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June 6,2012 C-1982-057/Seneca II-W Mine SB1 <br /> Inspection Topic Summary <br /> NOTE: Y=Inspected N=Not Inspected R=Comments Noted V=Violation Issued NA=Not Applicable <br /> N -Air Resource Protection N -Roads <br /> N -Availability of Records R -Reclamation Success <br /> Y -Backfill& Grading R -Revegetation <br /> N -Excess Spoil and Dev.Waste N - Subsidence <br /> N -Explosives Y - Slides and Other Damage <br /> R -Fish&Wildlife N - Support Facilities On-site <br /> Y -Hydrologic Balance N - Signs and Markers <br /> Y -Gen. Compliance With Mine Plan N - Support Facilities Not On-site <br /> N -Other N - Special Categories Of Mining <br /> N -Processing Waste N -Topsoil <br /> COMMENTS <br /> FISH and WILDLIFE—Rule 4.18,REVEGETATION—Rule 4.15 <br /> The post mining land uses at the Seneca IIW mine are rangeland and wildlife habitat. This narrative <br /> focuses on reestablishment of wildlife habitat. SCC's seed mixes were developed to provide a nutritious diet for <br /> both domestic and wildlife species. During the grading of the reclaimed landscape, SCC created topographic <br /> diversity which helped to promote microhabitats and species diversity. SCC also has a large scale shrub planting <br /> program to create islands where shrub cover will develop within the reclaimed landscape. The plantings will <br /> provide a seed source for native shrub and tree species in the long run. <br /> SCC has two permanent seed mixes that are predominantly native species and are valuable for forage. The two <br /> mixes are for: 1) Shrub grassland mix for upland sites and ephemeral drainages, and 2) mesic drainages or <br /> riparian sites. In addition to planting one of the permanent seed mixes, SCC also transplants native shrubs and <br /> trees of varying sizes to create habitat diversity. <br /> SCC has worked closely with Colorado State University and the US Forest Service,Rocky Mountain Research <br /> Station in an effort to reestablish native shrubs and aspen trees on the reclaimed lands. Part of the funding was <br /> provided through an OSM Applied Science grant. The result of these past studies is a number of shrub and aspen <br /> tree plantings that SCC has created throughout the reclaimed landscape. Most of the shrub plantings are <br /> surrounded by elk proof fencing to minimize browse impacts on the transplants. In the past, SCC shrub <br /> transplants were so heavily browsed that few survived in the reclamation. Use of the fencing does promote much <br /> better establishment and growth. <br /> During this inspection we observed several of the shrub planting areas. Photos 1 and 2 show an aspen plot that <br /> was planted by the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station. In this plot,weed control fabric was used to reduce <br /> herbaceous vegetation competition as the woody plants became established. Fences have been constructed to <br /> minimize browse. Photo 2 shows a riparian area planting with willows,narrow leaf cottonwood and boxelders. A <br /> number of small birds were observed in the plot. <br /> Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 14 <br /> Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 4 <br /> Page 2 of 6 <br />