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2. The Division proposes to approve the use of certified noxious weed-free grass hay or <br />straw mulch as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). Soil <br />stabilization and moisture retention will be further enhanced by the preparation of an <br />extensively roughened seedbed, using track-hoe gouging or comparable methods. <br />3. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in Sections 3.9 and 4.8 of Volume I. The application <br />further indicates that statistical tests of success will follow procedures recommended <br />in the Division's bond release guideline. The Division proposes to approve of the <br />specified techniques (4.15.7(l)). <br />4. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will include use of <br />reference area comparison for vegetation cover and herbaceous production, and <br />technical standards for woody plant density and species diversity (Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)). <br />The mine area woody plant density standard is 500 stems per acre. Species diversity <br />standard requires that a minimum of three perennial species shall each provide a <br />minimum of 3% relative cover, that two of the species be perennial cool season <br />grasses, and that no individual species comprise greater than 60% relative cover. The <br />Division proposes to approve these success standard comparison approaches. <br />There is no quantitative standard for the Loma Loadout, due to the fact that pre-mine <br />land use and postmine land use of the loadout is Industrial. The loadout site has been <br />cleaned up, graded and seeded (most recently in November 2004). Pursuant to Rule <br />4.15.10(2), final bond release will not occur prior to the establishment of a ground <br />cover of living plants adequate to control erosion. <br />5. A reference area will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner which <br />the Division finds acceptable, pursuant to 4.15.7(4). Specifically, vegetation cover <br />and herbaceous production on reclaimed mine area disturbances will be statistically <br />compared to the same parameters within the sagebrush reference area, pursuant to <br />4.15.7(4)(a). <br />The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. <br />X. Protection of Fish, Wildlife and Related Environmental Values <br />Section 4.6 of Volume I, Figure 4.6-1 of Volume 2, and Appendix I of Volume 3 of the <br />application contain the fish and wildlife resources information and fish and wildlife plans <br />pertaining to the Munger Canyon Mine. ' The applicant has supplied the results of a <br />site-specific wildlife study, along with materials compiled from other studies. <br />36