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Woody Plant Density <br />0 <br />The woody plant densities proposed for the reclaimed mining blocks are based on anticipated <br />levels of successful tree and shrub establishment resulting from application of current <br />reclamation technologies. Planting rates have been specified that take into account mortality <br />levels commonly experienced. Further consideration has been given to environmental, <br />ecological, and successional factors acting upon the reclaimed areas containing shrubs or trees. <br />The extensive and competitive herbaceous reclaimed communities restrict woody plant <br />establishment and development. This is further complicated by the inherently slow growth and <br />development of woody plants and the significant change in site characteristics on reclaimed <br />mining areas. While reinvasion and natural regeneration of shrubs will greatly aid in returning <br />shrubs on the reclaimed landscape, the above factors are a significant barrier towards achieving <br />anything that even closely approaches moderate premine densities. <br />The specified overall densities, the densities within the concentrated planting areas, and the <br />pattern of plantings will provide areas within the reclaimed mining blocks where eventual <br />expansion of shrubs may take place. The patterns will benefit wildlife habitat needs and <br />• provide cover. In the interim, the herbaceous dominated reclaimed areas will provide <br />substantial foraging benefits for wildlife and livestock and diversify regional habitat. <br />Woody plant density success will be evaluated on the basis of a performance standard. As per <br />CDMG suggestion, it is requested that the overall woody plant density standard for the Seneca <br />II -W Mine (including the South Extension Area) be 200 stems per acre. In concentrated <br />planting areas, the woody plant density standard will be 2,000 stems per acre. Howe ver, in the <br />concentrated aspen sites the density standard will be based on future test plot results and <br />p anung strategies based on those re sults. In the mesic drainage- wetter phase sites along Dry <br />Creek, at least 150 stems per acre as tree species will be included in the 2,000 stem density <br />standard. At the permanent pond sites, the 2,000 stem density standard will include at least 150 <br />stems per acre as tree species. Exhibits 22 -1 and 22 -1A illustrate the general location of the <br />shrub and the tree planting areas. Shrub and tree establishment areas will be delineated and <br />sampled separately from the general reclaimed units. Random or systematically placed density <br />plots, depending on size of unit, will be used in sampling. Plot size will be 100m <br />The woody plant density of the appropriate revegetated area will be considered acceptable if <br />the density is not less than 90 percent of the approved standard in reclaimed lands and <br />TR -65 54 Revised 9/09 <br />