_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - C1981017 (230)

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i -49- The revegetation plan calls for seeding predominantly native grasses and forbs. Several species of shrubs and trees will be transplanted. Two different seed mixes are planned to be used. Tne lower elevation mix for use at the preparations plant and rock tunnel consists of 14 grass species, 5 foro species, 8 shrub species, and 4 tree species. All the species in the lower elevation mixture are native. The nigh elevation mixture, to be used at the 5 mine sites, contains 16 yrass species, 5 forb species, 7 shrub species, and 4 tree species. Only one introduced species, Timothy (Pleura pratense) , is included in this mix. Pursuant to 4. 15.2, the Division hereby approves the use of this introduced species for the following reasons: 1 ) This species is necessary to establism quick cover, 2) the seeding rate is low (0.5 lu/acre) , 3) this species is compatible with plant and animal species of the region, 4) this species is not W yN y competitive at an elevation of lU,000 feet and will eventually be replaced by adapteu native species, and b) this species is not poisonous or noxious. Presently, the seed mix does not, apparently, contain enough forb species to meet the species diversity standard. However, native forbs adapted to the high elevation of the Coal basin nines are presently not commercially available. In the future, as more foru species oecome available, they can be added to the seed mix. In addition, non-seeded native forbs nave been observed on many of the reclaimed areas at the mine. As previously stated, the mine bench outslopes will be reclaimed in-place without any topsoil . All other areas to be reclaimed will be topsoiled, witn the exception of the roads which will be kept as part of the post-mining land use. All areas will ue reveyetateu uy preparing the seedued, adding fertilizers or amendments, seeding, then mulching. Past revegetation efforts at the mine have been successful . The proposed reveyetation plan should result in continued success. Pursuant to Rule 2.07.o(2) (n) and on the basis of available information, the Division finds that the proposed operation will not affect the continued existence of threatened or endangered plant species. The proposed operation is in compliance with the requirements of this section. XII. Fish and Wildlife - Rules 2.04. 11 , 2.05.u(2) and 4.18 The Division has reviewed the fish and wildlife resource information in the application in section III-I of Volume b, and the fish and wildlife management plan in Chapter IV, Section 8 of Volume 7.