2015-04-29_PERMIT FILE - C1981008A (7)

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Mr. Morgan estimated that the cropland within the western portion of the permit area yields about 60 bushels per acre for barley and 20-25 bushels per acre for winter wheat. Mr. Zene Weimer, farm operator in the Nucla area, was contacted because of his familiarity with the lands in question (personal communication, August 1988). His independent estimate of yields for the cropland area in the permit area was similar to Morgan's. An estimate of potential grass hay production may be gained from evaluation of the hay fields just north of the cropland areas within the permit area (discussed earlier in this section). These hay fields have similar site conditions and soils as the cropland areas, the majority being mostly Progresso complex soils (Map Unit 30C). 5.7 Farmsteads, Orchards, Facilities, and Other Types The remainder of the study area includes farmsteads, orchards, support facilities, roads, ponds, irrigation ditches, and disturbed areas. Because of the intensity of activity in the area, the number of operators within the study area, and the length of time that these activities have been ongoing in the area, a significant amount of the study area is included within this category (approximately 16 percent of the study area and 8 percent of the permit area). There are eleven active farmsteads or homesites within the study area and three inactive or abandoned farmsteads. Five farmsteads or homesites occur within the permit area. The size of these range from over three acres down to less than one acre and include buildings, yards, corrals and other support facilities (see Attachment 2.04.10-8, Figure 4-4, background, and Figure 4-8, right background, formerly Peabody Appendix 10-4). In the western half, and a portion of the southeast corner of the study area, the farmsteads and homesites have been established on the better soils and more gentle topography of the study area. The remainder are located on poorer soils that tend to be rocky and shallow, though the topography tends to be relatively gentle. Vegetation in these areas consists of a variety of annual and perennial exotic species, as well as remnant examples of the native plant populations. Dominating the vegetation are large native and exotic shade trees, as well as ornamental and exotic shrubs. Attachment 2.04.10-5, formerly Peabody Appendix 10-1 "Species List" lists the more prominent species found in these areas. A detailed survey for herbaceous species was not conducted in the farmstead areas because of the numerous garden, ornamental, and other exotic species normally found in these areas. February 2015 JR -66) 2.04.10-50