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7. Weed Control <br />Measures will be employed for control of any noxious weed species. A Weed Control Plan will <br />be utilized as follows: <br />1) Once a year, a weed survey will be made of the permit area. <br />2) If any patches or plants have been identified, they will be sprayed by backpack sprayer or 4- <br />wheeler using chemicals approved for use by the weed control staff of Mesa County. <br />3) After reclamation, weed surveys and spraying will continue until the perennial cover and <br />production of the site have met DRMS requirements and bond release has been obtained. <br />During the removal of overburden, and during all phases of the mining operation, the permit area <br />will be monitored closely every year which the permit is active to detect the presence of invasive <br />weeds. Weed control will again be initiated if the problem becomes serious. The plan does not <br />contemplate total weed removal on the property. Past experience shows that some initial weed <br />cover in the first year following addition of new topsoil is beneficial to reclamation efforts in any <br />dry range site. Weeds tend to provide shade for new grasses, are a means of holding snow on the <br />seedbed longer and protect it from wind and water erosion until the planted species have taken <br />hold. <br />8. Revegetation Success Criteria <br />The pre -mine site is basically agricultural cover and production, and the post- mining uses of the <br />site are lakes and dry rangeland vegetation. The lakes obviously do not have vegetation success <br />criteria. It is suggested that the dry land vegetation be approximately 10% perennial cover, which <br />is similar to natural undisturbed vegetation of the area. Since the Clifton area receives less than <br />10 inches of rain annually, no more than this cover can be expected. <br />9. Monitoring Reclamation Success <br />Monitoring the reclamation on an ongoing basis will help to assure successful reclamation. The <br />operator plans to use the local NRCS office in Mesa County to assist in determining the ability of <br />the reclaimed land to control erosion and any other suggestions which may enhance the <br />reclamation of the site. If minor changes or modifications are needed to the seeding and <br />reclamation plan, revision plans will be submitted to DRMS. <br />Otter Creek Pit December 12 E - <br />