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at 6 acres, represented the least disturbed native community in the 1979 study. A <br />reference area for the upland sagebrush type was established on a ridge top to the east <br />of NPDES pond 006. The upland sagebrush reference area and approximately 16 acres <br />of this type located in the vicinity of mining areas 2 and 3 were sampled in 1986. The <br />juniper and riparian types identified in the 1979 study totaled just under 4 acres and were <br />determined to be insignificant in their contribution and thus reference areas were not <br />required. <br />Realistically then, only one reference area (the upland sagebrush type) exists for the <br />Nucla Mine. Furthermore, the majority of the land within the mine permit area has either <br />been disturbed or altered through agricultural activities, mining, or reclamation, resulting <br />in limited applicability of the upland sagebrush type reference area. In consideration of <br />site characteristics, climatic conditions, and the high level of agricultural activity of the <br />surrounding area, the highest and best use to reclaim to would be agricultural lands <br />capable of sustaining a level of grazing without supplemental water while providing <br />protection of the soil resource. In addition, portions of these lands would respond <br />favorably to irrigation. Thus, the majority of the postmining land use has been designated <br />• as dryland pasture or rangeland for livestock grazing and wildlife use. It is apparent that <br />these types of reclaimed lands can also benefit wildlife as evidenced by the observation <br />of heavy utilization of reclaimed lands by elk in the southeastern portion of the permit <br />area. <br />• Revised 6110100 22-10 <br />