2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (108)

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RUL 2 PERMITS travel in one direction, and then back. In such a manner, seeding equipment could be hooked and unhooked at one end of a reclamation unit without excessive travel. Similarly, field practicalities may dictate that 2, 4, or 6 passes are warranted with given seeding equipment before switching because of complications of attachment or other factors. If seeding equipment exhibits an 8 -foot width, then alternating bands would be approximately 16, 32, or 48 feet wide for the example 2, 4, or 6 pass scenario. None of these widths, or even greater widths, would be problematic from an ecological perspective. In addition, such banding would maximize "edge effect" for sage grouse populations. The aforementioned sagebrush steppe limitation to 10% or flatter slopes may be exceeded (up to 15% slope) at the discretion of the reclamation coordinator for given opportunities that may be presented. However, in any such circumstances where the 10% slope limitation is exceeded, the "banding" technique will necessarily become a standard (mandatory) procedure to preclude excessive erosion if no other methods of erosion control are implemented. Mulching Techniques Mulches tend to shade the soil, thus slowing the rise in soil temperature needed for germination of seeds. At Colowyo, soil moisture is not usually a limiting factor. Soil moisture is usually very high during the spring, due to precipitation during the winter and early spring months. The summer months are generally dry, often with little additional precipitation. By not utilizing mulch, soil temperatures are increased earlier in the spring, thus enabling the seeds to germinate earlier when soil moisture conditions are optimum. When the seeds germinate earlier, they are able to utilize soil moisture earlier in the growing season. This results in further root development by the plants, aiding survival through the dry summer months. Surface manipulation methods such as contour furrows, drainage benches and permanent drainage channels will be utilized to eliminate any sediment control issues sometimes rectified by using mulch. Where deemed necessary by the reclamation coordinator (e.g.., sagebrush steppe targeted areas, south - facing slopes, etc.), techniques such as mulching, chisel plowing, or discing on the contour will be reinstated as necessary. Please refer to Volume 1, Section 2.05.4 for further historical context and discussions concerning mulching reclamation areas on Colowyo reclamation. Irrigation No irrigation is planned for areas to be seeded. Pest and Disease Control Noxious plants, as defined in Section 1.04, will be managed in accordance with the following section — "Weed Management Plan ". If insects become a problem to the point where they endanger the successful establishment of the seeded vegetation on the reclaimed area, they will also be controlled using methods suggested by the Colorado State University Extension Service. All herbicides and pesticides utilized will be those that are approved by the appropriate state and federal governmental agencies responsible for the approval and distribution of such agents. Weed Management Plan A listing of Colorado's noxious weeds (A, B, and C lists) as well as an indication of Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties' listed taxa are indicated on Volume 1, Table 2.05 -10 along with an indication of those CoIlom - Rine 2, Page 113 Revision Date: 1/23/09 Revision No.: PR -03