2009-05-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (2)

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Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Revegetation Introduction This revegetation plan details the methods and materials required to revegetate and stabilize lands affected by surface mining at the New Horizon 2 area and the amendment area. Postmining Land Use Land use and baseline vegetation studies (Sections 2.04.3 and 2.04.10) conducted during 1987 and 1999, as well as results from interviews with local operators in the area, show that the pre- mine land use is intensive agriculture based largely on irrigation. Vegetation types such as the swale/drainage type are present as a result of irrigation in the area and are used, where possible, in a similar fashion to irrigated pasture or irrigated hayland. Baseline studies also showed that irrigated hayland and pastureland are very similar in composition in many cases and may be used interchangeably depending on the operator's needs. After several years of production following renovation, the hay fields become dominated by grasses and are slowly invaded by species such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata). The hay fields are used as pasture during various periods in the year based on operator needs. In most cases management is not at a high level. Other than farmsteads, facilities, and a small abandoned orchard, the sagebrush types makes up the balance of the disturbance area. This type reflects disturbance of the original sagebrush and pinyon-juniper vegetation and the intensity of use from associated agricultural activities. These sagebrush areas are not irrigated and are located on mesa tops where it is impractical to get irrigation water via ditches and on steep mesa sides. The postmining land use will be similar to the premining land use - agriculture using irrigation. Irrigated pasture will be the primary postmining vegetation type, but a few areas of dryland pasture on steep slopes or that are out of reach of irrigation sprinklers and swale/drainage type vegetation adjacent to sediment ponds will also be established. Irrigated pasture was chosen as the primary vegetation type in order to encourage "prompt establishment of vegetative cover and recovery of productivity levels compatible with the approved postmining land use" (4.15.1(2)). Irrigated pasture will be established on areas identified as hayland in the baseline vegetation studies. The exception (Revised April 2009) 2.05.4(2)(e) - 1 ?? 1310Y 20,0q