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Michael G. Altavilla Seneca Coal Company Page 2 February 3, 1999 seeded introduced species, intermediate wheat grass, titer milkvetch, and alfalfa, account for close to ~0% of the relative cover. These aggressive, highly productive, and persistent species undoubtedly contribute to the high production levels on the reclaimed area, but provide excessive competition For less a_ressive native species, particularly woody plants. Introduced species accounted for 20% of the seedmix used in 1990 (on a PLS seed weight basis) with the three dominant species mentioned above accoun[in, for 10.6%0 of the ntix. Based in par on previous monitoring results similar to those described above, the primary rangeland seedmix (# I) was adjusted in 1993 in order to reduce the excessive competition provided by the ag°ressive introduced species. Intermzdia[e wheat grass was dropped from the mix, and the amount of titer milkvetch was cut in ha{f. The currently approved Seedmix #I, appazently used since 1994, contains 10.7% introduced species on a PLS seed weight basis (I 3.2% on a PLS seeds/square foot basis). Currently approved introduced species are Russian wildrye, orchardgrass, titer milkvetch, and Travois alfalfa. The much less frequently used Seedmix #2, for mesic sites, includes three introduced species, which comprise 30%of the mix on a PLSlsq. foot basis. Initial composition and succession on reclaimed:areas seeded with the amended seedmix will continue to be monitored. Monitoring results to be submitted over the next couple of years should be evaluated by SCC and DMG, to assess whether complete elimination of introduced species From the permanent Seneca ll seedmixes may be warranted. Similar assessment should be undertaken for seedmixes used at Seneca II-W and Yoast. Seedmix #I at Seneca II-W contains two introduced species (orchardgrass and Travois alfalfa) which comprise 5.3% of the mix on a PLS seeds/squaze foot basis. Mix #2 contains 30% introduced species, and Mix #3 (alkaline lowlands) cortains 33% introduced species. Yoast Mix # I contains two introduced species, Travois alfalfa~and orchardgrass, which comprise 5.3% of the mix on a PLS seeds/square foot basis. Mix #2 contains all native species; and Mix #3 contains 11.7% introduced species. Missing Information The information included in the report was very thorough and well presented, with the basic data tables and narrative evaluation enhanced by graphs and photos. However, it appears that certain monitoring information and documentation requited by the permit (as indicated in the curent findings document) was . not included in the report. Specific apparent deficiencies include the following: I. Page 40 of the fmdings, paragraph 3, references an annual "planning map" showing the approximate location of shrub and tree planting to be done in the coming year. This "planning map" was not included in the reports submitted. Will this map be submitted for 1998 and 1999 reclamation areas for any reclamation done in L998/1999? 2. Page 40 of the findings, paragraph 4, states that "quantitative measurements will be caried out in years 2, 4, and 7 following initial seeding. The data and results From this monitoring program will be submitted to the Division by the March 30 Siting of the Annual Reclamation Report:' To comply with [his requirement, data and results from 1997 sampling of 1995 and 1993 reclaimed areas should have been included in the 1997 monitoring report, in addition to the data and results reported for the 1990 reclaimed area. The information should be submitted, if it was collected. If the areas were not sampled in 1997, an explanation should be provided. On paged 1 of the findings, paragraph 4, it is stated [hat monitoring for the purpose of evaluating effects of grazing on the Wadge study area is conducted annually, and that monitoring repots are