2009-10-30_PERMIT FILE - C1982057A

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con pity within the shrub stands along the Tie - Across Haul Road corridor would diversify habitat ,,while increasing grazing potential , ' In-the meadow vegetation - type - four grasses contributed relative cover greater - than percent in baseline. studies. No forbs contributed relative cover - values of three percent or more, and shrubs Were not a notable component of the type. A minimum of four grasses_ each will contribute relative cover values of three percent or greater in the reclaimed plant communities. In addition, one forb will be established -Each species will not exceed 75 percent relative cover. Species diversity will not be evaluated on acres returned to- cropland- for obvious- reasons. _ r' Woody Plant Density The woody plant densities proposed for the reclaimed mining blocks are based on anticipated levels of successful tree and shrub establishment resulting from application of current reclamation technologies. Planting rates have been specified that take into account mortality levels commonly experienced. Further consideration has been given to environmental, ecological, and successional factors acting upon the reclaimed areas containing shrubs or trees. The extensive and competitive herbaceous reclaimed communities restrict woody plant establishment and development. This is further complicated by the inherently slow growth and development of woody plants and the significant change in site characteristics on reclaimed mining areas. While reinvasion and natural regeneration of shrubs will greatly aid in returning shrubs on the reclaimed landscape, the above factors are a significant barrier towards achieving anything that even closely approaches moderate premine densities. The specified overall densities, the densities within the concentrated planting areas, and the pattern of plantings will provide areas within the reclaimed mining blocks where eventual expansion of shrubs may take place. The patterns will benefit wildlife habitat needs and provide cover. In the interim, the herbaceous dominated reclaimed areas will provide substantial foraging benefits for wildlife and livestock and diversify regional habitat. Woody plant density success will be evaluated on the basis of a performance standard. As per CDMG suggestion, it is requested that the overall woody plant density standard for the Seneca II -W Mine (including the South Extension Area) be 200 stems per acre. In concentrated planting areas, the woody plant density standard will be 2,000 stems per acre. However, in the concentrated aspen sites the density standard will be based on future test plot results and planting strategies based on those results. In the mesic drainage- wetter phase sites along Dry MR -66 55 Revised 10/09