1992-06-05_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (2)

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i Xln� Bench Outslopes Scope of Work The only variable which will be tested for determination of a revegetation success standard will be aspect. The outslopes of the five mines are on three basic aspects: Nine No. 4 North and East Mine No. 1 South and East Mine No. 2 East Nine No. 3 North and East !line No. 5 North and East Therefore, three aspects must be studied. Mine No. 4 makes an excellent study site for the North and East Aspects. Since the mine will remain Inactive indefinitely, A south aspect study site is somewhat of a problem since the only outslope req ired to be revegetated is at Mine No. 1 which is active. However, a soutl aspect does exist south of mine no. 5 which Is similar to the mine bencl. outslopes. This slope was constructed in the same manner as the other outslopes during a contour stripping operation, therefore, it should be repztesentative. Three replications will be set up at each site. The minimum size for each replication will be 50 feet wide by 100 feet in length. The three replications will be set up side-by-side across the slope. A 10-foot buffer will be established around the three replications. All the replications will be seeded with the approved seed mixture. Prior to seeding, the replications and buffer will be fertilized with phosphorus and nitrogen at the rate of 60 # p2051Acre and 15 # N/A. Following seeding, the study area will be mulched with suitable straw at 3,000 pounds per acre. An additional 40 # N/A may be required the first growing season. Vegetation cover and production will be measured the 3rd, 5th,7th,9th, and 10th years of the study. Woody plant density will be measured the 10th year. Vegetative cover will be measured by species using the line intercept or point frame method. A minimam of five randomly placed transects will be measured in each replication. Each transect will have a minimum of 40 points measured. The randomly located transects will be permanently marked and measured each period. Vegetative production will toe measured by clipping two respresentative 1m2 quadrats in each replication during the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th years. Production will be measured In five Im2 quadrats per replication the 10th year. Production need not be measured by species. Woody plant density will be measured by a total count in each replication the 10th year. The Division recommends that Mid-Continent secure as many species in the seed mix as possible for seeding these revegetation test plots. Of particular importance are the woody plant species. 12 .1 Vol. 6, Sec. III-H)