2018-09-20_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (5)

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RULE 2 PERMITS The mountain shrub community is typically found in the areas of higher soil moisture and deep, medium to fine textured soils on all slopes and aspects within the permit area. Generally, the areas with decreased soil moisture and shallower soils will tend towards elements of the sagebrush community in a diverse transition area. For further details on soil/moisture relationships refer to Figure 2.04.10-1, Environmental Gradient/Plant Tolerance Graph. Juniper Communi Within the permit area the juniper community is limited to the area around Mount Streeter and the bluffs along the lower portion of Taylor Creek and Goodspring Creek. The community is dominated by an open overstory of Utah juniper (Juniperus utahensis), rarely over 15 feet tall, with big sagebrush as a major associate. The open understory contains a sparse population of grasses and forbs with the major species being Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides), bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia polycantha), and lupine. According to the 1975 USDI, BLM, EMRIA Taylor Creek Study, the herbaceous cover for the juniper community was determined to be 1.6 percent. Overall, the productivity of the juniper community is low due to the combined effects of shallow to rocky soils, southerly aspect and steep, highly erodible slopes. Productivity, as determined by the BLM is .036 AUM's per acre for the juniper type in this area. Only a limited amount of this vegetation community was disturbed mainly for material to be crushed for pit haul road use during the initial permit term. Aspen Woodland Community The aspen community is very limited within the permit area comprising less than to of the area to be mined. Groves of aspen occur within the upper reaches of Streeter and Taylor Creek watersheds in locations where snow melt continues to provide moisture later in the spring. The aspen community is characterized by tall, dense groves of aspen (Populus tremuloides), as the primary upper level overstory with elements of the mountain shrub community, particularly serviceberry and chokecherry, as a secondary overstory. The deep loamy soils combined with the favorable soil moisture condition continuing on into summer contribute to a rich, diverse and productive understory. Grasses and forbs are very prevalent with the dominates being Kentucky bluegrass, mountain brome, yarrow, prairie coneflowers, and American vetch. According to 1988 sampling herbaceous cover was determine to be 73.00%. For additional details refer to Table 2.04.10-3, 1988 Herbaceous cover by species. Production sampling indicated 772 Rule 2 Permits 2.04.10-4 Revision Date: 7/23/18 Revision No.: TR -123