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<br />the sagebrush ecosystems found on relatively flat lands have been burned or <br />stripped of woody vegetation and subsequently cultivated to dry land wheat Cat <br />Trapper Mine these areas are Located along the west and north edges of the pro- <br />posed mine plan area). Areas of rugged terrain, inappropriate for cultivation, <br />remains as rangeland (refer to Section 2.3.1 for more detailed rangeland charac- <br />teristics). <br />The primary uses of rangeland are as a habitat for wildlife, and domestic grazing <br />by sheep and some cattle. Wildlife depend on these areas of sage and mountain <br />shrub for year round food and shelter, whereas sheep and cattle are usually pre- <br />sent only during the spring and late summer months. <br />Existing capabilities of range sites within [he proposed permit area were deter- <br />mined through the Soil Conservation Services capability classifications and range <br />site descriptions derived during a 1975 Soil Survey and Range Site and Condition <br />Survey of the Trapper Mine (Appendix G). <br />~~ <br />Capability classifications are the grouping of soils to show, in a general way, <br />their suitability for most kinds of farming. It is a practical classification <br />based on limitations of the soils, the risk of damage when used, and the response <br />to treatment. The soils were classified according to degree and permanent limit- <br />ation, but without consideration of major and generally expansive landforming <br />that would cfiange the slope, depth, or other characteristics of the soils and <br />without consideration of possible reclamation projects. <br />Three broad soil units were identified as occurring within the proposed permit <br />area; clayey foothills, brushy loam, and deep loam. Soils on these sites were <br />placed into capability classes IV, VI, and VII. <br />Class IV are soils exhibiting very severe limitations that restrict the choice of <br />crops, require very careful management, or both. <br />Class VI soils are not suited for cultivation and have very severe limitations. <br />. They are suited for range, pasture, woodland or wildlife with careful management <br />and needed conservation practices. <br />2-173 <br />