2008-03-12_PERMIT FILE - C1981018A (8)

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• surrounding lands. The application of the latter category of criteria is particularly important on sites that receive the greatest utilization by sheep during the winter and early spring. These are exposed sites on south and west-facing slopes, and ridge and hill tops. Fencing of reference areas 110, 140 and 150 was necessary to prevent continued depletion of the herb layer as a result of sheep winter use and to improve the existing range condition. However, Section 4.15.7(3)(d) of the regulations requires the reference areas to be managed in a manner that is in accordance with the approved postmining land use. Therefore, before sampling for comparative purposes, the reference areas must be made available for grazing. Semi-arid sites characterized by harsh and limiting environmental conditions have been successfully reclaimed in this region using the techniques around which this plan has been constructed. Understanding the special treatments and well-coordinated maintenance programs is important. The site-specific plans and evaluations provided for by this plan and the presence of a resident reclamation specialist is integral to the success of the plan. Criteria used to evaluate revegetation success for purposes of final bond release are as follows: (Table V-15 summarizes these criteria). (a) Vegetative cover of the revegetated area must be at least 90% of the vegetative cover measured in the corresponding reference site. • (b) Vegetation must be of a grazing tolerant type to present maximum resistance to damage by domestic sheep grazing during winter. In addition, site characteristics, particularly soil characteristics, must have properties favorable to the persistence of the revegetated sites under the probable grazing regime. (c) Herbaceous productivity in revegetated sites will be at least 90% of the herbaceous productivity for perennial species measured in the appropriate reference site or 90% of the expected productivity as determined by USDA range site descriptions (Illustration 25). The range condition based on species composition by the NRCS method will be evaluated for each of the reference areas at the time of bond release. If the range condition is found to be poor the productivity standard will be based on the USDA Range site descriptions. If the reference area is found to be in fair or better condition, then the data from the reference area will be used. (d) For large permanent sites, a species diversity success standard of at least 2 perennial cool season grasses, each with a relative vegetative cover equal to or greater than 3% will be used. In addition, perennial fortis shall comprise a relative vegetative cover equal to or greater than 3%. On the larger permanent revegetated sites, any 3non-native species • Mid-Term Review 2002 (8/2002) V-61