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8. Monitoring Reclamation Success <br />Monitoring the reclamation on an ongoing basis will ensure its success. The operator plans to use <br />the local NRCS office to determine the capacity of the reclaimed land to control erosion. If <br />minor changes or modifications are needed to the seeding and reclamation plan, revision plans <br />will be submitted to the Division. It is hoped that the Division will provide assistance in <br />evaluating the success of the ongoing reclamation process. Information on all areas disturbed and <br />reclaimed as well as any other important items regarding the reclamation will be submitted in the <br />annual reports to the Division. Montrose County and Division of Parks and Wildlife will also be <br />consulted on the progress of the reclamation. <br />9. Weed Control <br />Measures will be employed for the control of any noxious weed species. Control measures will <br />also be used if the growth of weed species on the reclaimed area threatens further spread of the <br />weeds to nearby areas. A Weed Control Plan will be utilized as follows: <br />1) Each April, a weed survey will be taken of the permit area. <br />2) If any patches or plants have been identified, they will be sprayed by backpack sprayer or <br />4- wheeler using chemicals approved for use by the weed control staff of Montrose <br />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 />The Division and Montrose County weed control staff will be consulted regarding any weed <br />infestation areas and any control measures prior to their initiation. The plan does not contemplate <br />total weed removal on the property. Past experience has shown that some initial weed cover in <br />the first year following the retopsoiling is beneficial to the reclamation effort in rangeland site. <br />Weeds tend to provide shade for new grasses, are a means of holding snow on the seedbed longer <br />and protecting it from wind and water erosion until the planted species have taken hold. <br />During all phases of the mining operation the permit area will be monitored closely every year, <br />through which the operator may determine if any additional weeds have grown. If any new <br />Uncompahgre Pit, February 2013 E -5 <br />