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Seedmix 2 is a mesic site Seedmix, designed for riparian areas, areas around permanent ponds, and <br />other areas likely [o have potentially wet site conditions. Based on review of the seedmixes used <br />between 1981 and 1993, which were included in the report, it would appear that Seedmix 2 was <br />used only in 1985. The operator should be asked to verify whether this is [he case, and if so, <br />explain why Seedmix 2 was used on only one occasion. Also, i[ is unclear to me why seedmixes <br />used since 1994 were not included in the report. Unless there is an explanation, the seedmixes <br />used from 1994 through 1997 should also be provided. <br />Shrub Establishment Studies <br />The operator submitted a report titled "1997 Reclamation Studies and Shrub Establishment <br />Monitoring at Seneca ll and Seneca II-W Mines", which had been prepared by Bitterroot <br />Consultants. The report addresses three separate studies, which the operator initiated to evaluate <br />shrub establishment approaches and problems. The studies include long term annual <br />monitoring, initiated in on I I woody plant establishment plots at Seneca li, and 3 plots at II-W in <br />1995; a topsoil depth and shrub establishment study, initialed on Plot 95-4 at Seneca II; 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 study <br />and the mycorrhizae study would be prepared in the fall of 1998. <br />The oldest of the long term monitoring plots was only three years old when sampled N 1997, and <br />none of the plots have been monitored more than nvice, 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 inmost plots. <br />The consultant indicated that intensive browse control efforts would be necessary to increaze plant <br />growth and survival. <br />1 have a couple questions based on the shrub monitoring study. Is the operator planning to <br />incorporate browse control measures and/or or weed control measures into the study? What weed <br />control measures are typically applied within the concentrated shrub seeding and planting areas? <br />I would be interested in reviewing the final reports on the topsoil depth study and the mycorrhizae <br />study when they are submitted. <br />cc: Larry Routten, DMG <br />dansword\m iscm ine\sen97rvg.mem <br />