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Michazl G. Altavilla <br />Seneca Coal Company <br />Page 3 <br />February 3, 1999 <br />to be submitted annually to the Division. The only W'adge pasture data included in the report was <br />the shrub density data referenced previously in this memo. If the gazing study monitoring was <br />conducted in 1997, the report nzeds to be submitted. If such monitoring was not conducted, an <br />explanation will need to be provided. <br />4. Onz additional item of note regarding seedmixes. The approved permit contains two ptrmanen[ <br />seedmixes, in addition to a shrub-only mix, which is used in concentrated shrub seeding areas. <br />Seedmix I is the primary mix, designed for upland sites and ephemeral drainages. Seedmix 2 is a <br />mesic site Seedmix, designed for riparian areas, areas around permanent ponds, and other areas <br />likely to have potentially wet sits conditions. Based on review of the seedmixes used between <br />1981 and 1993, which were included in the report, it would appear that Seedmix 2 was used only <br />in 1985. Please verify whether this is the case, and if so, explain why Seedmix 2 was used en <br />only one occasion. Also, it is uncleaz why seedmixes used since 1994 were no[ included in the <br />report. The seedmixes used from 1994 through 1997 should also be provided. <br />Shrub Establishment Smdies <br />The operator submitted a report titled"1997 Reclamation Studies and Shrub Establishment <br />Monitoring at Seneca II and Seneca ll-W Mines", which had been prepared by Bitterroot <br />Consultants. The report addresses three separate Smdies, which the operator initiated to evaluate <br />shrub establishment approaches and problems. The Smdies include long term annual <br />monitoring, initiated in I I woody plant establishment plots at Seneca 11, and 3 plots at II-W in <br />1995; a topsoil depth and shrub establishment study, initiated on Plot 95-4 at Seneca 11; and a <br />mycorrhizae inoculation study, initiated in 1997. The annual monitoring will be continued for <br />an unspecified time period, while the report indicates that final reports on the topsoil depth smdy <br />and the mycorrhizae study would be prepared in the fall of 1998. <br />The oldest of [he long term monitoring plots was only three years old when sampled in 1997, and <br />none of the plots have been monitored more than twice, so conclusions at this time are very <br />preliminary. Heavy browsing by deer, elk, and marmots was noted in all plots, and competitive <br />weedy species, particularly Canada thistle, were present in most plots. <br />The consultant indicated that intensive browse control efforts would be necessary to increase plant <br />growth and survival. <br />The Division has the following questions concerning the shrub monitoring study. <br />5. Is SCC planning to incorporate browse control measures and/or weed control measures <br />into [he smdy? <br />6. What weed control measures are typically applied within the concentrated shrub seeding <br />and planting areas? <br />