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<br />Below are conmmeota on the inspectioa '[he commend include discussion of ohaecvations made dining the inapxtiaa <br />Comments also desrnbe say eni'orcemeor actions lateen during the inspection and the facts or evidence suppoAing the <br />e~'orcemeot action. <br />This was a partial inspection primarily to assess the vegetation sampling being conducted in Area 41. <br />The sampling was being conducted by an independent contractor, Habitat Management, Inc. -Wayne <br />Erickson and Ken Carlson. A systematic random grid was used to establish sampling locations. The <br />fixed point of reference for the Area 41 grid was the southwest fence post of the wildlife exclosure <br />constructed by the BLM. <br />At each sampling location, a 50 meter ttansect was randomly oriented. Cover was evaluated using a <br />ten point laser flame, placed perpendicular to the transact, at Sm intervals. The laser point frame is a <br />very effective tool for evaluating cover because the red light can be easily seen to determine what <br />species is "hit". Cover data was recorded by vege~tion species, litter, rock or bare ground. Three <br />circulaz production plots were randomly located along each transact. Weights from the production plots <br />were variable, where an alfalfa plant was hit, the weights were high. Achieving sample adequacy may <br />be difficult for production. <br />1 walked Area 41 observing the success of the shrub rows, especially at the higher elevations. Rose, <br />bitter brush and snowberry are very successful in these rows. A small aspen stand on the western edge <br />was observed. Rick Mills explained this was an area where topsoil was salvaged, but the azea was not <br />firrther disturbed. Aspens from the adjacent undisturbed azea have reestablished here. CYCC did not <br />reapply topsoil, but chose to allow the aspens to thrive. The aspens are approximately three feet tall. <br />Native understory cover is coming in, but some rilling was observed. Monitoring the development of <br />this community for possible reclamation techniques would be an interesting project. <br />Overall, the revegetation of Area 41 is very good and has been effective in controlling erosion. Some <br />thistles and houndstongue were observed. Mr. Mills said spraying for these weeds iB planned. <br />Drainage PG-1 was walked from top to bottom. The upper portions need some maintenance this year, <br />but have been effective in controlling the erosion on the reclaimed elopes. The lower portion of the <br />channel is well vegetated. <br />Mr. Mills showed me a small azea, outside of Area 41, where CYCC had live handled topsoil. It <br />looked like a native community dominated by big sagebrush, native grasses and fortis. This has been a <br />very successful reclamation technique for re-establishment of native communities. <br />