After soil has been replaced in disturbed areas, appropriate legumes, forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees must be established unless otherwise approved by the department. The revegetation must form a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover of the same seasonal variety native to the area of the land affected and be capable of:

1. (1) prompt stabilization of the soil surface; and
2. (2) self-regeneration and plant succession at least equal in extent of cover to the natural vegetation of the area. The vegetative cover must be capable of meeting the criteria set forth in 82-4-233(1), MCA.

Authorizing statute(s): 82-4-205, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 82-4-226, 82-4-231, 82-4-232, 82-4-233, MCA

History: NEW, 1980 MAR p. 725, Eff. 4/1/80; AMD, 1989 MAR p. 30, Eff. 1/13/89; TRANS, from DSL, 1996 MAR p. 3042; AMD, 2024 MAR p. 258, Eff. 2/10/24.