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VEGETATION INFORMATION <br />1. Existing Plant Communities <br />EXHIBIT J <br />The majority of the Tomichi Pit site has been irrigated hay meadow used for hay production and <br />cattle grazing for decades. The site has been historically irrigated by the Biebels No. 1 and 2 <br />Ditch. In recent years the field has been contract managed by local ranchers, producing roughly <br />1.4 tons /acre a year of hay with a single annual cutting, and supporting 100 -150 head of cattle on <br />the average. The management of irrigation on the site historically has been good, with the regular <br />ditch maintenance being conducted by the contract rancher. Slender wheatgrass and garrison <br />foxtail are the main plant species cut from the meadow. <br />Low -lying areas of the site have developed wetlands due to the proximity of Tomichi Creek, and <br />the nearness of ground water to the surface. In addition to the hay meadow species, willows, and <br />smooth brome are found in the wetland areas. <br />All vegetation communities can be seen on Map C -1 Pre - Mining Plan Map. Below are several <br />pictures which show the vegetation communities in the proximity of the permit area. <br />Tomichi Pit, December 2013 J -1 <br />