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Section 780.18(bl Continued. <br />Shrub Density <br />The proposed postmining land use for disturbed/reclaimed areas continues to be <br />rangeland. Although Kerr initially proposed to restore woody plant densities of 2,000 <br />stems per acre, it has become apparent that this level of woody plant reestablishment <br />cannot be achieved within a reasonable time frame. The following table summarized <br />the results of shrub density sampling efforts by the CMLRD and Kerr. <br />Vegetation Monitoring -Woody Stem Density <br />IstemsJacral <br />Year Seeded 1979 1981 1983 1986 1995/1996 <br />Sampled By Kerr Kerr MLRD Kerr MLRD Kerr Kerr <br />Sample Year <br />1984 214 1581 821 <br />1985 615 936 <br />1986 98 1249 412 <br />1988 275 850 182 946 <br />1989 1355 432 <br />1996 Average for all areas seeded through 1986 1,264 <br />1999 Avera a for all areas seeded throw h 1986 1,299 <br /> 1995/1996 seedin 7,114/2,810 <br />Sources: MLRD Sampling - 1984, 1985, and 1989 <br />Kerr Coal Compan ,Reclamation Monitorin Reports - 1984, 1986, 1988, 1996, and 1999 <br />Level of disturbance, reclamation practices, successional timeframes and patterns, and <br />the inherent reestablishment and growth requirements of native woody vegetation all <br />determine woody plant densities and composition at specific times during the <br />reclamation liability period. While there is significant variation in the sampling data for <br />shrub density, there is evidence of effective long-term shrub reestablishment with a <br />trend toward shrub densities in the range of 500 to 1,500 stems per acre. These <br />values are consistent with both Kerr's proposed shrub density standard and the shrub <br />density standard (500 stems/acre) approved for the adjacent Canadian Strip Mine <br />reclamation area. <br />Pursuant to the requirements of Rule 4.15.817) Kerr proposes that a shrub density of <br />1,500 stems per acre, with high density shrub stands interspersed with low density <br />stands and open meadows, be established as the standard for evaluation of Mine Area <br />Revegetation Success. <br />In the intermountain west, sites in the same ecological zone as the Kerr Mine site with <br />adequate precipitation and good soil tend to be dominated by a stable herbaceous <br />vegetation community, except where historic disturbance has altered the ecological <br />balance. Over time, and particularly in response to heavy grazing, fire control and <br />TR-19 780-78c Revised 12/99 <br />