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RECLAMATION PLAN EXHIBIT D <br />6.3.4 -Final grading will be such that the topography is <br />appropriate to the reclaimed use of the property, i.e., as range- <br />land. The existing stockpiles will be greatly reduced and the mined <br />area will be left relatively flat and the floor of the mine will <br />gently slope from north to south. <br />The Reclamation Plan Map - Exhibit E -2 shows how we think the area will <br />look when it is reclaimed. <br />Reclamation will begin as the existing stockpiles are removed. <br />This will be done to reduce the bond amount and leave only needed <br />resoiling and revegetation if mining ended prematurely. Once enough <br />area is done and will not be disturbed again the salvaged topsoil will <br />be spread on the cleared area. The depth of the replaced topsoil will <br />average 6 inches. If needed, fertilizer will be used to enhance <br />the seedbed and will be spread on the seedbed and disced in during <br />seedbed preparation. <br />Seeding will occur between October 15 and May 1 Gener- <br />ally before the first freeze in the fall or after the last freeze <br />in the spring. The seed will be drilled to insure maximum germi- <br />nation and most rapid cover establishment. The seeding mix and <br />species of grasses to be used on the area are shown on page 20 of <br />this report. This is a seed mixture made up of native grasses <br />found on the site that has been used successfully on other gravel <br />mines in this area. The seed will be obtain from a supplier in <br />the area so the mix is adapted to local conditions. We also <br />expect to see a natural invasion of forbs and woody plants from <br />surrounding areas. Only inaccessible areas (if any) will be <br />broadcast seeded. If the seed is broadcast, the seed rates will <br />be doubled. Mulch will be placed on the area when seeding is <br />complete and no trees or shrubs will be planted at this time. <br />Weed control will be implemented prior to and during <br />revegetation activities. This does not mean we will attempt to <br />kill all weeds, since some provide a natural ground cover and <br />shade for emerging grass. We will concentrate on controlling the <br />noxious weeds on the reclaimed area, following the weed control <br />plan prepared for the site. Cattle will be kept off the site <br />during the first two years to insure the seed takes. If neces- <br />sary the area will be fenced using a single strand of electric <br />fence around the seeded area. After the second growing season <br />the site will be inspected and an assessment of revegetation <br />success will be done to determine if additional seeding will be <br />necessary. If the analysis shows additional work is needed it <br />will be done that fall. <br />25 <br />