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. plans for backfilling, grading, and topsoil redistribution (Sections 2.05,4(2)(c) and (d)) will provide <br />the basis for the potential productivity of the reclaimed lands. Upon meeting successful <br />revegetation requirements for the irrigated pasture type and release of WFC's liability, these lands <br />may be converted to irrigated hayland by the postmine land user or owner. A large portion in the <br />eastern portion of the permit area that is currently in a poor productive state and a portion in the <br />northwestern part of the amendment area will be reclaimed as irrigated pasture. Thus, <br />revegetation activities will return the affected lands to a similar (if currently irrigated and managed) <br />or higher and better use. Successful revegetation of irrigated pasture will show that the reclaimed <br />lands are capable of supporting the uses which they were capable of supporting before mining. <br />Wildlife will continue to make incidental use of the area following reclamation activities. A portion <br />of the Swale/drainage type will reestablish naturally adjacent to sediment ponds, continuing to <br />provide habitat to wildlife. <br />Letters were sent to the legal and equitable owners within the permit area, detailing the <br />revegetation plan and proposed postmining land use. Inquiries during 1987 and 1999 baseline <br />studies and discussions with local residents pertaining to Peabody's and WFC's proposed <br />postmining land use, indicated that the proposed postmining land use and establishment of <br />irrigated pasture was compatible with local wishes. <br />Postmining Vegetation Types <br />The postmine vegetation types will consist of the irrigated pasture type, irrigated alfalfa hayland, <br />dryland pasture type, and any portions of the Swale/drainage type that remain undisturbed or have <br />reestablished naturally during the liability period. The following discussion on revegetation methods <br />has been split into sections for each major type because of the difference in methods required to <br />establish the irrigated types and dryland pasture type. <br />Revegetation Methods -Irrigated Pasture and Irrigated Hayland <br />The majority of the revegetated areas will be returned to a postmining land use of irrigated pasture <br />including lands within the permit area which have not been disturbed, but which have had irrigation <br />• water shut-off in order to better control and manage surface and ground water within the mine area <br />(Revised 1-15-03) 2.05.4(2)(e)-2 <br />