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RECLAMATION PLAN <br />The reclamation goal is to restore the disturbed mining areas for future use as rangeland. <br />This goal is consistent with other land uses found in the surrounding area. The overall <br />site reclamation will results in a re-vegetated depression. <br />During all mining phases, approximately twelve inches of top soils will be removed. The <br />topsoil will be re-vegetated to prevent erosion and stockpiled for use during reclamation. <br />After the topsoil has been removed, scrapers and loaders will be used to excavate the <br />approximate one to three feet of overburden. Overburden will be used to create a five <br />foot berm along the perimeter of the property. The berm will serve to mitigate the visual <br />impact of the operation. <br />Each phase will be first mined and then used as a processing and staging area for the <br />subsequent mining phase. Once a phase is no longer needed for processing and staging, <br />the berm will be flattened and a grader will be used to create a 3:1 slope with the <br />stockpiled overburden. The overburden will be compacted and stabilized to prevent <br />erosion. Topsoil replacement will occur once all re-grading of the disturbed phase is <br />completed. Topsoil will be replaced in a single twelve inch lift over the disturbed phase. <br />The intent of the re-vegetation is the establishment of plant communities consistent with <br />the post-mining use. Following topsoil replacement, seed-bed preparation and <br />stabilization may include ripping, disking, harrowing or furrowing. The re-seeding plan <br />calls for the establishment of pasture-type and native grasses at the site. <br />The topsoil with be seeded, using a broadcaster, at a rate of twenty-five pounds per acre. <br />The applied seed will be a dry mixture containing twenty percent pubescent wheatgrass, <br />fifteen percent San Luis slender wheatgrass, ten percent Russian wild rye and twenty <br />percent annual ryegrasses. The annual ryegrass germinates quickly and will act as the <br />cover crop to enhance germination and growth of the remaining seed mixture. <br />Seeding will be performed in the late fall when ambient temperatures are lower and <br />adequate moisture is present. In the event of a mid to late summer planting, it may be <br />necessary to utilize a mulch and/or tackifier to promote germination and vegetation <br />establishment. As no surface water will be available for the seeding, fertilizers will not <br />be applied. <br />Native trees and shrubs will be planted along the perimeter of the site to prevent erosion. <br />Reclamation of each phase is expected to take approximately one to three years. <br />The current weed control program used for the existing Spring Creek pit will be <br />continued to reduce a potential for infestation of Canada thistle and Russian Knapweed. <br />The weed management program has been developed in conjunction with the Montrose <br />County Weed Department.