Laserfiche WebLink
on area weighting) found in sampling of the Reference Area appropriate to the shrub grassland or <br />mesic drainage reclaimed types (i.e. the area weighted Reference Area native species density): <br />Total cumulative # of reclaimed area native species* > area weighted Reference Area native <br />species density (# species / 100 sq.m) <br />*in the cumulative presence data from 2m x 50m samples associated with the collection of a <br />statistically adequate cover sample of the reclaimed area (and including alfalfa and /or cicer <br />milkvetch which have been included in seed mixes as nitrogen- fixers for lack of alternatives). <br />Woody Plant Density <br />The woody plant densities proposed for the reclaimed mining blocks are based on anticipated <br />levels of successful tree and shrub establishment resulting from application of current <br />reclamation technologies. Planting rates have been specified that take into account mortality <br />levels commonly experienced. Further consideration has been given to environmental, <br />ecological, and successional factors acting upon the reclaimed areas containing shrubs or trees. <br />The extensive and competitive herbaceous reclaimed communities restrict woody plant <br />establishment and development. This is further complicated by the inherently slow growth and <br />development of woody plants and the significant change in site characteristics on reclaimed <br />mining areas. While reinvasion and natural regeneration of shrubs will greatly aid in returning <br />shrubs on the reclaimed landscape, the above factors are a significant barrier towards achieving <br />anything that even closely approaches moderate premine densities. <br />The specified overall densities, the densities within the concentrated planting areas, and the <br />pattern of plantings will provide areas within the reclaimed mining blocks where eventual <br />expansion of shrubs may take place. The patterns will benefit wildlife habitat needs and <br />provide cover. In the interim, the herbaceous dominated reclaimed areas will provide <br />substantial foraging benefits for wildlife and livestock and diversify regional habitat. <br />Woody plant density success will be evaluated on the basis of a performance standard. It is <br />proposed that the overall woody plant density standard for the Yoast Mine be 200 stems per <br />acre. In concentrated planting areas, the woody plant density standard will be 2,000 stems per <br />acre. However, in the concentrated aspen sites the density standard will be based on future test <br />plot results and planting strategies based on those results. In the mesic drainage- wetter phase <br />RN -03 <br />45 <br />Revised 10/10 <br />