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community 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 three 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. Woody Plant Density Woody plants and tree species are economically, biologically, and esthetically important to all aspects of post mine land use. SCC has undertaken or cooperated in comprehensive applied research to determine best management practices for establishing woody plants on reclaimed land in Northwestern Colorado. The results indicate that woody plants can be established with varying success. SCC has gleaned from these studies, and actual field experience, that the best possible approach is to: 1.) Fence new woody species plots with 8 ft. high elk proof fence; 2.) Drill seed or broadcast seed woody species, depending on seed size; 3.) Plant seed and seedlings from local genotypes; 4.) Transplant local genotype plants; 5.) Maximize direct hauled topsoil; 6.) Apply vegetation blocking fabric; and, most importantly, for the long -term, 7.) Leave large blocks of undisturbed, native vegetation to act as a native seed source, a native source of vegetative propagation, and successful establishment of native woody plants. In regard to point 7) above, SCC permitted for disturbance 1482 acres within the boundaries of the II -W Mine. Of these 1482 acres, SCC actually disturbed only 1286 acres. The undisturbed 196 acres, approximately 15 %, are left as islands of mature habitat and seed sources for the eventual successional rejuvenation of the mined land. The islands and border areas of undisturbed plant communities maintained through avoidance mitigation consist of 93 acres of aspen; 63.5 acres of mountain shrub; 26 acres of sagebrush and 6 acres of mesic drainage type. These undisturbed islands and border areas are part of the avoidance mitigation planned for the woody stems in the mined land. (See Exhibit 22 -1, Postmine Vegetation Map, for locations of TR -70 55 Revised 06/10