2012-06-20_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (22)

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Seeding of the Dryland Pasture reclaimed areas will typically be done either with a cultipacker type seeder or a rangeland drill. A cultipacker may be used behind the drill to ensure that there is firm seedbed. Either of these two types of seed drills will provide the greatest level of success in terms of proper seed placement and firming of the seedbed. Seeding depths will typically be about 1/4 inch deep, depending on the size of the seed planted, and never more than one inch deep. If it is determined that site conditions are not suitable for drill seeding, then the seeds may be planted using a broadcast seeder. If a broadcast seeder is utilized, it will typically be applied using a tractor mounted broadcast seeder that will hold several bushels of seed. The tractor will then traverse the field at the necessary interval to ensure there are no unseeded areas in the field. After these areas are broadcast seeded, a spring tooth harrow will be dragged over the seeded area to ensure that the seed is properly planted. In areas that are broadcast seeded, the typical drill seeded rate will be doubled. Revegetation Success Criteria and Statistical Procedures - Dryland Pasture Revegetation will be deemed adequate on the Dryland Pasture reclaimed sites, if the allowable plant cover and herbaceous production at the reclaimed site is at least 90% of the vegetative cover and herbaceous production of the approved Dryland Pasture Reference Area, in conformance with CDRMS Regulations 4.15.8. One of the three statistical comparison methods in CDRMS Regulations 4.15.11(2) subsections (a), (b), or (c) will be used to determine revegetation success. The production standard for the Dryland Pasture type for the NHN Mine area will be based on a Dryland Pasture Reference Area located at the Nucla Airport. This area was originally established in the summer of 2000 and augmented in 2005. The augmentation allows the reference area to be divided into two sections: one for rangeland and the other for Dryland Pasture. This Airport Dryland Pasture Reference Area is shown on Map 2.04.10 -4. Attachment 2.05.4(2)(e) -3 includes a copy of the lease between WFC and Montrose County Regional Airport that shows the evidence of right of entry for the dryland pasture reference area. The Airport Dryland Pasture Reference Area is located within the fenced boundaries of the Nucla Airport and is protected from domestic livestock grazing. Wildlife (deer, elk) utilize the area as they will on the NHN reclaimed land. Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 28 January 2012