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Introduction <br />Topsoil Replacement - General Comments <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(e) <br />Revegetation <br />This narrative addresses the Revegetation Plan requirements of Section 2.05.4(2)(e) and contains <br />the methods and materials that will be used to revegetate and stabilize all lands affected by <br />surface mining activities at the proposed New Horizon North (NHN) Mine area. In the following <br />discussion on revegetation methods, each major land use or vegetation plant community is <br />addressed separately to ensure that each corresponding land use and/or vegetation type will be <br />reestablished. <br />Topsoil replacement operations may be carried out during most of the year, the exception being <br />those periods when wet conditions would preclude handling of these topsoil materials. Prior to <br />replacement of topsoil, the graded spoil will be ripped to reduce compaction. Detailed topsoil <br />handling and replacement plans are provided in Section 2.05.4(2)(d), Topsoil Redistribution. <br />The optimum period for vegetation establishment of Irrigated Pasture is during the late fall after <br />the temperature drops below freezing and in the early spring as early as soil moisture conditions <br />allow for tillage and seeding operations. As a result of irrigation, seeding may be carried out as <br />late as July 15. This will allow for a 75 -90 day growing season, enough time to establish an <br />adequate stand capable of over - wintering. Fall dormant seedings may be made into annual grain <br />stubble if the potential for competition from established weedy species is not great. During <br />initial seeding of all reclaimed Irrigated Pasture (IP) and Intensively Managed Irrigation Pasture <br />(IMIP) with the permanent seed mix, an annual companion grain cover crop of oats or barley <br />will be used at the rate of 25 lbs. per acre. This will provide rapid growth so little topsoil is lost <br />to erosion while at the same time providing some nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. This <br />practice will help rejuvenate soils that have been in stockpiles for long periods of time. <br />At times, the size or shape of the retopsoiled areas and shape of the reclaimed area in relation to <br />a management unit may be insufficient to warrant establishment of the perennial irrigated pasture <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 1 January 2012 <br />