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period of time beyond 2011 if necessary specifically because of the known potential for <br />overall reclamation effort failure from year to year. <br />18. Colowyo has not provided any information regarding where the proposed test <br />plots would be located, besides the general statement that they would be in areas <br />delineated for the sagebrush steppe seed mix. Since the Division is requesting <br />these test plots be initiated no later than 2011, Colowyo should have a good idea <br />of the areas that will be reclaimed in that time-frame and provide more details <br />regarding their location. These possible locations can be provided to the Division <br />in the form of a plate within the permit text. Once final locations have been <br />established and the test plots have been planted, Colowyo can revise the plate as <br />necessary. Please provide the Division with more specific information <br />regarding the locations of the proposed test plots within the approved <br />reclamation schedule. Please delineate the test plot locations on a plate <br />within the text of the permit. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has included the location of the trials on an insert to the amended text. <br />19. Colowyo has not provided any information regarding additional treatments that <br />might be used on the aspen and tall mountain shrub test plots. The Division <br />believes that treatments such as leaving the overburden and topsoil in a very loose <br />(uncompacted) condition, fertilizing transplants, mulching or the use of netting in <br />the areas may enhance the growth of the desired communities and yield better <br />success. Additionally, since the seeding rates of the native grasses are being <br />reduced, there will be a need to further stabilize the reclaimed surface prior to the <br />establishment of the grasses and trees or shrubs. Please provide the Division <br />with more detail regarding additional measures that will be used on the <br />aspen and tall mountain shrub test plots to better control erosion and <br />enhance the growth of the desired communities. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has amended the text to address overburden and topsoil management, <br />sediment control and stabilization. Colowyo does notplan to fertilize, mulch or use <br />netting on these trials at this time. The topsoil resource likely to be used for these trials <br />will be in tie form of either direct haul material or relatively recently stockpiled material <br />from the South Taylor area, and the use offabric as a competition barrier would <br />preclude the need for using mulch. The trials will be fenced with elk proof fencing so <br />there would not appear to be an added benefit to the utilization of netting in these efforts. <br />20. Colowyo has not provided the Division with a plan for the monitoring of the <br />proposed aspen and tall mountain shrub test plots. The monitoring of these plots <br />will be essential to determine whether the plots are successful. Please include a <br />monitoring plan for the test plots. Additionally, please include a description <br />of how Colowyo will report the results of the monitoring to the Division.