2013-04-15_PERMIT FILE - C1994082 (6)

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avoidance mitigation planned for the woody plants in the mined land. (See Exhibit 22-IA for • locations of these avoidance mitigation areas, and type of undisturbed plant communities.) In addition to the undisturbed islands and border areas, SCC implemented the findings of research in selected, optimum micro-climate, shrub and tree establishment areas and an overall general revegetation plan which results in islands of established woody plants throughout the reclaimed plant community. The woody plant densities proposed for the reclaimed mining area are based on anticipated levels of successful tree and shrub establishment resulting from application of current reclamation technologies. Planting rates have been specified that take into account mortality levels commonly experienced. Further consideration has been given to environmental, ecological, and successional factors acting upon the reclaimed areas containing shrubs or trees. The extensive herbaceous-dominated vegetation cover of reclaimed communities restricts woody plant establishment and development through intense plant competition. This is further complicated by the inherently slow growth and development of woody plants and the • significant change in site characteristics within the reclaimed mining areas. Grazing and browsing by livestock and wildlife also contribute to the mortality or dwarfing of the reappearing woody plants. While reinvasion and natural regeneration of shrubs will greatly aid in re-establishing shrubs on the reclaimed landscape, these factors are a significant barrier toward achieving a plant community which closely approaches pre-mine densities. The reclamation plan includes locations of concentrated planting areas. These initial planned sites were approximate in location and size. The final purpose of these shrub establishment areas is to create a mosaic of shrub islands throughout the reclaimed landscape. As the mining and reclamation progressed, sites for shrub plantings were selected based on the best, micro-climate for the species and not necessarily by the location on the initial plan map. Therefore, the final locations of these concentrated areas generally follow the initial plan in size but not necessarily location. Beyond these adjustments to the original plan, volunteer development of shrubs via natural dispersal of propagules or germination of seed placed in reclamation will result in islands of woody plant concentration in areas not shown in original plans. Experience at the nearby and older Seneca 11 Mine has shown that the bulk- of eventual high levels of shrub development .(especially of sagebrush and snowberry) • originated from natural or planted seed in locations not completely predictable. TR48 46 08/11