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PEABODY COAL COMPANY ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION CAMPUS 6 OFFICE, SUITE 600. 12015 EAST 48TH AVENUE DENVER. COLORADO 8023D 13031 371.7DD0 Mr. John Valentine District Conservationist Soil Conservation Service P. O. Box 773389 Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80477 Dear John: March 23, 1982 Thanks for taking the time to review the reclamation plan for the Mesa Gravel Pit. The questions you expressed will be taken into consideration. I would like to take this opportunity to specifically address some of your concerns. Your first question addressed the planting of big bluegrass and alfalfa. The first seeding will take place in year three of the operation and will continue for the approximately 30 years of operations. During the final years of reclamation, some acres may go directly into wheat production without being planted to alfalfa or big bluegrass. Since a large enough block of land would be available for farming towards the end of operations, it is likely that the few remaining reclaimed acres would go into crop production without being seeded to the perennial cover. However, the majority of the acres will be planted to alfalfa and big bluegrass for at least two years. I selected big bluegrass and alfalfa for several reasons. Research has shown big bluegrass and alfalfa in a mixture has an excellent capacity to replenish soil organic matter levels and improve soil structure. Studies on soils similar to those at the Mesa Gravel Pit site have shown that this mix can produce as high as 9,000 pounds of roots per acre after the stand is established. In addition, big bluegrass is adapted to the area and we have had good success with alfalfa planted at the Seneca II Mine. Further- more, we plan to use big bluegrass in permanent reclamation plantings in the area and thus the site can provide more localized data on it. Your recommendations for using stubble production versus wheat yields for reclamation success is very good. This will be included as an alternative for judging reclamation success if a bad year is encountered.