Laserfiche WebLink
G <br />in support of the ranching and pit operations. This area is also used to stage <br />mining operations. Vegetation on this area has been recovering over the last <br />40 years with a big sagebrush (3-4 ft in height) covering and some <br />rabbitbrush species. The area that has mature sagebrush and other <br />vegetation is roughly 0.49 acres. Photo 5 shows a portion of this mature <br />area. <br />Photo S. Mature sagebrush and rabbitbrush, notice the pipe for building ranch <br />fencing. <br />The storage area also serves as access and staging area for ranch <br />operations. During inclement weather and the wet portions of the year <br />("mud" season), this gravelly/sandy location is assessable while other <br />portions of the ranch may be to muddy to allow travel. <br />Runoff and Erosion <br />Currently large portions of the pit are relatively stable with perennial or <br />desirable annual plant communities and limited soil movement. While there <br />are steep slopes, most have become stable over time (40 plus years) and re - <br />vegetated by natural processes. Portions of the pit have soils that are high <br />in clays (bentonitic) or are bedrock dominated (See soils, geology, and <br />vegetation section). As such, water moves during storm events or snow melt <br />over these areas with little negative impact. <br />�� -- 20 1 Page <br />I(I.:VOWIIt. (-RAVI I PIV! VI�i'ADI-I,-SOLlt�lNCII <br />M': c oRI A I B V,1 . INV IR( )N ViI N I At, AN %I-sIJA' 1(:S — WIVIV.GItI A I B % 5 I N I NV i L.CO A <br />