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M-97-071 Page 5 the post-mining land use, the area obviously supports a wide variety of wildlife which could be disrupted or even displaced depending on the proposed reclamation plan. For instance, the area is widely vegetated by pinonfjuniper woodlands interspersed with blue grama dominated rangelands. The proposal to not replace any trees will most certainty change the habitat requirements of any wildlife that rely upon the occurrence of the pinon/juniper woodlands. Under tfie current submittal, this decision must be re-evaluated. In addition, the surface water drainage patterns will likely be altered based on the fact that runoff values for woodlands and grasslands aze different and portions of the existing drainages could be completely altered. It is also stated that there is no water on this land, however, during the Division's pre-operational inspection, it was obvious that the Peck Creek tributary definitely contains a significant source of water for both domestic livestock and wildlife use. The potential impact to this source of water must also be addressed in the reclamation plan. (d) Please identify where the topsoil piles will be located within each mining and reclamation phase. This is important to know so that push distances can be accurately determined for reclamation liability cost estimating. (e) The reclamation timetable concept on page 25 is unclear to the Division. Does this timetable kick in when mining is completely finished? Once again, a more detailed description of each 20 acre phase should be included here. This may include a map generally illustrating how many acres aze being actively mined, how many acres have been regraded, top soiled, seeded, and how many acres are ready for warranty release. (~ (ii) As discussed in the Pinon Mine application, crested wheatgrass has some undesirable growth traits and has a tendency to exclude other more desirable grass species if seeded too heavily. There aze other more desirable species that will fill the same niche as crested wheatgrass such as pubescent wheatgrass or slender wheatgrass that should be substituted into the proposed mix. Also, during the Division's pre-operational inspection, Little bluestem was observed growing on the site and would be an excellent addition to the seed mix. (iv) As mentioned earlier, if the entire area is slab mined as proposed, there will be a significant impact to the pinon/juniper woodlands in the permit area. Therefore, a proposal to replace some of this habitat should be included in this section. 6.4.6 EXHIBIT F- Reclamation Plan Maa (b) The reclamation plan map should also include the proposed final land use for each portion of the affected lands 6.4.7 EXHIBIT G- Water information