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_%, <br /> <br />On non-cropland, establish a uniform vegetative cover that reflects pre-disturbance or reference <br />area forbs, shrubs and grasses. <br />Fence livestock and/or wildlife out of newly reclaimed areas until reclamation standards have <br />been met and plants are capable of sustaining herbivory. <br />Census and assess the utilization of the reclaimed areas by target species such as Columbian <br />sharp-tailed grouse and nesting raptors. <br />Reclamation seed mixes: <br />The CDOW recommends a rangeland seed mix which contains a broad array of native grass, forb, and <br />shrub species desirable for wildlife, including Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and greater sage-grouse. <br />Use high diversity (10 species or more) reclamation seed mixes in Columbian sharp-tailed grouse <br />habitat. Bunchgrass over sod-forming grasses can be used in seed mixes in order to provide more <br />effective wildlife cover and to facilitate forb and shrub establishment. Avoid aggressive non-native <br />grasses in Columbian sharp-tailed grouse habitat reclamation (e.g., intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent <br />wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, smooth brome, etc.). A small percentage of the appropriate species of <br />big sagebrush should be re-seeded on disturbed sites. Reclamation of sage-grouse breeding habitat <br />.should include a substantially higher percentage of forbs than other areas. Native and select non-native <br />forbs and legumes should be considered a vital component of reclamation seed mixes. Where slope is <br />10% or less, create seed mixes with approximately the following percentages of plant types (on a Pure <br />Live Seed basis): grass=40%, shrub=30%, forbs=30% in order to facilitate forb and shrub establishment. <br />CDOW provides the following comments on the proposed reclamation seed mixes: <br />• Table 2.05.4-T-1 proposes acceptable seed mixes. <br />• Table 2.05.4-T2 provides a seed mix for the reclamation of the surface facility disturbance area, <br />a diverse seed mix. It is recommended that Idaho Fecue (Festuca Idahoensis) replace the listed <br />Alpine Fescue. Alpine fescue, although a native grass, is best suited for elevations above tree <br />line or approximately 10,000 feet. Festuca Idahoensis would be better suited for the elevations <br />of the site. <br />• Table 2.05.4-T3 provides a Sagebrush Grassland Moist Site Conditions Seed Mix. There is one <br />species in this seed mix, Creeping foxtail that would not be considered native. The inclusion of <br />mountain big sagebrush may be beneficial in the sagebrush-grassland mix. Use locally adapted <br />seed whenever available, especially for species such as big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata), <br />antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), and bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), which <br />have wide geographic ranges and much genetic variation. <br />• Table 2.05.4-T5, Drill Site Reclamation Seed Mix, is comprised mostly of non-native plants, many <br />of which are aggressive and should never be used in reclamation mixes. Primary concerns are <br />with Intermediate wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia ssp. Intermedia), Pubescent wheatgrass <br />(Elytrigia intermedia ssp. Trichophorum), Desert wheatgrass, which is more commonly known as <br />Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum), and smooth brome (Bromus inermis). These <br />species should be removed from any seed mix from this point forward. Meadow Brome <br />(Bromopsis biebersteinii) is a non-native but does not sod bound to the extent of smooth brome <br />and therefore would be more acceptable, although a native substitute is preferred. This is also <br />true with Orchardgrass, Timothy, alfalfa, and milkvetch varieties. Slender Wheatgrass (Elymus <br />Trachycaulus) is the only native grass listed in this seed mix.