2018-01-03_PERMIT FILE - C1994082 ‎(10)‎

• Permit No: C1994082
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 1/3/2018
• Section_Exhibit Name: TAB 04 LAND USE
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Aspen. The aspen vegetation type occurs on approximately 16 percent of the permit area.
It occupies northern aspects of deeply incised and steeply sloping ephemeral drainages,
very steep sideslopes with northern aspects, and in drainage bottoms at higher elevations
in the southern portion of the permit area. While total areal extent is small in relation
to the permit acreage, individual clonal stands can be extensive (see Exhibit 10-1, Tab
10, Vegetation). Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is the dominant species with herbaceous and
browse species contributing significantly to stand composition. Considering grasses,
forbs, and browse, the forage value rating for the type is greater for sheep than cattle.
Cattle use is common however, and is preferred at times. The open understory allows
easier access and the shading provided by the aspen canopy provides cooler temperatures
and more succulent forages. The aspen type is considered grazeable woodland, but is not
well suited for harvesting of wood products due to the relatively small stands and the
quality of trees. There is only limited evidence of aspen cutting, possibly for firewood
or poles. It is estimated that up to 15 percent of the annual herbaceous production is
unavailable due to access and palatability.
Steep mountain brush. The steep mountain brush type is closely associated with the
mountain brush type. It occurs on the more steeply sloping east, south, and southwest
facing sandstone slopes, including very steep nearly barren ridges and cliffs. The site
is dominated by woody species and varies in vegetation composition from that which is
similar to the mountain brush type to a more open shrubland that includes serviceberry,
antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), birchleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus
montanus), and a diverse herbaceous understory. Overall forage value is medium to high
for sheep and access on this steep site is more suited to this class of livestock. It is
estimated that up to 40 percent of the herbaceous forage is unavailable due principally to
poor access.
Western wheatgrass/alkali sagebrush. The western wheatgrass/alkali sagebrush type occurs
on gently rounded, soft shale knobs and ridges and westerly facing slopes below these
ridges. This type is closely associated with the sagebrush type but occurs on finer
textured soils that are shallow over shale bedrock. The dominant species include alkali
sagebrush (Seriphidium arbusculum ssp. longilobum) and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum
smithii). Grasses and forbs are common in this vegetation type. Forage value of this
type is greatest for sheep, in particular when considering the high sheep forage value of
the dominant alkali sagebrush. Fine textured soils and shallow rooting depths result in
droughthy site conditions. This type is best used in spring and early summer and is most
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