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III. COMMENTS -COMPLIANCE Below are comments on the inspection. The comments include discussion of observations made during the inspection. Comments also describe any enforcement actions taken during the inspection and the facts or evidence supporting the enforcement action. sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush and others), across all soil treatments in both fenced and unfenced areas. Shrub density appears to be somewhat higher inside the fenced areas, and shrub growth also appears to be higher in the fenced areas. Significant browsing is evident on shrubs outside the fenced areas, but the sagebrush and associated species appear to have become well established on the site despite the browsing pressure. Tall shrub species including serviceberry and chokecherry were seeded in some of the plots, but these species are not evident either inside or outside the fenced test plots. The CSU report to be prepared later this year should provide important insights regarding the effects of the different treatments after 7 years. The corner gate to the fenced portion of the test plots was open at the time of the inspection (apparently pushed open by elk?). It is important that the gate be kept closed and that the gate and fencing be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that deer, elk, and pronghorn are kept out of the exclosure. Colowyo shrub establishment area 1997A is located a couple hundred yards to the north of the CSU/DRMS study plots. The shrub establishment area is located within a 1997 seeding parcel that is heavily dominated by alfalfa. Concentrated shrub seeding/planting was conducted both inside and outside of an elk fenced exclosure. This shrub area is very interesting; it is one of the few shrub planting sites at Colowyo with significant establishment of native tall shrub species including serviceberry and chokecherry. A number of serviceberry plants were in flower, and averaged approximately 3 feet tall. Good establishment of big sagebrush, Woods rose, snowberry, and other native shrubs was observed, along with a number of Russian olive trees that had been planted along with the native shrubs. There is a remnant shrub stand outside the exclosure, but only a few of the hardier species have managed to survive the browsing pressure, and they are low growing and stressed; shrub density, diversity, and vigor is much higher inside the exclosure. It was noted that the surface soil in the vicinity of the planting area contained numerous sandstone fragments; presence of the coarse fragments in the soil may be of significance with respect to the establishment and survival of the tall shrub species in this location. Revegetation Observations Summary Revegetation observations pertinent to Colowyo, based on the inspection, would include the following: • Big sagebrush and associated low shrub species can be effectively established from seed. • Seedmixes with minimal component of aggressive grasses (similar to CSU test plot mixes) are warranted to enhance shrub establishment. • Topographic features that enhance snow accumulation or provide more favorable site exposure may enhance shrub establishment and survival. • Elk fencing may be critical for the establishment and survival of native tall shrub species. While fencing will enhance the establishment and growth of big sagebrush and associated low shrub species, it does not appear to be a necessity. • Soil factors (e.g. coarse fragment content) may be an important factor for establishment of native tall shrub species. • Large scale establishment of a low shrub/grassland community visually dominated by mountain big sagebrush would appear to be a realistic reclamation goal. Reestablishment of the native tall shrub component, will likely need to be focused on smaller scale elk fenced exclosures, in favorable topographic locations, with consideration given to specific soil factors and other measures to enhance establishment and survival. • Annual brome appears to have the potential to become a significant impediment to successful revegetation efforts, and a plan for the effective management of annual brome is warranted. West Fork Good Soring Creek Observations of the West Fork downstream of the upper alluvial well IA-B) confirmed the conclusion of the PR-2 findings that the West Fork is not an alluvial valley floor. There is no evidence of present or historic 4