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In line with the soils assessment, a cursory vegetative inventory implied that the site resembled <br /> a Gravel Breaks ecological site, although the relatively developed soil surface horizon implies a <br /> more stable landscape position transitioning to a Sandy Plains ecosite. Observed plants <br /> particularly common on true Gravel Breaks sites include: <br /> • Nailwort (Paronychia sessiflora) <br /> • Spreading buckwheat (Eriogonum effusum) <br /> • Yucca (Yucca glauca) <br /> • Greenthread (Thelesperma spp.) <br /> The community also expressed several other species common on associated with flatter <br /> uplands: <br /> • Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) <br /> • Hairy goldaster (Heterotheca villosa) <br /> • Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) <br /> • Purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea) <br /> • Fringed sage (Artemisia frigida) <br /> • Squirreltail (Sitanion hystrix) <br /> • Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens; on back slope transition to upland drainages) <br /> Based solely on soil surface texture, the most appropriate generalized Weld County seeding mix <br /> for this soil is attached. However, based again on the soils, as well as Ecological Site <br /> Descriptions, observed site-specific vegetation, and professional experience, I've also attached <br /> a CO-ECS-5 with a more diverse and tailored mix for your consideration. Seeding rates utilize <br /> the Critical Area Planting (NRCS practice code 342) recommendation for 200% normal non- <br /> irrigated drilled rates. <br /> As discussed, the surface 4-6" of the existing soil should be set aside for reclamation. Keep in <br /> mind that this estimation was derived from a single soil pit, so this depth should be reevaluated <br /> as removal progresses. <br /> Slopes following mining are expected to range from 5-10%. Given the gullying inherent to this <br /> landscape position, topsoil replacement, land shaping, and erosion control to minimize <br /> concentrated water flows following mining will be paramount. Well-developed drainage soils <br /> could be used as an additional topsoil source, but these are also the historic water flow paths so <br /> disturbance would ideally be minimized. <br /> Not intended as an all-inclusive listing, consider any or all of the following techniques to prepare <br /> the disturbed areas for reseeding: <br /> • Broadbase furrowing with low contour dikes <br /> • Pitting <br /> • Crimped mulch (typically wheat straw) <br /> o Additionally if cattle are used, unrolling milo round bales in concentrated flow <br /> areas would concentrate animals, increase hoof action/defecation/urination, and <br /> supplement residue amount and incorporation <br /> • Wattles <br /> • Compost amendments for increased organic matter <br /> • Soil testing for possible nutrient additions <br />