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observed in past operational and field trial plantings at Colowyo and other <br />northwest Colorado mines, protection from browsing during establishment is <br />critical. The plan to install elk proof fencing if a problem is observed is not <br />sufficient, and could result in delays to allow for replanting. At least % of the trial <br />site should have elk proof fencing installed from the beginning. Colowyo may <br />want: to consider use of repellent or other protective products or approaches on <br />non-fenced portions of the field trial site. Please amend the plan as <br />appropriate. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has amended the text to include fencing of the trials. <br />General Comments <br />16. In TR-84 Colowyo is proposing a total of three trial plots, one for aspen and two <br />for tall mountain shrubs on thick and thin topsoil. The goal of these trials is to <br />determine a suitable method for the reestablishment of these communities in the <br />reclamation, specifically in the South Taylor Pit. To achieve this goal, Colowyo <br />will need to initiate these test plots as early as possible, so the knowledge gained <br />can be used for aspen and tall mountain shrub reestablishment when the South <br />Taylor Pit is being reclaimed. These test plots should, ideally, be planted during <br />the 2010 reclamation season and no later than the 2011 reclamation season. The <br />Division requests that Colowyo commit to planting the three aspen and tall <br />mountain shrub test plots in the 2010 reclamation seasons. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo is currently scheduling implementation of these trials for the fall of <br />2011. <br />17. Based on the ultimate goal of reestablishing the aspen and tall mountain shrub <br />communities, specifically in the South Taylor Pit area, Colowyo may want to <br />consider initiating more than one trial for each of the aspen, tall mountain shrubs <br />on thick topsoil and tall mountain shrubs on thin topsoil communities. The <br />initiation of more than one trial will yield more information regarding possible <br />successes and failures and may eliminate the random nature of one plot's failure <br />or success. Varying the elevation, slope and aspect may have a large affect on the <br />success or failure of a test plot. Such information is not possible with the planting <br />of a single test plot. As with question 16 above, these multiple test plots should <br />be initiated no later than the 2011 reclamation season. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo would like to defer discussions of additional trials until the currently <br />proposed trials are established. The proposed locations for these trials were chosen <br />based on shared characteristics to the actual areas where habitat types in question have <br />been disturbed. Colowyo has also agreed to perform replanting/reseeding activities for a