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• Minimum sample size required (nm;~)= 2 (based on total density) <br />The sagebrush vegetation type as identified within the study area occurs on shallow soil that <br />occurred predominantly in map units 98C and 98D. The native vegetation on these soils is <br />typically apinyon-juniper dominated woodland or a shrub dominated rangeland. As evidenced by <br />the cover data, and verified by field observations, the pinyon-juniper woodland overstory has been <br />essentially removed. The removal of this overstory plus the level of disturbance associated with <br />livestock use and man's impact has completely altered the composition of the site. Impacts <br />include occasional chaining, and chemical spraying to reduce sagebrush plus poor cattle <br />management practices that has led to most desirable plant species being removed. In evaluating <br />the Guide for Determining Forage Condition attached to the Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Site <br />Description, it is apparent that the sites would only warrant a poor forage condition rating. Note <br />that no woodland site index information has been provided in the Site Description. The stocking <br />rate for the sagebrush type is estimated at a low 0.09 AUM's/ac or 12 acres/AUM assuming use of <br />all grasses and the mare palatable (orbs. <br />As stated earlier, the sagebrush-1 type represents a remnant native community that has been <br />• severely altered because of intensive agricultural land use and associated support activities. <br />Though these sites normally have apinyon-juniper tree overstory (previously discussed), these <br />have most likely been removed for fencing materials, firewood, land clearing, and from the <br />impacts of high concentrations of grazing animals. Most of the type occurs where it is impractical <br />to irrigate. The pastures are usually heavily stocked at least during part of the year, resulting in a <br />high level of animal pressure from grazing and trampling. The sites are also periodically used as <br />equipment parking, storage, or boneyard areas and winter livestock feeding areas. The shallow <br />soils, rock outcrops, and low natural precipitation, further reduce the potential productivity of the <br />site, while increasing the potential for further deterioration and decreasing the opportunity for any <br />recovery. The majority of species encountered during cover sampling (see Table 2.04.10-21) <br />were increaser or invader species. Consistent with the composition of severely deteriorated <br />native plant communities in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, cheatgrass, <br />sagebrush, four-wing saltbrush, and broom snakeweed accounted most of the vegetative cover. <br />The type is not an important component when considering the local land use and management <br />objectives. Conversion to a higher or better use would be done if not for the militating site <br />conditions and associated costs. <br />• (REVISED 8/15/00) 2.!)4.11) - 66 <br />