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• <br /> • 2 .05.4 (2 ) (e) <br /> During 1992, eighteen acres of the backfilled area <br /> within Mining Area 1 were covered with topsoil. Because of <br /> inclement weather during the fall of 1992, the rangeland seed mix <br /> was not applied to the topsoiled area. The Operator does not <br /> believe that the rangeland seed mix will establish if planted <br /> during the spring of 1993. For this reason, a cover crop will be <br /> planted on the topsoiled area in the spring of 1993. The topsoiled <br /> areas will be seeded with rangeland seed mix in the fall of 1993. <br /> Mulching Techniques <br /> A straw mulch will be used to provide surface <br /> protection, the application rate will be approximately 4000 <br /> pounds/acre. The straw will be anchored by mechanical crimping or <br /> with one of the various tackifying agents available on the market. <br /> Only clean grain straw that is free of noxious or problem weeds <br /> will be used. <br /> Irrigation and Weed Control <br /> Use of the planting and mulching methods specified <br /> above will result in satisfactory plant establishment, barring <br /> abnormally dry conditions. There are no plans to irrigate the <br /> reclaimed areas. <br /> • A number of problem and noxious weeds occur in the <br /> mine area. If problem or noxious weeds become established, a weed <br /> control program using herbicides will be implemented. The <br /> herbicides used will be based on recommendations of the Montrose <br /> County Extension Service. Prior to the application of any herbi- <br /> cide, approval of their use will be requested from the Division. <br /> Pest control may be necessary if infestations <br /> seriously impact the reclaimed area. The current Colorado Pesti- <br /> cide Guide from the Colorado State University, Cooperative Exten- <br /> sion Service will be consulted in order to determine the proper <br /> pesticide to be used. Prairie dogs can become a serious detriment <br /> to the establishment and maintenance of desirable vegetation. If <br /> prairie dog infestations become a serious problem in the reclaimed <br /> areas, an appropriate mitigation plan will be developed in <br /> consultation with the Division and the appropriate State and <br /> Federal wildlife agencies. <br /> Reclamation Success <br /> The reclamation success will be qualitatively <br /> evaluated during routine inspections of the reclaimed sites. These <br /> evaluations shall include an assessment of noxious weeds, species <br /> diversity and the general health of the vegetation. Results of <br /> these evaluations will be included in the annual reclamation <br /> • reports required under Rule 2.04 . 13. <br /> 2 .05-25 March 1993 <br />