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RECLAMATION PLAN EXHIBIT D <br />6.3.4 - Final grading will be such that the topography is <br />appropriate to the reclaimed use of the property, i.e., as range- <br />land. The slopes left when mining ends will be graded 3h to 1v <br />and the floor of the mine will be flat per the landowners wishes. <br />The Reclamation Plan Map - Exhibit E-2 shows how we think the area will <br />look when it is reclaimed. <br />Reclamation will begin as the exterior limits of the mine is <br />reached and we begin to mine and backfill the outer slopes to <br />their final rate. This will be done to reduce the bond amount and <br />leave 3:1 slopes that will only need resoiling and revegetation. <br />Once enough area is done and will not be disturbed again the <br />salvaged topsoil will be spread on the excavated and exterior <br />slope area. The depth of the replaced topsoil will average 8 <br />inches. Fertilizer will be used to enhance the seed bed and will <br />be spread on the seedbed and disced in during seedbed preparation. <br />Cattle will be kept off the site during the first two years to <br />insure the seed takes. If necessary the area will be fenced using <br />a single strand of electric fence around the seeded area. After <br />the second growing season the site will be inspected and an <br />assessment of revegetation success will be done to determine if <br />additional seeding will be necessary. If the analysis shows <br />additional work is needed it will done that fall. <br />Seeding will occur between October 15th and May 1St. Gener- <br />ally before the first freeze in the fall or after the last freeze <br />in the spring. The seed will be drilled to insure maximum germi- <br />nation and most rapid cover establishment. The seeding mix and <br />species of grasses to be used on the area are shown on page 20 of <br />this report. This is a seed mixture made up of native grasses <br />found on the site that has been used successfully on other gravel <br />mines in this area. The seed will be obtain from a supplier in <br />the area so the mix is adapted to local conditions. We also <br />expect to see a natural invasion of forbs and woody plants from <br />surrounding areas. Only inaccessible areas (if any) will be <br />broadcast seeded. If the seed is broadcast, the seed rates will <br />be doubled. No mulch will be used on the area and no trees or <br />shrubs will be planted at this time. <br />Weed control will be implemented prior to and during <br />revegetation activities. This does not mean we will attempt to <br />kill all weeds, since some provide a natural ground cover and <br />shade for emerging grass. We will concentrate on controlling the <br />noxious weeds on the reclaimed area, following the weed control <br />plan prepared for the site. <br />25