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added the following year but none survived. This is not surprising considering the height of the <br />rocks above the water table (10 to 15 feet). From this height, roots from the willow cuttings <br />cannot reach the water table—essential for their survival. <br />Figures 10 through 12 show the rock vane and toe wood bench on United's property. The <br />upstream rock vane is intact and operating as designed (Figure 10). Vegetation has become <br />established on the toe wood bench including grasses, sedges and willows. There is a small <br />amount of damage to the toe wood bench as shown by the exposed logs in foreground in <br />Figure 11. This area should be repaired before next year's spring runoff. <br />The design channel, excavated in 2012, has filled with sand and gravel. United Companies does <br />not plan to conduct future mining in the channel. Due to this deposition of sand and gravel, the <br />channel has shifted toward the northern river bank and is putting pressure on the structures <br />located on the Chambers property. Without repairs including the establishment of protective <br />vegetation, it is anticipated that the toe wood structure including the downstream rock vane on <br />the Chambers property will fail during the next flood event. Even with the repairs, the <br />cooperation of the land owner to protect the area is needed—unlike the previous efforts by the <br />land owner. With some minor repairs, the structures on United's property should continue to <br />protect the river bank from excessive erosion. As gravel continues to be deposited in this <br />region of the Colorado River, the river channel will continue to shift. It is recommended that <br />United continue monitoring the river channel and bank stability to ensure their operations are <br />the protected from river floods. <br />The important lesson learned during the duration of this permit is the importance of watering <br />transplanted vegetation in semi -arid climates such as the Rifle area. Watering was conducted <br />for a few months after the construction in 2012 but most of transplanted vegetation had died <br />after the first year. Fortunately, river flows in 2012 and 2013 did not reach the flood stage <br />allowing sufficient time for remaining vegetation to become established on United's property. <br />In the future, watering should be conducted for a full growing season and the following spring <br />to ensure the establishment of any transplanted vegetation. <br />Thank you once again for your time and cooperation on this project. If you need further <br />information, please don't hesitate to contact me. <br />Respectfully, <br />Peter M. Kearl <br />Consulting Hydrologist <br />(970)985-9606 <br />2263 Kingston Road I Grand Junction, CO 81507 1 (970) 985-9606 1 peterlearl@hotmail.com <br />