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RECLAMATION PLAN EXHIBIT D 6.3.4 - Final grading will be such that the topography is appropriate to the reclaimed use of the property, i.e., as pasture land. The slopes left when mining ends will be graded 3h to lv and the floor of the mine will be flat per the landowners wishes. The Reclamation Plan Map -Exhibit E-2 shows how we think the area will look when it is reclaimed. Reclamation will begin as the exterior limits of the mine is reached and we begin to mine the outer slopes at their final rate. This will be done to reduce the bond amount and leave stable 3:1 slopes that will only need recoiling and revegetation. Once enough area is done and will not be disturbed again the salvaged topsoil will be spread on the excavated area. We estimate the average depth of the replaced topsoil will be 10 inches. Fertilizer will be used to enhance the seed bed and will be spread on the seedbed and disced in during seedbed prepara- tion. Cattle will be kept off the site during the first two years to insure the seed takes. If necessary the area will be fenced using a single strand of electric fence around the seeded area. After the second growing season the site will be inspected and an assessment of revegetation success will be done to deter- mine if additional seeding will be necessary. If the analysis shows additional work is needed it will done that fall. Per the local NRCS recommendation seeding will occur between October 15t~ and May lat. Generally before the first freeze in the fall or after the last freeze in the spring. The seed will be drilled to insure maximum germination and most rapid cover establishment. The seeding mix and species of grasses to be used on the area are shown on page 8 of this report. This is a seed mixture made up of native grasses found on the site that has been used successfully on other gravel mines in this area. The seed will be obtain from a supplier in the area so the mix is adapted to local conditions. We also expect to see a natural invasion of forbs and woody plants from surrounding areas. Only inaccessible areas (if any) will be broadcast seeded. If the seed is broad- cast, the seed rates will be doubled. No mulch will be used on the area and no trees or shrubs will be planted at this time. Weed control will be implemented prior to and during revegetation activities. This does not mean we will attempt to kill all weeds, since some provide a natural ground cover and shade for emerging grass. We will concentrate on controlling the noxious weeds on the reclaimed area, following NRCS recommenda- tions if a problem occurs. 13