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sites along Dry Creek, at least 150 stems per acre as tree species will be included in the 2,000 <br />• stem density standard. 'At the permanent pond sites, the 2,000 stem density standard will <br />include at least 150 stems per acre as tree species. Exhibits 22-1 and 22-1A illustrate the <br />general location of the shrub and the tree planting areas. Shrub and tree establishment azeas <br />will be delineated and sampled sepazately from the general reclaimed units. Random or <br />systematically placed density plots, depending on size of unit, will be used is sampling. Plot <br />size will be IOOm2. <br />The woody plant density of the appropriate revegetated area will be considered acceptable if <br />the density is not less than 90 percent of the approved standard in reclaimed lands and <br />concentrated sites with 90 percent statistical confidence. Density shall be determined by the <br />number of countable tree and shrub stems per unit azea. Woody plant densities will be <br />measured in a 2m x SOm (100m') or larger direct count quadrat. All quadrants will be randomly <br />located and sampling intensity will be to statistical adequacy or a specified maximum sample <br />size determined in consultation with CDMG. The counted tree or shrub will be alive and <br />healthy and in place at least two growing seasons. When counting stems, consideration will be <br />given to shrubs, which spread by above or below ground runners. <br />• A shrub density standazd is not proposed for the haul road corridors for the following reasons. <br />The maximum width of the disturbance area is approximately 200 feet, representing a minimal <br />disturbance in relation to the surrounding area. Also, the overstocked and decadent shrub <br />stands, which dominate the azea, will be complimented with the addition of azeas with <br />succulent herbaceous forage. Both livestock and wildlife will be benefited. <br />The above standazd represents a realistic standard based on ecological, technological, economic, and <br />land use considerations. The reclaimed lands reflect, at best, an early successional stage of native <br />premine communities and the nature of mining disturbances will maintain this longer than in woody <br />communities experiencing a more surficial disturbance. Eazly successional patterns within the native <br />communities are characterized by a herbaceous dominated community. This is also true for reclaimed <br />azeas whether seeded or not An unseeded shrub plot established at the neazby Seneca Mine in the <br />Wadge rec]aimed azea in 1986 was dominated by herbaceous perennial speces four years later in 1990 <br />(see Table 42 in the 1990 Annual Vegetation Monitoring Report for the Seneca Mine). An even <br />moderate level of shmb reestablishment would most likely reflect a mid to ]ate seral stage of a native <br />• community and would require development periods faz longer than an extended liability period for <br />reclaimed lands. <br />PR-02 46 Revised 01/06 <br />