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Various test plots were established at the north facing outslope of <br /> the Mine 2 Coal Silo pad. Test plots approximately fifty feet by <br /> fifty feet were established. Calamagrostis and Senecio were hand <br /> broadcast on the plots. Different surface preparation and mulching <br /> techniques were employed at each plot for a comparison of preferred <br /> methods. Some plots were scarified using a steel rake, and then <br /> mulched after seed was broadcast onto the slope. In other plots, <br /> the surface was not scarified, but mulch applied, and vice versa. <br /> The native seed plots will be evaluated in 1997. It is hoped that <br /> these plots will lead to a successful revegetation effort in order <br /> to promote outslope stability. <br /> An attempt to establish a small native plant 'nursery' was made <br /> about one half mile below Mine 1 adjacent to Road D. A fairly flat <br /> area about three quarters of an acre in size was ripped to a depth <br /> of twelve inches, and fertilized. Two thirds of the area was <br /> broadcast seeded with Calamagrostis, and one third with Senecio. <br /> After seed application, a piece of chain link fence was dragged <br /> across the surface of the area to work the seed into the ground. <br /> Weed free straw mulch was then applied. It is hoped that this area <br /> will provide a seed source for revegetation of adjacent areas. <br /> Development of a native seed source under controlled conditions <br /> needs to be a priority in the effort to achieve mine bench outslope <br /> stabilization. To this end, discussions were held with the Upper <br /> Colorado Plant Center in Meeker, Colorado in an effort to establish <br /> plots at their facility. However, these discussions were not <br /> fruitful. A commercial grower, Southwest Seed of Dolores, <br /> Colorado, agreed to establish a half acre test plot during the <br /> spring of 1997. Approximately ten to fifteen pounds of <br /> Calamagrostis seed heads were shipped to them in late October. <br /> Southwest will grow out the seed at no cost to the Division. The <br /> Division has agreed to share any seed which results from the test <br /> plot with the company. <br /> Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado <br /> A project proposal was submitted to Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado <br /> (VOC) during the spring of 1996. The project was aimed at planting <br /> trees on the mine benches and mine bench outslopes for the purpose <br /> of enhancing revegetation success and reducing erosion from these <br /> areas. The VOC coordinators visited the Mine in late September, at <br /> which time they expressed concern about volunteer safety when <br /> planting trees on the slopes. Subsequently, the proposal was <br /> modified to planting only on the mine benches and highwall <br /> backfills. Unfortunately, the proposal was ultimately rejected by <br /> VOC. <br /> Office of Surface Mining Funding <br /> In July, 1996, the assistant Director of OSM indicated that the <br /> agency would seriously consider a proposal from the State to <br /> 19 <br />