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It is recommended that a modified reclamation schedule at the upper <br /> portions of Coal Basin be implemented in 1997 in order that funds <br /> are expended in the most cost effective manner possible. Prior to <br /> implementing a Basin wide steep slope revegetation effort, a <br /> greater degree of confidence in the methodology has to be <br /> developed. <br /> Our goal in accomplishing revegetation of the steep slopes <br /> characteristic of the mine benches and the upper portions of most <br /> haul roads should be to achieve the greatest degree of stability <br /> feasible given the limitations of site conditions and funding. <br /> Regardless of the revegetation technique ultimately employed, in <br /> the long run it is likely that funds will be insufficient to <br /> attempt more than one revegetation effort on the steeper slopes <br /> throughout Coal Basin. Therefore, before we commit to a Basin wide <br /> steep slope revegetation technique, it is appropriate to attempt a <br /> large scale test. <br /> Revegetation of the Mine bench outslopes is contemplated to occur <br /> in two steps; preparation of the slopes and seeding of the slopes. <br /> Preparation will create small benches for the purpose of reducing <br /> the overall steepness of the slopes and for providing a seedbed at <br /> something less than the existing slope angle. Seeding will occur <br /> over the prepared slopes using a combination of locally collected <br /> native seeds and compatible commercial seeds. In order to help <br /> maintain slope integrity so that the seed becomes established, <br /> installation of a hydraulically applied erosion control blanket <br /> should be considered. However, conventional broadcast application <br /> of seed, fertilizer and mulch should not be discarded should the <br /> erosion control blanket prove to not be cost effective. <br /> Small scale revegetation tests have been conducted at Mines 1 and <br /> 4 . The Mine 4 tests indicate that there is an increased potential <br /> for revegetation success when a relatively flat seed bed is <br /> created, and when the slope is protected from excessive erosion. <br /> The hand built benches at Mine 4 support the need for a flat seed <br /> bed. Observations of these benches indicates that they support <br /> more vegetation as a result of seeding than adjacent unmodified <br /> slopes. The Soil Guard test plot at Mine 4 supports the need to <br /> maintain slope integrity. Observation of the 1995 Soil Guard test <br /> plot indicates it was the most successful revegetation technique <br /> undertaken in terms of growth and resistance to surficial erosion. <br /> The tests conducted in 1996 at Mine 1 will hopefully provide <br /> positive results regarding the uses of native seed sources and of <br /> mechanically constructed benches on the slopes. <br /> At this point in time, a large scale revegetation experiment <br /> combining the known outcomes of the Mine 4 tests with the <br /> anticipated results of the Mine 1 tests is warranted. <br /> A bid could be structured in order to conduct an experimental <br /> revegetation project. The Mine 4 area, including the slopes below <br /> 2 <br />