2011-11-14_REVISION - M1986015 (8)

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• • • After the drainage channel is excavated in Year 1, it will be seeded in the above mixture and method. The shallow roughness in the topsoil of the depressed basin will catch cottonwood and willow seeds and allow germination in these moist areas. These trees will be encouraged. Irrigation will not be used to establish the grass. Noxious and undesirable weeds will be controlled on a site by site basis. Inspections by person familiar with the various weed species will be done at least once a year. Annual weeds will be controlled with mowing in the first year. Because tree regeneration is encouraged, mowing will not occur after the first year of grass growth. After the first year of grass seeding, the annual and perennial weeds will be controlled by chemical spraying. To preserve the young trees, the spraying will be done by small pump units carried by one person. In this way, care can be taken to treat only the weeds. Tamarix is expected to be a challenge in the grass seeded areas. Because of their aggressive growth, Tamarix will be chemical sprayed three to four times during the growing season. Biological control by a beetle may be used if the method proves effective. As the regenerating trees and shrubs grow, the weed species will decline because most annual weeds do not tolerate shade. It is likely that areas of the Phase 7 basin will be both moist and shaded and few weeds should be found under the trees after several growing seasons. 11. Buildings and Structures No structures exist on the Amendment 4 area now and none will remain on the site after reclamation. A short length of gravel access road will be left in place on the northwest comer and at the northeast comer (Randal Lane). 12. Signs and Markers On the north side of the Arkansas River, the Phase 7 boundary comers will be marked by a metal post, if not now defined by fences. The affected land boundaries (setbacks) will be marked by metal posts prior to disturbance. (d) The plans for topsoiling, grading, and revegetation are presented previously. (e) The affected area of Phase 7 is approximately 70 acres. The actual excavation area is approximately 54 acres. It is anticipated that 20 acres of mining per year will satisfy the operator's demand for sand and gravel.