2008-08-19_PERMIT FILE - C1996083A (4)

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2.05.4(2)(e) Revegetation Plan :~ (i) Schedule of Revegetation The schedule of revegetation for the majority of the disturbed areas is not possible to predict. When the mine is no longer an economically viable operation, it will be reclaimed and revegetated. The time frame for the revegetation could varyfrom as little as five years to more than fifty years. Topsoil stockpiles, cut slopes and other disturbed surfaces associated with the mine construction will be revegetated during the first available planting season typically September 1st to November 15th. (ii) Seed Mix The revegetation objective for the disturbed area is to achieve a diverse, self- sustaining cover of the grasses, fortis, and shrubs that will become a productive and stable vegetative community. The number of shrubs replaced per acre will be considerably less than the density of shrubs present on the proposed disturbed area. Since the intent of the revegetation plan is to establish a rangeland and wildlife land use that is equal to or better than the existing conditions, fewer shrubs will be replaced so as to balance the grass forage production against the shrub cover needs of wildlife. The grass forage needs of wildlife in the permit and surrounding area is an important concern. The surrounding area is dominated by oak brush and Juniper trees. Very little area is open grassland, though small meadow enclosures within a mixed shrub matrix can be found as a natural part of the landscape at higher altitudes north of the disturbed area. The primary mine disturbance will be about 4,000 feet long in a north-south direction and will range from a few hundred to 1,000 feet wide. The reclamation of the mine will add 40 to 50 acres of grass dominated forage to the overall area which should improve the wildlife habitat. Eight seed mixes will be used for the revegetation work, one for temporary soil stabilization and seven for final reclamation purposes. The permanent mixes include a set of core species which will be used and a set of optional species which may be used depending on their availability and price at the time of actual reclamation. Varieties are listed to assist the operator but may change based on the recommendations ofthe seed company at the time of purchase. Varieties that are best adapted to mine area will be selected. Seeding rates that are listed are drill seed rates which will be doubled for areas that must be broadcast seeded. The first seed mix will be a soil stabilization mix used for the interim reclamation of topsoil stockpiles, cut slopes and other disturbed surfaces associated with the mine construction. This mix is listed below. C' TR-46 2.05 - 49 - 05/08 ~ P PP.,ov~ D -7~ ~I p 8