2002-07-08_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M2002004 (4)

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Most shrub and perennial forb species were associated with intermediate topdressing depths ranging from 9 to 15 inches. Rabbitbrush preferred the shallow topdressing depth ( <9 inches) while Winterfat preferred the deep topdressing depths ( >12 inches). The intermediate topdressing depths appear t� favor greater species diversity. Fewer species were found at depths Tess than nine inches and at depths greater than fifteen inches than at the intermediate depths. Table 1: Strata Grasses Forbs Shrubs Native seed mixture used to seed the La Plata Mine double wedge on September 25, 1993. Seed was applied at a rate of 17 lbs. pure live seed per acre. Common Name Alkali sacaton Blue grama Galleta Indian ricegrass Sand dropseed Sideoats grama Western wheatgrass Blue flax Coneflower Rocky Mtn. penstemon Antelope bitterbrush Fourwing saltbush Shadscale Skunkbush sumac Winterfat Reclamation Planning at La Plata Scientific Name Sporobolus aroides Bouteloua gracilis Hilaria jamesii Oryzposis hymenoides Sporobolus cryptandrus Bouteloua curtipendula Agropyron smithii Linum lewisii Ratibida columnaris Penstemon strictus Purshia tridentate Atriplex canescens Atriplex confertifolia Rhus trilobata Ceratoides Janata Variety Salado Hachita Viva Paloma Niner Arriba Total Seedslft 5 4 2 4 2 4 3 2 2 2 4 4 4 2 4 48 Last year, La Plata Mine relinquished their grazing leases on the permit area to comply with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) plans to improve the winter range for deer in this part of New Mexico. The BLM also wanted to enhance upland gamebird populations in the area. Several opportunities for landscape (gamma) diversity appeared with the change in land use. First, LPM is unique for a surface mine as a result of its complicated geology: steeply dipping coal requires that the pit remain open until all the coal has been removed. This has postponed the reclamation schedule and left the post- mining topography somewhat in question. The original surface topography was characterized by long rocky slopes with southerly aspects. Engineers at LPM are currently developing a new AOC from the drainages up and providing more north - facing slopes. Second, the change from grazing to wildlife PMLU meant that a production standard was no longer required for final bond release. This caveat in the rules allows for the creation of sites that are Tess productive but provide more opportunities for intra- community diversity. Moreover, as high production across the lease was no longer a goal, the winter habitat needs for deer on a landscape level could also be addressed. With wildlife habitat now the target, the NM Mining and Minerals Division (MMD) discussed with LPM the reestablishment of three to four distinct plant communities, including a mixed shrub community, sagebrush grassland, and upland grassland communities. The shrub communities would provide the cover and browse for deer. The out- and footslopes of regraded spoil dumps were initially identified as potential sites for their establishment. Upland drainages and the flatter portions of hilltops were considered good candidates for the grassland communities. Other wildlife enhancement features have also been contemplated including talus slopes, rock outcrops, and small -area depressions. With help from BLM and NM Game and Fish, a number of plant species were identified as important to meet the PMLU including wheatgrasses, Indian ricegrass, blue flax, globemallows, saltbushes, sagebrush, oak, and mountain mahogany. In particular, Indian ricegrass and Western wheatgrass were identified as late winter /early spring forage for deer. In addition to Indian ricegrass, blue flax was considered important for upland gamebirds. It became apparent that the double wedge plot was an excellent resource to answer questions regarding how a diverse post- mining landscape might be created. Clearly certain species preferred very distinct