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Seventeen species occurred in the cover samples. Three species had relative cover values of <br />1 percent or greater. Grasses (including annuals) comprised six of the species (see Table <br />2.04.10-24), while annual/biennial/perennial (orbs totaled six. Three shrubs occurred in the <br />cover samples, as did lichen and moss. <br />The sagebrush -2 (SG -2) vegetation type as identified within the study area occurs on soil map <br />unit 98G. When the current NRCS soil survey (2013) is overlain on the baseline vegetation <br />map, the SG -2 community occurs on soils 71 (Nyswonger), 76 (Pinon-Bowdish), and 78 <br />(Pinon-Ustic Torriorthents).. The map unit is comprised of Bowbac and Bowdish soil. Within <br />the complex are small inclusions of coal. Bowbac is typically a big sagebrush range site and <br />Bowbac is typically a pinon-juniper range site. As evidenced by the cover data, and verified by <br />field observations, the pinyon -juniper woodland overstory has been essentially removed if it <br />existed at all. The removal of this overstory plus the level of disturbance associated with <br />livestock use and man's impact has completely altered the composition of the site. In <br />evaluating the Guide for Determining Forage Condition attached to the Pinyon -Juniper <br />Woodland Site Description, it is apparent that the sites would only warrant a poor forage <br />condition rating. Note that no woodland site index information has been provided in the Site <br />Description.. The stocking rate for the sagebrush type is estimated at a low 0.09 AUM's/ac or <br />12 acres/AUM assuming use of all grasses and the more palatable forbs. <br />As stated earlier, the sagebrush -2 (SG -2) type represents a remnant native community that has <br />been severely altered because of intensive agricultural land use and associated support <br />activities. Most of the type occurs on toeslopes of a mesa adjacent to the alluvial flood plain of <br />Tuttle Draw. The sites are heavily stocked with cattle at least during part of the year, resulting <br />in a high level of animal pressure from grazing and trampling and winter livestock feeding <br />areas. Consistent with the composition of severely deteriorated native plant communities in the <br />Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, cheatgrass predominated the understory while <br />more desirable range species were lacking. Tail water from leaking ditches on the mesa top <br />encroaches this type. Where tailwater is present the site is dominated with an understory of <br />Russian knapweed. <br />The type is not an important component when considering the local land use and management <br />objectives. Conversion to a higher or better use would be done if not for the militating site <br />conditions and associated costs. <br />February 2015 JR -66) 2.04.10-79 <br />