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• 2) If noxious weeds are identified, they will be sprayed using a backpack sprayer or 4-wheeler <br />with chemicals approved for use by the weed control staff of Mesa County. <br />3) After reclamation, weed surveys and spraying will continue until the perennial cover and <br />production of the site have met State and BLM requirements and bond release has been <br />obtained. <br />The BLM and Mesa County weed control staff will be consulted regarding any identified weed <br />infestation areas and appropriate control measures will be agreed upon prior to their initiation. The <br />plan does not contemplate total weed removal in reclaimed areas on the property. Past experience <br />shows that some initial weed cover in the first year following retopsoiling is beneficial to the <br />reclamation effort at dry range sites. Weeds tend to provide shade for new grasses, are a means of <br />holding snow on the seedbed longer and protect it from wind and water erosion until the planted <br />species have taken hold. <br />21. Revegetation Success Criteria <br />• <br />The pre-mine site is basically Pinyon Juniper community with an understory of grasses and forbs. The <br />post-mining revegetation will emphasize grasses, forbs and shrubs that can be utilized by wildlife as <br />forage. Based on pre-disturbance reconnaissance of the Whirlwind waste embankment area, it is <br />estimated that the live perennial cover below the tree canopy is approximately 20%. The disturbed <br />areas will be considered satisfactorily revegetated by the BLM when the percent vegetative cover at <br />least equals the cover percent prior to disturbance and the plant species composition is at least as <br />desirable as the present prior to disturbance. <br />22. Monitoring Reclamation Success <br />Monitoring of reclaimed areas on an ongoing basis during mining operations and during the post- <br />closure period will help to assure successful reclamation. The operator plans to consult with the local <br />NRCS office in Mesa County and the BLM prior to and after reclamation to determine preferred <br />• methods for minimizing erosion and enhancing revegetation. If minor changes or modifications are <br />Whirlwind Mine 07 (rev. April 08) E-17 <br />