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2.5.1 Grazing of Sheep and Cattle <br />Sheep and cattle grazing and wildlife habitat (see Section 3.8.3) constitute the major uses of <br />areas within the proposed permit area. These uses occur over approximately 85°,6 of the land <br />compared to 15% for cropland. The ecosystem comprising most of the Williams Fork Moun- <br />tains is mountain shrub. In northwestern Colorado, this type intertaces with stands of big <br />sagebrush associated with various species of grasses at the lower limits and aspen communi- <br />ties at higher elevations. <br />The vigor, density, and species composition of the ground cover within the proposed mine <br />plan area vary, dependent in part upon past grazing intensity. In general, the species compo- <br />sition and coverage of the orginal ground vegetation on the Williams Fork Mountains have <br />been modified by extensive stock use by sheep and, to a lesser extent, cattle. Rangelands <br />have been further altered by efforts intended to eradicate sagebrush. <br />Throughout the area, a mosaic distribution of vegetative types is noticeable, indicative of <br />these past and continuing disruptions. Grass species encountered most frequently are: west- <br />ern wheatgrass (Aaropvron smithil, Junegrass oeleria crisleta , mutton grass oa <br />fendlerianal and needle and thread (Slips tomato). Forb species, such as violet Iola sp.), <br />Gnquefoit otentiil sp.), paintbrush Casfille a sp.), and lupine u i u sp.), bloom in this <br />• understory at different times through the summer. At lower elevetions the Interspersion of <br />sagebrush and servicebeny-chokecherry fades, until only stands of sagebrush, rdbbRbrush <br />and grasses are supported by long term Gimalic conditions. Throughout Moffat County <br />• - ~-.-~,e-ISy --- --.. <br />V!SICI•d ,•:pp~pVEG <br />. 2-172 / <br />