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EXHIBITS l: & J - Soils and Vegetation Information Camp Bird Colorado, Inc., - April 16, 1982 Page 3 -2- Reclamation Recommendations Since many of the tailings dumps at Camp Bird are active, permonant vegetation will not be established at this time. However, nn proposed new tailings sites we recommend that topsoil first be stripped off and stock- piled before tailings are piled. Topsoil stockpiles should be seeded to some cover crop in order to prevent erosion, soil loss and off-site sedi- ment pollution. Topsoil should be .applied after shaping and grading have been completed and the site tilled to ;~ depth of approximately 6 inches. Tillage permits topsoil to bind with the spoil material. E•inding of soil layers prevents air pockets, encourages root penetration, and prevents topsoil slippage on slopes. ~:+e realize not all areas car, be topsoiled, hoxever as much area as possible should be topsoiled. Without topsoiling, revegetation success is unlikely. If possible tailinE; pile s},ould be kept at a slope of less than 3 to 1 and slope length kept to a mi,iimum, Length of slope can be broken up and shortened by putting in diversions. Slopes of 6:1 or flatter are much more desirable than 3:1 slopes. In general, the trances for vegetation establish- ment increases as percent slope decreases. Small areas steeper than 3:1 are often unavoidable, but should be kept to a minimum. Seedbed Freparat.ion & Seeding Seedbed preparation is probably the most important factor determining the success in establishing a stand. Seed should be placed ;:" to 1" deep over firm soil material. A11 seed must be covered. Drilling the seed is preferable to broadcasting. Limitations to broadcast seeding are: (1) re- quires heavier seeding rate; (2) covering of seed is poor compared to drill- ing; (3) distribution of seed is often poor; (4) loss of seed to rodents can be great; (3)establishment is generally slower. The best time to seed is late fall, just prior to the ground freezing. In this area it would be best during the month of October. This allows the seed to stay in the grcund until spring when it car. germinate and make the best use of spring moisture. Next best would be an early spring seeding. Good mulch will substantially increase the chances for seeding success when combined with other good management. It will facilitate infiltration, prevent evaporation and help control wind and water erosion. Straw or hay applied at 2 tons per acre a.nd crimped in should provide adequate protection. Other mulching materials are also available. Irrigation of new seedings for the first growing season would be bene- ficial. Fertilization with at least 50 lbs. nitrogen and 50 lbs. Pz05 will he necessary unless soil tests stow otherwise:.