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that browsing by big game species, as well as competition from aggressive <br />grass species such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and intermediate <br />wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium) have prevented germination and <br />growth of shrub populations on pre-2000 revegetation. Therefore, future <br />bare-root planting of shrubs on new and older reclamation is not <br />recommended based on very poor performance in the past. Any effort to <br />increase shrub densities on older (pre-2000) revegetation will prove to be <br />very difficult and expensive with little or no chance for success given the <br />present competition from established grass species and big game grazing <br />pressures. Therefore, it is recommended that Colowyo continue <br />discussions with the state agencies to alter, through technical revision, <br />target land uses and bond release standards applicable to at least pre-2000 <br />revegetation areas." <br />In 2000, Colowyo Mine, along with the Seneca II and Trapper Mines, participated in a <br />shrub establishment program identified as the "CSU/DMG Shrub Establishment Field <br />Trials." This program is described below: <br />CSU/DMG Shrub Establishment Field Trials <br />Introduction and General Study Description <br />Shrub establishment demonstration plots have been established at the Colowyo Mine, <br />Seneca II Mine and Trapper Mine. The goal of the plots is to evaluate cost effective <br />methods for establishing native shrubs on reclaimed lands. <br />Native shrub establishment on reclaimed lands has been a challenge. Competition from <br />herbaceous species and wildlife browsing present significant obstacles to establishment. <br />Introduced cool season grass species in particular were frequently seeded in the recent <br />past, and stands dominated by these aggressive grasses have suppressed establishment <br />and growth of the slow growing native shrub species. The uniform replacement of <br />topsoil, at depths ranging from 12-20 inches, may be another factor contributing to the <br />homogenous grass community structure. Grasses thrive at the expense of forb and shrub <br />species. The young shrub plants that do get established are highly desirable browse for <br />deer and elk. Thus, heavy browse pressure creates another limitation for shrub <br />establishment. <br />In an effort to overcome these limitations, the Division of Minerals and Geology (DMG) <br />requested Colorado State University (CSU) to assist with a study plan to evaluate shrub <br />establishment. A study design was developed after considerable discussion with <br />representatives from the mining community, the DMG and the Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife (DOW). Three coal mines in northwestern Colorado volunteered to assist with <br />the project by providing personnel, regraded lands for the plots, construction equipment, <br />planting materials, elk proof fencing, and plot maintenance. At each mine demonstration <br />plots were constructed in the fall of 2000. Five to six treatments were established to <br />evaluate shrub establishment techniques that have commercial practicality on a large <br />scale. The specifics of the Colowyo demonstration plots are found in the Colowyo Mine <br />4.15-5 Revision Date: 3/14/08 <br />Revision No.: TR-72