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Ref. Page No.M2009-006 00112 <br /> 6.4.10 EXHIBIT J—Vegetation Information <br /> The very dry,exceedingly shallow and rocky soils of the Affected Landis characterized <br /> by the most common ecological system on the sandstone hogbacks that span the <br /> east side of the North Colorado Front Range. The Affected Land is within an ecologic <br /> area commonly referred to as Ponderosa Pine Savanna system which consists of <br /> widely spaced ponderosa pine trees and also supports common and abundant native <br /> grasses and scrub. It occurs at relatively lower elevations and on somewhat rockier <br /> substrates, making this system moderately drier than the higher woodland systems. <br /> This system occurs at the tension zone between forests on higher slopes and <br /> grasslands in valley bottoms and combines elements of each. <br /> The Subject Property is in xeric environment, and is characterized by shallow well <br /> drained loam soil,with little water holding capacity. The dominant tree species in and <br /> around the Affected Land is ponderosa pine, and shrubland which find the dry soils <br /> and slopes suitable for growth. The dry slopes of this area and the soils are suitable <br /> for native grasses,scrub and some scattered ponderosa pine. On areas not disturbed <br /> by quarry activities, native tall and short grasses have almost entirely been replaced <br /> by invasive cheatgrass. The browse species Mountain Mahogany survives along with <br /> Ponderosa Pine. Ponderosa pine grows on warm dry slopes, is intolerant of shade, <br /> and grows well in full sun from bare mineral soil for germination and establishment. <br /> The vegetation on the Affected Land is characterized by approximately 41% shrub & <br /> scrub, and 59% herbaceous. Approximately 30% of the Affected Land is covered by <br /> scattered Ponderosa pine, and 40% of the Affected Land is covered by common and <br /> native grasses and scrub and shrub, the remainder 30% of the Affected Land being <br /> non-vegetated bedrock and dirt. <br /> Vegetation on the Affected Land is shown on Image C-7 included at Exhibit C and on <br /> Image F-1 at Exhibit F to this Application. <br /> It is not anticipated that reclamation will involve future use of the Affected Land for <br /> range or agriculture, or the production of hay or crops. <br /> Rest of page intentionally left blank. <br />