2009-09-14_REVISION - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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H b) At least four native perennial forb species combined comprise at least 1% composition. E. Revegetation Monitoring Plan Colowyo will continually monitor vegetation establishment to ensure that success standards are being met. Information on the vegetation monitoring plan is found in Section 4.15.1(4) of the Permit. Results of these surveys are included in the Annual Reclamation Reports. As a part of this plan, monitoring shall occur between late June to early August to best utilize information measurable during the active growing season. Monitoring of the first growing season after planting will determine the frequency of occurrence of planted versus volunteer species. This strategy will allow for corrective action to be employed when necessary. During the second and fourth growing seasons after planting, data for herbaceous cover and woody plant density will be collected by species. Colowyo will then conduct vegetation monitoring during the seventh year and every three years thereafter. Vegetation monitoring information will be submitted to the Division as part of the Annual Reclamation Reports, along with a map delineating areas sampled each year. 1. The Division approved the use of introduced species in the reclamation seed mix. The Applicant has submitted information which shows that the introduced species are desirable and necessary to achieve the approved post-mining land use of range and wildlife use and that the introduced plants are not poisonous or noxious (Rule 4.15.2). The pre-2009 seed mix contained a number of introduced species in the seed mix. The 2009-forward seed mix only contains the introduced species cicer milkvetch. 2. The Division approved the use of contour furrowing as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements (Rule 4.15.4). 3. Methods to measure herbaceous cover and production, species diversity, and woody plant density are discussed in Section B, Item XI, Revegetation, and in Section 4.15.1(4) of the Permit. These techniques include the use of reference areas to set standards for herbaceous cover, herbaceous productivity, woody plant density and species diversity. The Division approved these techniques [4.15.7(1)]. 4. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on the following values: 1) herbaceous cover, 2) herbaceous productivity, 3) woody plant stem density, and 4) species diversity [Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)]. 5. The Division approved reference areas, which the Applicant had selected, based, on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). Proposed Decision and Findings of Compliance 14 September 2009 Permit Renewal 05 Page 64