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lower slopes where the soil that had been stripped was in excess of a foot thick. The <br />soil was stockpiled adjacent to the pit and spread over them after backfiliing with any <br />overburden. There wasn't a great deal of overburden at these locations and the sand <br />was rather thin. Therefore, most of the final topography was created by a thick layer <br />of soil. The depth of soil is, as a result of the method of operation, equal to what was <br />originally at these locations. In general, that depth ranged from one to three feet. <br />4. <br />C. Final grading of topsoiled lands - Final grading was cazefully done to blend the <br />edges of the backfilled/topsoiled areas into the adjacent undisturbed topography. With <br />the exception of the somewhat steeper slope at the highwall location on one of the <br />two azeas, it is difficult to tell by examining topography alone that any mining was <br />actually done. On the other area, the highwall is even less distinct and there is <br />practically no evidence, topographically, that the azea was ever disturbed. <br />Accommodation for drainage - No drainage accommodation was required as the topsoiled <br />land was basically on a ridge. The most northern of the two recently reclaimed areas does <br />have a slight dip to accommodate drainage. But on the whole, little was necessary to allow <br />for drainage. No basins were left where water could accumulate and create prolonged <br />ponding. <br />Revegetation - <br />A. Acres seeded - The total acreage seeded in the last year was essentially 16 acres <br />(15.86). <br />B. Seeding provided - The required seed mix was drilled in mid-May. <br />C. Special treatments - Mulch was applied, although that would not normally be done. <br />This was done because of the extraordinarily dry conditions in an attempt to at least <br />help germination. Unfortunately, the cattle ate most of the straw. <br />D. Status of new seeding as of report date - Little if any germination has been seen. <br />The only growth is from some of the plant materials still contained in the salvaged <br />topsoil and a very spazse and extremely weak population of tumbleweeds. It is hoped <br />that recent moisture will induce germination, assuming the seed is still alive. <br />E. Status of older revegetation as of report date (describe growth rates, cover, invasive <br />species, native invasion, and difficulties) - Older revegetation sites, mostly already <br />released from bond, have continued to show a shift towazd more and more native <br />species domination. During this yeaz, growth of all but the most deeply rooted species <br />has been weak due to the drought conditions. Invasive weed species remains very low <br />on all of these sites. <br />F. Description of animal impacts on revegetation: On the newly planted areas, the <br />cattle ate much of the straw thereby greatly reducing the effectiveness of this <br />expensive addition to aid in the revegetation during this drought period. The cattle <br />continue to impact the stream corridor severely, but with the implementation of the <br />Status report for 2006 (July 15, 2006) Page 10 of 1 <br />