Laserfiche WebLink
Exhibit J Vegetation Information <br /> The vegetation in this high-elevation area (approximately 10,000 feet) consists of several distinct <br /> communities. At this elevation in the Southern Rocky Mountains, the landscape falls within the <br /> subalpine zone and includes both forested and open areas. <br /> 1 . Description of Present Vegetation Types <br /> Forested areas are dominated by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and Subalpine fir(Abies <br /> lasiocarpa), which form the primary tree canopy reaching heights of 60-80 feet with approximately 40- <br /> 60% total canopy cover. Individual Engelmann spruce can reach heights of up to 100 feet in protected <br /> areas, while subalpine fir typically remains shorter at 50-70 feet. The ratio between these species <br /> typically favors spruce at about 60:40. <br /> The understory in forested areas includes tall shrubs such as Gooseberry (Ribes montigenum) and Red <br /> elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), reaching heights of 3-6 feet with approximately 10-15% cover. Low <br /> shrubs include Whortleberry (Vaccinium scoparium) forming dense patches 4-8 inches high with 20- <br /> 30% cover in suitable areas. <br /> In open areas and forest clearings, the vegetation structure shifts dramatically. These areas support a <br /> rich herbaceous layer dominated by various grass species including Idaho Fescue (Festuca <br /> idahoensis) and Thurber's Fescue (Festuca thurberi), typically reaching heights of 8-16 inches with <br /> combined cover of 30-40%. Common forbs include Alpine sunflower(Tetraneuris grandiflora), Colorado <br /> Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea), and various species of Penstemon, creating a diverse layer 4-24 <br /> inches in height with collective cover ranging from 20-35% depending on local conditions. <br /> Riparian corridors and moist areas support distinct vegetation assemblages with higher coverage of <br /> willows (Salix spp.), particularly Booth's Willow (Salix boothii) and Wolfs Willow (Salix wolfii), forming <br /> dense thickets 6-12 feet tall with 60-80% cover in suitable locations. The herbaceous layer in these <br /> areas includes Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and various sedges (Carex spp.) reaching <br /> heights of 12-24 inches with nearly complete ground cover of 80-90%. <br /> Disturbed areas, particularly those associated with historical mining activity, show modified vegetation <br /> patterns with increased presence of early successional species. These areas often support scattered <br /> stands of Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) reaching heights of 30-50 feet with variable cover of <br /> 20-40%, along with a diverse understory of colonizing forbs and grasses. <br /> London Mountain Clean Up <br /> April 2025 �-� Lewicki&Associates <br />