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I . i <br />Finally, what will be done to minimize the damage to the mature aspen stand by <br />removing the aspen pads for transplanting? How will these areas be reclaimed <br />after the pads have been harvested? <br />2.) Site preparation and topsoil placement: <br />The plan does not describe how the site will be prepared for the transplanted <br />aspen. Topsoil will need to be placed on re-graded slope prior to transplanting <br />these pads. Studies have indicated that Roto-cleared topsoil, where the present <br />vegetation was chopped up and mixed with the soil prior to the soils removal, <br />aids the aspen establishment. It would be preferable if the topsoil that is placed <br />on the regarded slope is soil that was removed from the original aspen stand on <br />the site. Also, it is also unclear how the aspens will be planted on the site, for <br />example will they dig out an area roughly the same dimensions of the aspen pad <br />prior to planting, or will they place the pad on top of the ground? In general the <br />aspen should not have soil placed above their root collar, which would kill the <br />trees. <br />3.) Size of the area and erosion control: <br />It is unclear how many acres are considered to be encompassed in the "North <br />Cresson Mine Area Viewshed". This information will need to be provided to <br />determine if the number of trees planted will be adequate? <br />It is also not clear how the area between the aspen pads will be stabilized to <br />prevent erosion; the aspen pads may be dense enough so that this is not an issue. <br />If there is a significant amount of space between the aspen pads, it will need to be <br />stabilized with a grass crop to prevent erosion. <br />4.) Irrigation: It is mentioned in the plan that the aspen transplants will be irrigated for two <br />growing seasons. The operator will need to describe how the transplants will be <br />irrigated; what method will be used, how frequently will the trees be watered, <br />and how much water will be used for irrigation? What is the source of the <br />irrigated water? Studies have indicated that water used for irrigation of aspen <br />transplants needs to be low in salinity. <br />5.) Weed control: <br />Weed control measures will need to be implemented around the transplanted <br />trees to aid in establishment. <br />6.) Browsing exclusion: <br />Animal browsing my significantly impact the success of establishing a stand of <br />aspen on this site. It is recommended that a fence be built around the area to help <br />exclude browsing animals and enhance the aspen stand will establish.