|
their survival characteristics under adverse conditions. These same reports document that the introduced species
<br />are capable of providing a permanent vegetation cover, have a longer life span and are more prolific than some of
<br />. the slower developing native species.
<br />The proposed introduced species are currently encountered in Routt County. All are deemed desirable from a range
<br />seeding and wildlife management standpoint. Their nutritional value for the compatibility with livestock and
<br />wildlife are well documented. Mule deer preferences for intermediate wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, orchardgrass,
<br />timothy, brome grass, alfalfa, and milkvetch are documented by Kufeld et al, (1973). Elk preferences are reported
<br />by Kufeld (1973) to include desert wheatgrass, timothy, brome, alfalfa, milkvetch and small burnet. Plummer et al.
<br />(1968) reports that studies in Utah have shown big game prefer alfalfa, small burnet, desert wheatgrass,
<br />intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, smooth brome, and orchardgrass.
<br />Introduced fortis are restricted to legumes which are noted for their soil building properties as well as a high protein
<br />source for grazing animals. A major wildlife concern in the Twentymile Park area is sage grouse habitat. Legumes
<br />are the only recommended plant species specified in all reseedings to improve sage grouse habitat (Western States
<br />Sage Grouse Committee 1967). Pyrah (1969) found that sage grouse moved out of the sagebrush and into "alfalfa
<br />fields as the forbs in the sagebrush desiccated". Gill (1966) reported that legumes represented 51% of the sage
<br />grouse diet during the summer months. Alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, and small burnet represent a desirable feed source
<br />for sage grouse.
<br />Livestock forage preference for the proposed introduced species has been documented by Marquiss et al. (1974).
<br />Palatability ratings in order of descending preferences were: smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent
<br />wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and beardless wheatgrass. In a study spanning almost 30 years
<br />in which some 127 species of grasses were planted, Gomm (1969) documented livestock preferences for the
<br />introduced species proposed in the pastureland seed mixture. He concluded his studies with the following
<br />statement: "Generally, the introduced species have been more palatable than the native in areas where range
<br />•seeding is a common practice."
<br />The nutritional value of the proposed introduced species is predictable and is largely independent of geochemical
<br />changes resulting from disruption of the topsoil and overburden. Cook and Harris (1950) state that:
<br />"environmental factors and soil moisture are more important in determining the nutrient content of range forage
<br />plants under various site conditions than the chemical content of the soil...." Reclaimed vegetation quality, as
<br />reported by DePuit et al. (1976), was found to differ, but not significantly from that occurring on undisturbed sites.
<br />The Director of Extension Services in Routt County, Colorado, confirms that, according to the present State and
<br />Federal noxious plant lists, the proposed introduced species have clearance for seeding, and are not considered
<br />poisonous or noxious.
<br />Seeding and planting of the disturbed areas will be initiated during the first favorable planting conditions after final
<br />seedbed preparation, as specified in Rule 4.15.3, Seeding and Planting. In general, reclamation areas will be
<br />prepared for seeding by ripping the surface to break-up and roughen the soil material. Ripping will provide a
<br />roughened surface to hold the seed, promote moisture and root penetration, and minimize surface runoff until the
<br />vegetation becomes established. Disturbed areas will be drill- or broadcast -seeded following surface preparation.
<br />Generally, drill -seeding will be utilized for most regraded areas, unless ground conditions, topography, or the
<br />limited size of certain areas preclude safe and cost-effective use of this seeding method. A conventional rangeland
<br />drill with disks and packer wheels will be used, with seeding at the rates specified in the seed mixtures. All other
<br />disturbance areas will be broadcast seeded using equipment -mounted or hand broadcast seeders. Seed will be
<br />broadcast at the increased rates specified in the seed mixtures and seeded areas will be harrowed, raked, or dragged
<br />to bed and cover the seed. Any areas where conventional seeding (drill or broadcast) is not practical due to slope
<br />gradients and related equipment safety concerns (>3H: IV) will either be hydro -seeded and hydro -mulched or
<br />broadcast seeded and protected by erosion control blankets or similar materials. Seeding will normally occur in
<br />•late -fall to allow the seed to "winter -over"' so that it germinates in the spring when soil and moisture conditions are
<br />optimal for effective germination and initial establishment.
<br />RN08-05 2.05-112 03/12/10
<br />
|