Laserfiche WebLink
2014 Drill Site Reclamation and B -seam Dewatering Expansion Area <br />These sites generally showed good seedling establishment. Some cheatgrass and Russian <br />thistle were present but are not expected to provide much of an impact. The rabbit <br />infestation did remove most of the top growth of the seedlings but they did not provide an <br />adequate root crown for the rabbits to pursue. We expect the seedlings to reemerge in the <br />spring of 2016. <br />Erosion/sedimentation was not an issue on any of the sites. The surface roughness created <br />during reclamation adequately retained precipitation and sediment on the sites. <br />Raw Water Pipeline 2005 Replacement <br />Perennial vegetation is now well established on this area. Shrub establishment is excellent. <br />Cheatgrass is typically present on portions of this area where it is abundant on the adjacent <br />undisturbed lands. <br />2008 Drill Site Reclamation <br />These sites are maturing nicely. Perennial vegetation is well established and the sites are <br />stable. While some cheatgrass is present it is less abundant than on the adjacent native <br />areas. <br />Other Observations <br />Concerns were previously expressed over the potential for forage kochia spreading and <br />becoming more aggressive than desired. Observations in 2015 indicate that this species <br />continues to behaving well. It is showing little signs of spreading beyond the intended sites <br />and does not appear to be forcing other perennial vegetation out. It is, however, competing <br />well with cheatgrass and has become established on Refuse Pit #1 where cheatgrass has <br />been a long term problem. It has also established well on the very severe south -facing <br />slopes at the East Portal area. <br />Recommendations <br />The reclaimed areas appear hydrologically stable and generally in good condition. <br />Cheatgrass continues to be a cyclical problem impacting long term vegetation success at <br />