2020-08-10_PERMIT FILE - C1981018A (2)

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ERO Resources forbs and weedy half -shrubs. The scattered juniper are relatively young • (<100 years), indicating a recent invasion by this species. These disturbances are more predominant on south- and southwest -facing slopes. The feature of disturbance associated with generally south -facing slopes is a trend on the permit area and will be discussed in detail below. Slopes having southerly exposures are used more heavily by sheep than other areas where snow may remain for a large part of the winter. • Evidence of erosion and signs of use by sheep both indicate that this vegetation type is regressional in character. The significance of the regressional character of these stands applies most strongly to the herb layer where the effects are markedly demonstrated. Damage from erosion is also evidenced in the pedastalling of shrubs. The major use of this vegetation type is as winter cover grounds for sheep and wild game animals. The sites may also serve as travel ways for sheep moving from open areas. The impacts that may occur in the juniper -sagebrush communities include the construction of staging facilities and roadways. A few small patches of this type that occur on exposed knolls may also be affected by rail load -out facilities and mine waste disposal. Removal of any mature trees that may occur in these areas should be avoided. Damage to the sites can be minimized during construction operations by avoiding unnecessary cutting of trees and controlling erosion. Improvements to the herb layer can be effected by revegetation. Specific improvements include planting of herbaceous species more resistant to damage by sheep and the toxic effects of juniper litter. Wheatgrasses, particularly the bunch -forming species, will compete well on the revegetated sites in this vegetation type. The use of seedbed preparation techniques that produce hard -to - erode surfaces, such as heavy roughening, will increase revegetation success on these sites. II.F-31