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iii iiiiiiiiiiiu iii J 999 PEABODY COAL COMPANY ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION I0a70 EAST HARVARD AVENUE SUITE X00 DENVER. COLORADO lO3a1 coal aa~ eaoa ~, ~ ~ `~ ,RECEIVED - August 20, 1984 SEP 7 1984 Ms. Sandy Emrich Colorado Mined Land Reclamation 423 Centennial Building 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Dear Sandy: MINED LAND RECLAMATIOtI DIV1810N Cola Debt of Nac~ral ttesourl:e+ Observations of reclaimed communities at the Seneca Mine this summer have indicated that a slight change in the composition of Seed Mix No. I -Southern Exposures and Drier Sites, would be beneficial to overall stand composition. Intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium) and pubescent wheatgrass (Agropyron irichophorum) have been seeded at a combined rate of 2 PLS lbs. per acre. This has resulted in a higher established plant density than necessary for these two closely related species. It is proposed that pubescent wheatgrass be drooped from the seed mix and intermediate wheatgrass be retained at I PL5 Ib. per acre because it is more palatable and hence more beneficial to livestock and wildlife which will use the reclaimed communities. It is recommended that big bluegrass (Poa ampla) be added in place of pubescent wheatgrass at a rate of 0.5 PLS Ib. per acre~his grass is a native which occurs in the sagebrush grasslands. I have identified it in the field at Seneca and its occurrence in the area was further verified by Mr. Dave Buckner of Western Resource Development Corporation. In addition to the previously mentioned species, the following species should have their rates adjusted as follows: common timothy (Phleum pratense) from 0.25 PLS Ib.s per acre to 0.10 PLS lbs. per acre, Canada bluegrass Poa com ressa) from 0.25 PLS lbs. per acre to 0.10 PLS lbs. per acre, and alfalfa (Medicago sativa from I PLS Ib, per acre to 0.5.PLS Ib. per acre. Observations indicote that these three species are establishing at a higher density than desirable and in the absence of grazing at this time, lowering the seeding rates would be beneficial. Establishment of green needlegrass (Stipa viridula) has been rather sparse. It would be desirable to increase the establishment of this native grass. It is suggested that the seeding rate for green needlegrass be increased from I PLS Ib. per acre to 2 PLS lbs. per acre.