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• each 1.6 acre shrub clump which will provide hiding and thermal cover in each 46-acre area of influence. <br />The major shrub species transplanted are Gambel's oak, serviceberry, chokecherry, and snowbeny. <br />However, all shrub species will be counted to meet density requirements since all species provide some <br />measure of forage and/or cover (Table 4.4-14). The shrub density standard may also be met through <br />other methods that incorporate mature shrub clumps. As described in Section 3.6.3.5, the seeding of low <br />shrubs between the mature shrub clumps may be done. Additionally, aerial or interseeding of big <br />sagebrush may be performed to increase winter forage for wildlife. <br />Further, direct haul of topsoil from the prestrip area to the regraded spoils results in sprouting of native <br />perennials. Thus, a random distribution of various native shrub species can be expected. <br />Directly hauled topsoil may also be applied to the mature shrub clump areas. Sprouting of shrubs from <br />freshly removed and replaced topsoil will add to the density of shrub species within clumps and provide <br />additional cover and forage. If sufficient shrub sprouting can be achieved through the direct haul of topsoil <br />to meet the 400 shrub stems per acre standard, other forms of shrub establishment, with the exception of <br />mature shrub clumps, may be curtailed. <br />A determination of having met the shrub density standard will be based on density transacts conducted <br />the last two years of the 10-year liability period (or in two consecutive years subsequent to the 10-year <br />liability period) across the reclaimed areas, including shrub re-establishment areas. Direct count belt <br />• transacts will be used to obtain an average shrub stem density count on reclaimed lands, A and B range <br />sites. Actual woody stem sampling methodologies for determining establishment success are discussed <br />in Section 4.4.1.6. <br />In shrub clumps, transplanted shrub pads will be inventoried for presence or absence of live woody plants. <br />A shrub pad will be deemed successfully established if at least 10 live woody stems, from either original <br />transplants or from resprouted plants, are observed. If less than 10 live woody stems are observed, a pad <br />will be considered unsuccessful. <br />From density transacts an average stem density count per acre per unit area of reclaimed land will be <br />calculated. If the actual average shrub stem density count is > 400 stems per acre and the shrub pad <br />survival within shrub clumps is at least 50%, successful shrub stem establishment will have been met. <br />The 400 stems per acre standard shall include the shrub stem benefit derived from stems within the <br />mature shrub clumps. If, at a future time, Trapper decides to discontinue mature shrub clumps, Trapper <br />will reevaluate the appropriate shrub stem density for range sites A and B, and propose a revised shrub <br />standard for Division approval. <br />The narrative in Section 3.6.3.5 describes shrub establishment methods and species to be utilized. <br />• <br />4-119 Revision: T2-81 <br />Approved: