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rangeland/fish and wildlife post mining land use. The areas will be graded to <br />approximate original contour, ripped to a depth of 2 feet, topsoiled and seeded. <br />XI. Revegetation <br />A. The Division proposes to approve the use of one introduced species, prostrate <br />kochia ( Kochia prostrate) in the reclamation seed mix. The species is desirable and <br />necessary to achieve the approved post- mining land use, and is not poisonous or <br />noxious (4.15.2(3)). <br />B. The Division proposes to approve the use of weed free grass straw or hay at a rate <br />of two tons per acre as a means to meet soil stabilization requirements (4.15.4). <br />C. Methods to measure herbaceous cover, production, species diversity, and woody <br />plant density are discussed in Section 2.05.4(2)(e) of the application. These <br />techniques include point intercept for cover sampling, quadrat clipping for <br />herbaceous production estimates and quadrat stem counts for woody plant density <br />estimates. The Division proposes to approve use of these techniques (4.15.7(1)). <br />The sampling techniques and statistical methods to be used in demonstrations of <br />revegetation success are in conformance with Rule 4.15.11. <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based on <br />the following: <br />A greasewood reference area has been established and is proposed to be used for <br />comparisons of cover, production, shrub density and diversity. Cover, production <br />and shrub density will be considered adequate for final bond release if each <br />population parameter is not less than 90% of the standard as determined by the <br />reference area with a 90% statistical confidence utilizing one of the three methods <br />detailed in Rule 4.15.11. The diversity standard is outlined on page 2.05 -38 of the <br />permit application and allows for the use of direct comparisons of species <br />composition based on relative cover between reclaimed areas and undisturbed <br />vegetation. The species diversity standard being proposed is that the reclaimed <br />plant community shall be composed of at least the number of dominant species <br />comprising at least five percent of the pre - disturbance relative plant cover, one forb <br />and one shrub be established and each contribute at least 5% and no more than <br />60% relative cover and the perennial grass cover be at least 2 %. <br />E. The Division proposes to approve the greasewood reference area which the <br />applicant has selected based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). Location is <br />found on map 5 in the permit application. <br />F. The reference area will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable (4.15.7(4)). <br />30 <br />