2016-07-14_PERMIT FILE - M2016010

• Permit No: M2016010
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 7/14/2016
• Doc Name: Adequacy Review Response
• From: Transit-Mix Concrete Co.
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: AME
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Transit Mix Concrete Co.
Grassland
The grassland community, which occupies 329 acres (22%), varies considerably across the .
property and is characterized by a mix of grasses and forbs. The principal grass is blue gramma,
with a variety of other species intermixed, including mountain muhly, sleepygrass (Achnatherum
robustum), side -oats gramma, needle and thread, little bluestem, big bluestem (Andropogon
gerardii), and the introduced cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron
cristatum). Principal forbs include wild tarragon, fringed sage, woolly plantain (Plantago
patagonica), and in places the introduced horseweed (Conyza canadensis). Other common forbs
include ragwort (Ambrosia sp.), Louisiana sagewort, buckwheat, gayfeather (Liatris punctata),
and spreading fleabane (Erigeron divergens). Musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Dalmatian toadflax,
and common mullein occur in this community. Average cover and height estimates for the
principal plant species in this community are provided in Table 6.
Table 6. Grassland: Cover and Height Estimates for Principal Plant Species
Common Name
Scientific Name
Height*
Absolute Cover (%)"
Forbs
Wild tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
36 in
2.5-15
Fringed sage
Artemisia frigida
18-24 in
7.5-30
Woolly plantain
Plantago patagonica
7 in
15
Horseweed
Conyza canadensis
30-36 in
0-15
Grasses
Blue gramma
Bouteloua gracilis
14-18 in
7.5-15
' Due to the wide variation within the community, average height and cover may be
provided as a range.
Herbaceous Wetland
In the grassland below the main lake, a narrow 0.2-acre strip of herbaceous slope wetland occurs.
The principal species are arctic rush (Juncus arcticus), wheatgrass (Elymus sp.), redtop bent
grass, and the introduced alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum), with associated smartweed
(Polygonum sp.), speedwell (Veronica sp.), willow herb (Epilobium sp.), field mint (Mentha
arvensis), and dock (Rumex sp.). Two small patches of what appears to be Nebraska sedge
(Carex nebrascensis) also occur. The plants have been heavily grazed by the horses, so a
definitive identification could not be made. Average cover and height estimates for the principal
plant species in this community are provided in Table 7.
Hitch Rack Ranch Quarry Permit Application M-2016-010
July 14, 2016 J-9