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Mapping and sampling was conducted from July 12 - 17 by and / or under the direct supervision of • <br />Cedar Crsek's senior Range Ecologist, Mr. Steven R. Viert. Mr. Viert was assisted in the field by two <br />other Cedar Creek biologists, Mr. Erik M. Mohr and Mr. Richard Idein. The vegetation study arena was <br />sampled in five separate units. Ground cover and produdion were determined from 10 to 33 samples in <br />each area, as appropriate, while tree density in the orchards and derelid areas was determined ttrrough <br />complete enumeration. Historical records for orchard and irrigated hayfield production have also been <br />included with this analysis. In addition to the formal sampling efforts, conditions current at the time of <br />sampling were documented with several photos to provide a visual demonstration of site-conditions. <br />1.2 Bar•karound <br />The Bowie vegetation study area (120.3 acres) is comprised of converted rangeland, transportation <br />corridor.:, industrial facilities, rural dwellings, rightsof-way, fallow land, and dysfunctional natural <br />ecosystems (see Map V-1-. This area is located just below 6,000 feet elevation at the toe of a :steep, <br />south-faring slope on a colluvial terrace above the North Fork Gunnison River. A majority of the study <br />area ha:s been converted to pastureland, irrigated hayfields and fruit orchards, and has been producing <br />agricultural products Tor most of the 1900's. The Fire Mountain Canal, which supplies irrigation water for . <br />the hayfields and orchards, Corms much of the northern boundary of the study area. The southern <br />boundary is formed by a line 150 feet from, and parallel to, the adive centerline of the Denver and Rio <br />Grande'yVestern railroad. Numerous paved roads and unpaved lanes occur within the study area. Eight <br />residences and associated out-buildings aze scattered about the study area in addition to the Terror <br />Creek Load-out facilities located in the west-central portion of the study area. A few small relic patdies of <br />native vegetation can be found intermittently along the railroad tracks. These patches total far less than <br />one acrE: and exhibit severely disdimactic conditions. The riparian !wetland area bordering the study <br />area along the south boundary is of generally poor health and quality with much of its natural functionality <br />lost due to construction of Highway 133. The reroute of Highway 133 effectively segregated these areas <br />of riparian /wetland from the North Fork Gunnison River. Although providing habitat for wildlife, the <br />grazing management of most of these riparian /wetlands has reduced the diversity and density of plants <br />within these areas. Noxious weeds are prevalent throughout the study area, especially along the railroad <br />trades, canals and roads. Future control of noxious weed populations to prevent their spread to reclaimed <br />areas will require careful planning and diligent management. <br /> <br />~QI6[~ cC181~S A\C.SCC~p416D, tvc. Page 2 Exhibrt 5 - Bovrie Baseline Vegetation Survey <br />