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the eastern portion of the permit area that is currently in a poor productive state, or <br /> . has low utility, will be reclaimed as irrigated pasture. Thus, revegetation activities <br /> will return the affected Lands to a similar (if currently irrigated and managed) or higher <br /> and better use. Successful revegetation of irrigated pasture and hayland will show that <br /> the reclaimed lands are capable of supporting the uses which they were capable of <br /> supporting before mining. As discussed in Tab 21 "Minesoil Reconstruction", there are <br /> approximately 15 acres of prime farmland within the permit area (see also Exhibits 9-3, <br /> 9-6 and Tab 9 "Soil Resources Survey"). <br /> Wildlife will continue to make incidental use of the area following reclamation <br /> activities. A portion of the swale/drainage type will remain in the western half of the <br /> permit area, continuing to provide habitat to wildlife. Hedgerows will be planted along <br /> some field boundaries to provide escape and nesting cover for upland game birds and other <br /> bird species. <br /> Letters have been sent to the Legal and equitable owners within the permit area, detailing <br /> the revegetation plan and proposed postmining land use. A copy of the letter and list of <br /> addresses is provided in Attachment 1 to this Tab. The responses from the landowners are <br /> included in Attachment 1 found at the end of this tab. Inquiries during 1987 baseline <br /> studies and discussions with local residents pertaining to Peabody's proposed postmining <br /> Land use, indicated that the proposed postmining Land use and establishment of irrigated <br /> pasture is compatible with local wishes. Besides the above legal and equitable owners, <br /> other Nucla farm operators contacted during baseline studies include Tom Garvey, Ward <br /> Burbridge, James Johnson, Zene Weimer, Frank Morgan, and Bud Benson. <br /> Postmining Vegetation Types. The postmine vegetation types will consist of the irrigated <br /> pasture type, irrigated hayland, the dryland pasture type, and any portions of the <br /> swale/drainage type that remain undisturbed or have reestablished naturally during the <br /> Liability period. The following discussion on revegetation methods has been split into <br /> sections for each major type because of the difference in methods required to establish <br /> the irrigated types and dryland pasture type. <br /> Revegetation Methods - Irrigated Pasture and Irrigated Hayland. The majority of the <br /> revegetated areas will be returned to a postmining land use of irrigated pasture. This <br /> will include a variety of lands which have been affected by mining disturbances, <br /> associated disturbances (i.e., roads, facilities, stockpile Locations), and lands within <br /> 22-17 Revised 07/25/91 <br />