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documented livestock preferences for the introduced species proposed <br />in the two perennial mixtures. He concluded his studies with the <br />following statement: "Generally, the introduced species have been <br />more palatable than the native in areas where range seeding is a <br />common practice ". <br />The nutritional value of introduced species is predictable and is <br />largely independent of geochemical changes resulting from disruption <br />of the topsoil and overburden. Cook and Harris (1950) state that: <br />"environmental factors and soil moisture are more important in <br />determining the nutrient content of range forage plants under various <br />site conditions than the chemical content of the soil... ". Reclaimed <br />vegetation quality, as reported by DePuit, et. al., (1976) was found <br />to differ, but not significantly from that occurring on undisturbed <br />sites. <br />Consultation with the Director of Extension Services in Routt County, <br />Colorado, reveals that according to the present State and Federal <br />noxious plant lists, the proposed introduced species have clearance <br />for seeding. None of the proposed species can be considered poisonous <br />or noxious. <br />Planting and Seeding Methods <br />Except where indicated otherwise, the planting and seeding techniques <br />outlined below are applicable to all sites within the proposed permit <br />area, regardless of the postmine land use. <br />Seedbed preparation will commence during the first suitable planting <br />period. A chisel plow drawn by a farm tractor will be utilized to <br />prepare disturbed areas for seeding in late summer and early fall. <br />Scarification of the final graded surface is designed to alleviate <br />compaction, enhance moisture infiltration and promote root penetration <br />into the spoils. <br />2.05 -43 <br />