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2.05.5 Post-minins Land Uses <br />i The implementation of the detailed reclamation plan as contained in Section 2.05.4 will <br />restore the disturbed land to the pre-mining use of rangeland. This will be specifically <br />accomplished by the regrading of the spoil to create approximate original contour, restoration <br />of drainage patterns, reapplication of the topsoil followed by seeding of the appropriate seed <br />mixture and shrub plantings for the designated land use. Erosion will be controlled on the <br />newly seeded areas through the use of contour furrows and/or terraces until the vegetation <br />has been sufficiently established. The lands will also be protected from noxious weeds or <br />other biological processes such as cattle grazing until the stands are sufficiently established to <br />support grazing pressure. <br />The proposed land use of rangeland for the reclaimed area is identical to the pre-mining land <br />use found in the area. Colowyo owns all but approximately 1,109 acres (469 of which is <br />Bureau of Land Management land and 640 is State Land) of the land to be disturbed by the <br />mining and reclamation operations. No change in land use is expected in the proposed land <br />use categories. Therefore, the proposed land use will be consistent with the historic land use <br />on lands within the current permit area. Specifically, Colowyo proposes to reclaim the mined <br />areas to a rangeland condition capable of supporting both domestic livestock and wildlife. <br />One of the objectives of the reclamation plan and grazing management plan will be to <br />provide grazing for livestock. The other objective will be to restore and improve habitats for <br />deer, elk, and sage grouse. <br />Comments from the Bureau of Land Management and the State of Colorado approving the <br />proposed postmining land use are provided in Exhibit 1, Documents and Leases. <br />The observation of hundreds of deer and elk utilizing reclaimed areas at Colowyo confirm <br />our success in meeting these goals. It is generally recognized that the herbaceous <br />communities of grasses and forbs found on reclaimed mining areas and other similar areas in <br />northwest Colorado have in fact attracted these important wildlife species from surrounding <br />native rangelands. <br />Shrubs will also be replaced to meet applicable regulatory requirements as described in <br />Section 4.15.8. <br />• <br />2.05-60 Revision Date: 3/21/01 <br />Revision No.: TR-51 <br />