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will be planted in a systematic grid, but we request that a generalized <br />planting diagram be provided to illustrate the plot layout, with respect to row <br />spacing, tree spacing within rows, and areas of the plot that would be seeded. <br />Research indicates that the larger the containerized aspen and native shrubs are <br />the better chance of success they have. The Division recommends that Colowyo <br />use 1 gallon or larger containerized aspen, with at least 10% being 5 gallon <br />containerized trees. <br />Colowyo 's Response: <br />The appropriate text has been amended. <br />5. In commitment'T ' Colowyo briefly discusses the proposed planting method for <br />the containerized aspen. Colowyo states that the aspen will be planted "...per <br />best practices with regards to depth, etc." In order to determine the adequacy of <br />the proposed plan, the Division needs to have more detailed information regarding <br />the planting procedures in the aspen areas. Please provide more detail <br />regarding the planting practices, including planting depth, timing, and use of <br />properly trained personnel or professional planters. Measures to enhance planting <br />success such as strategically located and oriented snow fencing, surface mulching, <br />and erosion control measures should also be addressed. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />The appropriate text has been amended. <br />Tall Mountain Shrub Planting Areas - Thick Topsoil <br />6. Colowyo has provided numerous commitments that will be implemented during <br />the construction of the tall mountain shrub test plots on thick topsoil. One of <br />these commitments, "c", states that Colowyo will replace topsoil to a depth of 8- <br />16 inches. A minimum depth of 8 inches more approximates the general <br />premining conditions and is no different than the current average topsoil <br />replacement depth for the Colowyo Mine and is not considered thick topsoil. <br />Topsoil substantially thicker than 8 inches is warranted on the thick topsoil shrub <br />planting area. Please change the topsoil replacement depth commitment in <br />item "c" to include topsoil replacement at a depth of at least 48 inches to <br />better replicate the conditions in the undisturbed areas, and to incorporate <br />the concept of significant variation in soil thickness that would be applied <br />within the South Taylor area. <br />Colowyo's .Response: <br />The text has been modified to include 48 inch topsoil thickness. <br />7. In commitment "d" Colowyo states that "(t)he sagebrush steppe mix will be <br />modified to reduce the volume of "low shrubs" in favor of tall shrub components <br />in the mix." In commitments "f' and "g", the operator describes a strip seeding