2008-02-21_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981008 (2)

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-~" United 5#ates Departmen# of Agriculture o MRCS Na~ral Resources Conservation 5ertice Jim Boyd, Resource Conservationist I'. O. Box 29 Norwood, CO 81423 jim.boyd@co.usda.gov 97Q~27-4244rOFFICE 97Q~27-0247-FAX February 21, 2008 Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety Department of Natural Resources 101 South 3~ Street, Suite 301 Crrand Junction, CD 81501 Dear Concerned Parties: In regards to a deternunation of Prime Farmlands on the New Horizon Mine, Nucla, CO, the United States Department of Agriculture -Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA- NRCS), considers the soil map unit "Begay Fine Sandy Loam, 1 to 3 Percent Slopes, a Prime Farmland, if irrigated. This soil type occurs in the far northwest corner of the New Horizon Mine permit area and constitutes about 3.5 acres. Aerial photographs show that this soil was historically irrigated and therefore meets USDA NRCS criteria for Prime Farmland. The reclamation of this area is subject to State of Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety regulations concerning reclamation of Prune Farmlands for surface coal-mining operations. The past-mining land use objectives of the property owner may or may not influence the nature of the reclamation process. It is not for USDA-MRCS to decide this matter. In regards to common faaTning practices associated with growing Alfalfa Hay as the primary crop on irrigated cropland, the typical crop rotation is as follows: 1} Plant alfalfa in the spring with a cover crop of oats and irrigate 2) Harvest the oats when mature 3} Manage the alfalfa stand for five to seven years. The length of time wi11 depend on the vigor and productivity of the alfalfa plants ~) When the production of the alfalfa stand declines, plowldisk down the alfalfa and plant small grains such as oats, wheat, barley, sorghum/sudan grass, etc., for one or two years. Control broadleaf weeds during this period of the cropping sequence. 5) After one or two years of small grains, replant Alfalfa with a cover crap of oats as in year one. 6} Perform all other sound agricultural practices during this cropping sequence such as proper irrigation water management, nutrient.management, pest management, and harvesting. - The Natural Resource Cansen+atian Service works in partnership with the American People An equal Opportuniiy Provider and Employer. to conserve and sustain natural resources on private Eands.