§ 779.19 - Vegetation information.

§ 779.19 What information on vegetation must I include in my permit application?Vegetation information.

(a) You must identify, describe, and map existing vegetation types and The permit application shall, if required by the regulatory authority, contain a map that delineates existing vegetative types and a description of the plant communities within the proposed permit area . If you propose to use reference areas for purposes of determining revegetation success under § 816.116 of this chapter, you also must identify, describe, and map existing vegetation types and plant communities within any proposed reference areas. area. This description shall include information adequate to predict the potential for reestablishing vegetation.

(b) The description and map required under paragraph (a) of this section must -

(1) Be in sufficient detail to assist in preparation of the revegetation plan under § 780.12(g) of this chapter and provide a baseline for comparison with postmining vegetation;

(2) Be adequate to evaluate whether the vegetation provides

When a map or aerial photograph is required, sufficient adjacent areas shall be included to allow evaluation of vegetation as important habitat for fish and wildlife

and whether the proposed permit area contains native plant communities of local or regional significance;

(3) Identify areas with significant populations of non-native invasive or noxious species; and

(4) Delineate all wetlands and all areas bordering streams that either support or are capable of supporting hydrophytic or hydrophilic vegetation or vegetation typical of floodplains.

(c) If the vegetation on the proposed permit area has been altered by human activity, you must describe the native vegetation and plant communities typical of that area in the absence of human alterations.

for those species of fish and wildlife identified under 30 CFR 780.16.

[44 FR 15354, Mar. 13, 1979, as amended at 52 FR 47359, Dec. 11, 1987; 81 FR 93327, Dec. 20, 2016; 82 FR 54948, Nov. 17, 2017]