation data and evaluating potential plant communities from Soil Conservation Service information. Baseline vegetation data shows a dominance of warm season species. Blue grama is by far the dominant single plant species within the area sampled (See Table 1). Cool season species were evident in the wildlife riparian reference area. Blue grama dominance may be attributed to a century of intensive grazing. This is particularly evident in canyon bottoms because of steep adjacent sideslopes which have limited livestock distribution. Blue grama represents nearly 1008 of the vegetative component in these bottomlands. WFC evaluated the dominant soil series within the area to be reclaimed at the New Elk and Golden Eagle Mines. The soil series were Noden, Table Mountain, Rombo and Midnight. The potential plant communities were identified based on Soil Conservation Service form Ss, general soil description and Soil Engineering reports provided by the Soil Conservation Service (See Exhibit 14, New Elk, Exhibit 12, Golden Eagle for potential plant communities). This data is summarized in Table 2. The Table Mountain and Noden series are bottomland soils. The Midnight and Rombo series are upland soils. A total of 20 potential grasses were identified for these 4 soil series. Ten were warm season species and 10 were cool season species. The potential plant communities are a mixture of warm and cool season grasses. The baseline studies showed a predominance of warm season grasses. The post mining revegetation efforts are designed to achieve a greater diversity which will enhance the post mining land uses of rangeland and wildlife habitat. The diversity standard will include 2 cool season grasses, 2 warm season grasses and 1 forb. Each warm or cool season species shall comprise a minimum of 5 percent of the cover. The species shall be non-noxious and perennial.