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April 22, 1988 <br /> Page 2 <br /> at the time, the lands can easily be converted to alfalfa <br /> hay production by the landowner. Peabody has chosen <br /> irrigated pasture as the primary postmining vegetation <br /> type because these lands can be used both for pasture or <br /> hay production, the established pasture will not require <br /> renovation every 5-7 years , and this type of vegetation <br /> will show that the productivity of the land has been <br /> restored. <br /> The dryland pasture type will be established with a mix of <br /> dryland species that can provide grazing and protect the <br /> soil . These include a wheatgrass hybrid that is similar to <br /> crested wheatgrass, but more productive; a drought tolerant <br /> variety of orchardgrass; a more productive variety of <br /> Russian wildrye; and a dryland pasture alfalfa variety. <br /> Only about 10 percent of the permit area in 5 scattered <br /> areas will be reclaimed to this type. These areas roughly <br /> coincide with sagebrush areas that were not irrigated <br /> before mining. <br /> • Finally, a few hedgerows , planted to Russian olive and <br /> cotoneaster, will be established along field borders in the <br /> center of the permit area. Also, a few cottonwoods and <br /> mulberry trees will be planted on field borders to replace <br /> some of the wildlife habitat that will be removed during <br /> mining. These plantings will not interfere with the <br /> management of the fields since they are located on the <br /> borders. The plantings will benefit pheasant and other <br /> bird species and reflect a requirement under the <br /> regulations to return or enhance wildlife habitat. <br /> Of great concern to all is the ability of these lands to be <br /> irrigated once again after mining and reclamation. The <br /> reclamation plan has been engineered to return a landform <br /> that can be irrigated similarly to the current lands. <br /> Furthermore, the engineering design will allow for <br /> reestablishment of the currently used irrigation systems. <br /> The attached form has been prepared for your convenience. <br /> Please sign and date this form on the line indicated. If <br /> you do not concur with the proposed postmining land use, or <br /> you have any comments or additional concerns, please note <br /> them in the comment section provided. <br /> This letter does not obligate you in any way. Its purpose <br /> is to summarize the reclamation plan, detail the proposed <br /> . postmining land use, and provide you an opportunity for <br /> comment. Within the next several weeks, a complete copy <br />