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table listing the proposed seed mix for the tall mountain shrub thin topsoil <br />planting areas. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has amended the text to reflect the use of a modified Sagebrush Steppe <br />Mix for all the trials, that will provide additional data for use in refining potential larger <br />scale efforts in the fixture. The seed mix has been incorporated into the text. This mix <br />reflects the vast majority of the suggested changes proposed by the Division. <br />12. The thin soil shrub seed mixture would be particularly adapted to a <br />sandstone dominated spoil material, with a significant coarse fragment <br />content. Please specify in the plan that the thin soil trial plot would be <br />located on a site with these spoil characteristics. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has chosen a location with a significant coarse fragment component for <br />this trial. The sandstone component is not present at this location but areas can be <br />identified in South Taylor that exhibit this characteristic in future reclamation activities. <br />Colowyo does not believe the presence or absence of sandstone dominated spoil material <br />is the limiting factor for establishing this habitat type. Deep ripping of the overburden in <br />this trial location (that does have a significant coarse fragment component), combined <br />with the fabric, thin topsoil application and elevation characteristics will be the <br />foundation upon which success should be assured. <br />13. Please address measures that will be taken to ensure that the upper four feet of <br />surface material (spoil and/or topsoil) will be replaced to achieve a loose, rough <br />surface, that is not compacted by scrapers or other wheeled vehicles. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />The appropriate text has been amended. <br />14. The Division has observed only limited success with respect to establishment of <br />tall mountain shrub species from seed. In the CSU study plots, the only <br />significant success with tall shrub species such as serviceberry and chokecherry <br />was accomplished using containerized transplants. Please incorporate planting <br />of containerized tall shrub transplants, including the serviceberry and <br />mountain mahogany species, on at least % of the thin soil tall shrub trial plot. <br />Detailed planting practices as described/requested for aspen planting will <br />need to be provided. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has amended the text to include planting containerized shrubs including <br />serviceberry and mountain mahogany species and recommended planting practices. <br />15. The tall shrub species are in general highly palatable to elk and deer. Given the <br />heavy use of Colowyo reclaimed areas, especially by elk, and given the results