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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 <br />rangeland. The slopes left when mining ends will be graded 3h to <br />lv and the floor of the mine will be flat per the landowners <br />wishes. The Reclamation Plan Map - Exhibit E-2 shows how we envision the area <br />will look when it is reclaimed. <br />Reclamation will begin as the exterior limits of the mine is <br />reached. Where they exist a stable 3:1 slope will be left and <br />along with the mine floor, will only need resoiling and <br />revegetation. Once mining is done on an area and will not be <br />disturbed again it will be resoiled and prepared for seeding. We <br />estimate the average depth of the replaced topsoil will be 10 <br />inches. If the east area is not mined there will be no soil <br />available for the pre-law mined area. This will mean that at a <br />minimum 5.16 acres will be resoiled leaving 3.41 acres of area <br />where no topsoil exists at this time. The landowners may wish to <br />import topsoil for resoiling the pre-law area, if they do this area <br />will be prepped and seeded. If no soil is available, then the area <br />will have a gravel floor and will be shaped and graded to return it <br />to its existing condition. Fertilizer will be used to enhance the <br />seed bed and will be spread on the seedbed and disced in during <br />seedbed preparation. The area will be seeded and 2000 lbs per <br />acres of clean weed free straw will be crimped into the seed bed. <br />After the second growing season the site will be inspected and <br />an assessment of revegetation success will be done to determine if <br />additional seeding is necessary. If the analysis shows additional <br />work is needed it will done that fall. <br />Per the local NRCS recommendations, seeding will occur between <br />October 15th and May lst. Generally, before the first freeze in the <br />fall or after the last freeze in the spring. The seed will be <br />drilled to insure maximum germination and most rapid cover <br />establishment. The seeding mix and species of grasses to be used <br />on the area are shown on page 21 of this report. This is a Dryland <br />Pasture mix available from a local seed supplier that has been used <br />successfully on other gravel mines in this area. The seed will be <br />obtain from a supplier in the area so the mix is adapted to local <br />conditions. We also expect to see a natural invasion of forbs and <br />woody plants from surrounding areas. Only inaccessible areas (if <br />any) will be broadcast seeded. If the seed is broadcast, the seed <br />rates will be doubled. No trees or shrubs will be planted at this <br />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 shade <br />for emerging grass. We will concentrate on controlling the noxious <br />weeds on the reclaimed area, following NRCS recommendations if a <br />problem occurs. <br />25