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The introduced species were included in the mixture because they were thought to be <br />necessary to control erosion and because they provide forage for wildlife and livestock on <br />the reclaimed area. The research at Colowyo by the Colorado State University (CSU) <br />Agronomy Department has documented the superiority of the introduced species for <br />revegetation purposes compared with other species under similar conditions. The CSU <br />study and two progress reports are set forth in Exhibit 10, Vegetation Information. None <br />of the introduced species are poisonous or noxious. For further discussion of the value of <br />introduced species for obtaining the desired post-mining vegetative community of the <br />same seasonal variety and lifeform of the pre-mined area, refer to Section 2.05. <br />For post-2008 revegetation, the seed mix is comprised entirely of native species. <br />Introduced species would only be utilized in four possible circumstances. The first would <br />be reclaimed areas exhibiting a post-mining land use of pastureland (specifically <br />targeting domestic livestock grazing and/or haying operations). The second would be in <br />small areas potentially susceptible to excessive erosion where at the discretion of <br />Colowyo's reclamation coordinator, introduced species would provide the necessary <br />protection. (Prior to use of aggressive taxa to combat areas that are highly susceptible to <br />erosion, an MR or TR (as appropriate) will be obtained from CDRMS to address such <br />circumstances.) The third possible circumstance would be the inclusion of orchard grass <br />at elevated densities in certain locations designed to encourage elk away from other sites. <br />(It has been documented that elk specifically seek this species for consumption.) The <br />fourth circumstance would be inclusion of modest quantities of small burnett or nitrogen <br />fixing legumes such as cicer milkvetch or alfalfa as supplemental forage for deer, elk, and <br />livestock. In addition, cicer milkvetch has proven to be an excellent "habitat" plant for <br />insects that are very important to foraging sage grouse chicks during the brooding period. <br />4.15.3 Seeding and Planting <br />The seeding and planting of the disturbed area will be conducted during the first normal <br />period for favorable planting conditions after final preparation for seeding or planting. <br />The planting period and other revegetation metrics for Colowyo are set forth in Section <br />2.05.4. <br />4.15.4 Mulching and Other Soil Stabilizing Practices <br />As addressed in Section 2.05.4, Colowyo currently does not mulch, chisel plow, or <br />terrace, because sufficient surface roughness survives the topsoil laydown process to <br />maintain the appropriate roughness for modeled sediment control conditions. When <br />necessary, chisel plowing, discing, terracing and/or contour furrows could / would be <br />utilized to stabilize, reduce compaction and increase the moisture retention of graded <br />topsoiled areas. As indicated under "Mulching Techniques" in Section 2.05.4, use of <br />mulch would be considered a last resort, but is certainly an erosion control metric that <br />may be utilized (where deemed necessary) for long south-facing slopes such as at South <br />Taylor. Spoil will be graded to minimize long, uninterrupted slopes. Replacement of <br />topsoil will be followed by chisel plowing and contour furrowing (when necessary). <br />4.15-3 Revision Date: 3/14/08 <br />Revision No.: TR-72