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vegetation sampling. A total of 104 transects were completed in the areas where sampling <br />• occurred. <br />In addition, a reference area will be utilized to determine the success of revegetation of the <br />reclaimed lands within the permit area. The reference area is depicted on the Vegetation <br />Map (Map 6) and discussed in Exhibit 5. <br />Environmental Factors <br />As described in Exhibit 5, the predominant vegetation type is Gambles Oak. The influence <br />of man withstanding the vegetative communities typical of the area are most probably in a <br />tertiary successional state. As Gambles Oak proliferates, it increases the competitive <br />interaction between itself and other woody species. In time, Gambels Oak may become the <br />dominant species. <br />Elevation and degree of slope also influence vegetation to some extent. Steeper slopes <br />typically place soil restrictions on vegetation development with respect to short term <br />emergence. Areas immediately south of the mine are steeper in slope and higher in <br />elevation than the mine site. At the higher elevation, the predominant vegetation type is <br />Ponderosa Pine with some Douglas Fir. Areas to the north of the mine are variable in <br />degree of slope, aspect and elevation. Elevation, however, is typically in excess of that in <br />the immediate vicinity of the mine site. Those areas are also typical of the wooded sites to <br />the south of the mine. Slope, aspect and elevation do not seem to specifically dictate <br />vegetational differences in the immediate vicinity of the mine site. Gambles Oak is the <br />• predominant vegetation type throughout the area. Soil type also does not limit vegetation <br />distribution in the mine area. Significant vegetation changes are not evident in so much as <br />carracas loam is the only soil type found within the actual mining area. <br />Areas immediately east and west of the actual mining area are relatively flat. Soil type in <br />these areas is obviously related to alluvial deposition. In this instance, the soil type is Nunn <br />loam. It is typically deeper and contains more finer materials such as sand. Envirotunental <br />factor influencing vegetation type and distribution would be expected to have some bearing. <br />However, these areas are predominantly annual weeds due to overgrazing. <br />In short, environmental factors influence vegetation distribution in areas surrounding the <br />mine, however, such factors do not influence said distribution in the actual mining area to <br />a great extent. <br />Reference Areas <br />In accordance with the requirements of 4.15.7(3) (d) and (e), reference areas for the portion <br />of the mined area which will be reclaimed to rangeland and irrigated pasture will receive the <br />same management as the reclaimed areas. Grazing willbe prevented on the reclaimed areas <br />except during the last two full years of the extended liability period; however, if deemed <br />beneficial, limited grazing may be allowed prior to that period as approved by the Division. <br />u <br />2.04-34 Rev. 12/01/95 <br />