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.,_ -- <br />topsoil and overburden has been removed, logic would dictate that removal of these <br />materials would be the first activities to occur in each phase. Please note that the entire'" ~- <br />site will not be stripped at once. Each phase area will be stripped immediately prior to <br />mining operations moving into that area, which will help keep the amount of material <br />exposed to wind erosion (and thus dust) to an absolute minimum. <br />Trees -During the last hearing we committed to one tree per ten linear feet of berm. <br />The berm on the north, bordering LaSalle Road is approximately 1,100 feet in length. <br />This will equate to approximately 110 trees along LaSalle Road. Rather than planting <br />"the trees in equal-ten foot spacings, they will be planted in groups. This, along with the <br />undulating nature of the berms, will present a more visuaAy pleasing end result. <br />The berm on the west side is in two segments. The first is from LaSalle Road to the <br />proposed property entrance and is approximately 500' in length_ Using the formula of <br />one tree per ten linear feet, 50 trees will be planted along this berm. It is important that <br />both the berm and the,trees here and near the LaSalle Road intersection not block the , <br />visibility of the turning movements. Again, the trees will be clustered as appropriate to <br />present an aesthetically pleasing effect and to accommodate turning movement safety. <br />The second portion of the west berm, going south from the site entrance, is <br />approximately 3,000 feet in length. At one tree per 10 feet, 300 trees will be located <br />along this portion of the berm, again planted in groups. <br />The large berm as proposed oh the southwest-comer will be constructed slightly <br />differently than the others. It will be between 10 and 15 feet in height As proposed it is <br />approximately 600 feet in both directions for a total of 1,200 feet 'This. will require 120 <br />trees. This berm also is proposed to undulate in height and the tree.~:would 6e clustered <br />to provide the greatest amount of visual'screening for the neighbors to the south and. " <br />west. However, we do have a concern with this berm that needs to be addressed by the <br />Commission and the landowners to the south and-west. The landowner adjacent and to <br />the south of the property mentioned at the hearing that he wanted the berm and trees, <br />Another landowner, located to the southwest; has indicated that he does noYwant the <br />berm constructed. Mark Haldorson has committed to do whatever it is they want in <br />regards to this berm. Perhaps both neighbors can wbrk with. Mark during construction as . <br />to the placement and size of the berm. Perhaps ft Can be constructed along the south ' <br />and noY"along the southwest. In any event, we are agreeable to working with both <br />parties to come to a reasonable and mutual berm and #ree location (or no berm and <br />trees as the'case maybe). <br />The berm, as.proposed in the original mine plan, also extends down the east side of the. <br />property. This berm serves no aesthetic purpose and would not serve any purpose for <br />visual impact mitigation. ft wilt onry be placed to this location if there is excess <br />overburden and topsoil left after the" other berms are completed. If this bent is <br />constructed; it wili.not contain any trees. However, if wilt be seeded #o prevent wind and <br />water erosion and to help maintarri fertility in.. the-soil, as per the Division of Minerals.and <br />Geology requirements. . , - <br />The total number of trees committed to by Mr. Haldorson totals 530. Approximately <br />10%, or 53 of these trees, will be nursery stock and between three and five feet in <br />height. The remainder of the trees will be seedlings. The more mature trees will be <br />concentrated in areas along LaSalle Road and along the south berm where their ability <br />2 <br />