Laserfiche WebLink
Colowyo strongly believes that increased plant diversity will lead to the ultimate goal of specific <br />post -mine land uses that vary from livestock grazing to sage grouse brood rearing habitat to <br />many types of hunting. <br />Concurrently launched with the Variable Topsoil Replacement Program, Colowyo also <br />implemented an area specific seeding program which hinges on the Variable Topsoil <br />Replacement Program. Areas within the each reclamation unit were identified on the basis of <br />steepness of slope to target Sagebrush Steppe communities and Grassland communities. <br />Sagebrush Steppe communities were identified by all slope grades that were under ten percent <br />and Grassland communities contained slope grades over ten percent. Sagebrush Steppe areas are <br />targeted for an average of four - inches of replacement topsoil depths and Grassland areas are <br />targeted for an average of four to eighteen inches of topsoil replacement depending on slope and <br />location. Sagebrush Steppe specific seed mixes in the Sagebrush Steppe areas target a post - <br />mining land use objective of wildlife habitat to provide Sage Grouse brood rearing habitat and <br />shrub re- establishment. The Grassland communities target a post -mine land use of livestock <br />grazing and the Grassland specific seed mix ensures slope stabilization and minimizes erosion. <br />Colowyo has also included additional sagebrush seeds in the Grassland Seed Mix to encourage <br />additional shrub growth in the Grassland community areas. <br />Colowyo also purchased a Trillion Broadcast Seeder in 2011 to meet the challenge of shallow <br />seed placement and to handle the fluffy seeds contained in the Sagebrush Steppe seed mix. The <br />result of the utilization of this seeder is a broadcast seeding on a prepared firm seedbed planted <br />at a shallow depth. <br />The 2011 reclamation season once again required enormous efforts and cooperation from the <br />entire Colowyo workforce. The deliberate, positive, and safe approach to the reclamation of <br />mined lands at the Colowyo Coal Mine is an exemplary example of its commitment to the goals <br />and objectives of the Colorado Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Act. <br />Colowyo thanks the Division in advance for its nomination consideration for a 2011 <br />Reclamation Award and looks forward to many more years of exemplary reclaim efforts. <br />Sincerely, <br />Tony Tenn son <br />Environmental Engineer <br />Enclosures <br />Cc: Central Files 24.15 Reclamation Awards <br />