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acreages. These additional vegetation types include: Upland and improved <br />subirrigated pasture, Mesic drainage, lands in the Conservation Reserve Program, <br />Cropland, Alkali Sagebrush/Greasewood, and Alkali Meadow. Approximately <br />51.8% of the permit area is comprised of Mountain Brush community at (1166 <br />acres). Sagebrush is the next most dominant community representing 422.4 acres, <br />or 18.7% of the permit area. The Aspen community ranks third in area with 333.5 <br />acres, 14.8% of the permit area. All other community types are considerably less <br />extensive with no one type exceeding 6% of the permit area. <br />Seneca Coal Company collected baseline vegetation data during June 1990 and <br />July 1992. Sampling was performed in accordance with the Regulations and was <br />discussed with the Division prior to data collection. <br />Seneca Coal Company has gained approval of five permanent reclamation seed <br />mixes and one temporary seed mix. Seed mix IA was used throughout the <br />majority of the reclaimed area and has been formulated to re-establish an Upland <br />Shrub Grassland. This seed mix is weighted towards perennial cool season grass <br />species, with perennial forbs and shrub seed included as well. All of the species <br />included in the seed mix are native, with the exception of Orchardgrass and <br />Alfalfa. These two species have been included to enhance forage utility, improve <br />legume presence in the stand, and help establish cover. Neither species is <br />considered poisonous or noxious and is desirable to achieve the post-mining land- <br />use. (Rule 4.15.2) The variety of alfalfa, Travois, used by Seneca Coal Company <br />has demonstrated compatibility in a grassland mix at adjacent mines, and has not <br />exhibited excessive aggressiveness. A variation of Seed mix IA was used along <br />the haul road corridor and has been modified as Seed Mix 1B to correlate with the <br />Sagebrush Grassland vegetation type found within the haul road vicinity. <br />Concentrated narrow areas with higher moisture regimes were seeded with Seed <br />Mix No. 2 developed for Mesic Drainage and Subirrigated Sites. This seed mix <br />was used to re-establish riparian areas, mesic sites, and may be utilized around <br />permanent ponds. This seed mix is comprised entirely of native species. <br />Seed Mix No. 3 has been developed for utilization in localized alkaline <br />conditions. These conditions may be encountered along the haul road corridor. <br />Alkalaigrass and Alfalfa are the only introduced species included in this seed mix. <br />This seed mix complies with Rule 4.15.2. <br />Seed Mix No. 4 has been formulated to establish quick soil stabilizing cover on <br />locations that are temporary in nature. Temporary locations would include topsoil <br />stockpiles and roadside disturbances. <br />Seed Mix No. 5 has been developed for concentrated shrub establishment areas. <br />Seneca Coal Company's experience at adjacent mines has shown that higher <br />survival rates in concentrated shrub seeding areas have been achieved by <br />suppression of herbaceous competition within the concentrated areas. <br />Yoast Mine 33 December 15, 2010