JACKSON - Reclamation of the Jonah natural gas field will focus on creating a "mosaic" of different stages of vegetation growth, according to a new draft document outlining the project.

The Jonah Interagency Office has developed a draft plan outlining reclamation strategies, and how to determine reclamation success, for the 30,500-acre Jonah Field in Sublette County. The draft is open for public comment through Oct. 29.

"The goal of reclamation in the Jonah Field is to create a stable ecosystem supporting a diverse floral and faunal composition," the draft document said. Determining if reclamation is complete is based on certain percentages of vegetative ground cover, as compared with a site of similar size and location.

The Jonah Interagency Office was established in the wake of huge energy development plans for the gas field. It's responsible for reclamation when energy activity ends within the field, as well as wildlife habitat improvements surrounding the field.

The office has sectioned reclamation into two categories: "roll over" and "final." Roll over is achieved when "desired plant species" are returned such that the site will return to a functioning ecosystem over time. Final is achieved when that return occurs.

For example, for "roll over," shrub cover must be at least 50 percent of a so-called "reference site." That site is a similar area and size, preferably next to the developed site. Forb cover must be 75 percent of the reference site.

A minimum of one growing season must pass without external influences such as irrigation on the reclaimed site to determine its sustainability.

For final reclamation, shrub cover must be 50 percent of the reference site, but at least 25 percent of that must be the dominant shrub species from the reference site. Forb cover must be at or more than the density of the reference site.

Shrubs must be "well established" and in a "young" age class at a minimum to be considered "final," according to the document.

Energy operators have a surface disturbance limit of 14,030 acres on the field. That means areas can be developed only when other areas are reclaimed. Another 6,000 acres can be disturbed in "cumulative surface disturbance," meaning through roads and supporting development.

Environmental reporter Whitney Royster can be reached at (307) 734-0260 or at royster@tribcsp.com.