Laserfiche WebLink
at least in the early stages of establishment and growth. The primary "foundation-building" <br />element for this approach is the ability to replace variable topsoil depths and/or quality of soil <br />materials depending on site-specific needs, the discretion of the field construction supervisor, <br />and the capabilities (or lack thereof) of available materials and equipment. <br />In summary, application of PERA on "shrub-favorable areas" would be based on the <br />community development contributory factors of. 1) soil quantity, quality, and replacement <br />depth; 2) aspect, slope, and landform; 3) documented and expected performance of various <br />floral species; 4) revegetation metrics; and 5) the target post-mining land use. In this manner, <br />reclamation and resultant developing communities will be encouraged to follow a more <br />natural path to maturation and successional progression as opposed to more historically <br />utilized grassland favorable approaches that should only be applied to the remaining 60% to <br />80% of reclaimed ground (sloping areas). However, there will likely be instances, if not an <br />overall need, to incorporate managerial practices to encourage or protect positive recruitment <br />to the shrub populations. Such management may include the following steps: <br />• Use of elevated quantities of sagebrush seed within the grassland target areas, and <br />placement of that seed in a manner to encourage sagebrush emergence. <br />• Use of limited livestock (cattle) grazing to select against grasses and for shrubs <br />and forbs. <br />• Use of elk-proof fencing to preclude access into large blocks of maturing shrub <br />populations, especially core areas. <br />• Use of hunting pressure to reduce elk utilization of new reclamation where it can <br />be incorporated in a safe manner given proximity to active mining. Develop <br />special seasons in concert with CDOW for management of "refuge" elk. For <br />obvious reasons, any activity in this regard would have to be designed and <br />approved for implementation in accordance with applicable statutes. <br />Furthermore, approvals from appropriate agencies (CDOW, MSHA, etc.) will be <br />obtained as necessary. <br />• Use of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) in key reclamation locations to <br />encourage elk away from maturing shrub populations. It has been documented <br />that this taxon is heavily utilized by foraging elk. <br />• Implement procedures for micro-habitat development whereby snow catchment is <br />encouraged and shrub heavy mixes can be applied. <br />• Interseeding of shrubs (as necessary as a normal husbandry practice) within areas <br />not exhibiting satisfactory establishment of shrubs, but still presenting <br />opportunities (micro-niches) for shrubs. Such interseeding would be performed <br />in accordance with Rule 4.15.7(5)(g), and documentation of any such efforts <br />would be provided in the Annual Reclamation Report for that year. <br />4.15-22 Revision Date: 3/14/08 <br />Revision No.: TR-72