2010-03-19_REPORT - C1994082 (9)

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• By dividing the topsoil available by the area requiring topsoil replacement, we arrive at the future topsoil balance thickness of approximately 2.3 feet for the remaining disturbance area. This generalized topsoil balance does not account for any area variations or for permanent facilities not requiring topsoil; it is strictly an area-wide average. During 2007, topsoil thickness sampling was conducted over the topsoiled area on a 500 ft. grid. The overall topsoil replacement depth for the areas reclaimed to date is 21.4 inches. The 21.4 inches is right in line with the original projections of 21.6 inches. REVEGETATION • Seeding and Shrub Planting Seeding. No additional acres were seeded/planted or shrubs planted for the first time in 2009. However, approximately 7.9 acres were re-seeded and 34.9 acres were interseeded and various drainage channels were seeded/interseeded with interseed mix to increase stability. Mix #3 (Mesic Drainage and Sub-irrigated Sites) was used in the drainage channels, while the reseeded areas used the alkaline lowlands mix (Mix #4). Table 09.2 lists the approved seed mix for upland sites and ephemeral drainages, Table 09.3 lists the approved seed mix for mesic drainages, Table 09.4 lists the approved seed mix for the alkaline lowlands, Table 09.5 lists the approved seed mix for interseeding. An actual seed tag from the seed bags used is contained in the attachment 2009 Seed Tags. Shrub Plots. No additional shrub plots were established in 2009. • • Monitoring ESCO Associates, Inc conducted revegetation monitoring of permanently revegetated areas during the summer of 2009. The 2009 Annual Revegetation Monitoring report will be submitted under separate cover. • Weed Control Survey for noxious weeds was carried out on the Yoast Mine permit area in 2009. Monitoring was conducted in 2009 to determine the need or level of retreatment necessary for areas sprayed in 2008. Canada thistle was the primary target species in all control areas, with lesser activity directed towards areas of hounds tongue and whitetop. Control areas were sprayed in May and June. A spot spray gun was used to concentrate control activities on target areas, reducing potential impacts to adjacent desirable vegetation. The herbicide mix, based on recommendations from the Colorado State Extension Service, was mixed and applied by a certified commercial applicator. The weed control areas will continue to be monitored in 2010 for effectiveness and necessary retreatment. See attached 2009 Weed Control (daily) Log and the 2009 Weed Spray Location map for a detailed description and location of the 2009 herbicide application. • Grazing Sheep (560) were moved on to the Yoast Reclaim for 45 days between August 11t and September 15th. • This grazing scheme resulted in a total of 168 AUMs for 2009. Assumptions: Five (5) sheep = 1.0 AUM 2