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with an average density of 32.1 stems/50m2 or (2,570 stems/acre). Rubber rabbit was the next <br />dominant shrub with 5.1 stems/SOm2 or (407 stems per acre). Other species included Utah juniper <br />• with 0.1 stems/50m2 or (5 stems/acre) and four-wing saltbush with 0.4 stems/50m2 or (34 <br />stemslacre). <br />Seventeen species occurred in the cover samples. Three species had relative cover values of 1 <br />percent or greater. Grasses (including annuals) comprised six of the species (see Table <br />2.04.10-24), while annual/biennial/perennial (orbs totaled six. Three shrubs occurred in the <br />cover samples, as did lichen and moss. <br />The sagebrush -2 (SG-2) vegetation type as identified within the study area occurs on soil map <br />unit 98G. The map unit is comprised of Bowbac and Bowdish soil. Within the complex are small <br />inclusions of coal. Bowbac is typically a big sagebrush range site and Bowbac is typically a <br />pinon-juniper range site. As evidenced by the cover data, and verified by field observations, the <br />pinyon-juniper woodland overstory has been essentially removed if it existed at all. The removal <br />of this overstory plus the level of disturbance associated with livestock use and man's impact has <br />completely altered the composition of the site. In evaluating the Guide for Determining Forage <br />Condition attached to the Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Site Description, it is apparent that the sites <br />• would only warrant a poor forage condition rating. Note that no woodland site index information <br />has been provided in the Site Description. The stocking rate for the sagebrush type is <br />estimated at a low 0.09 AUM's/ac or 12 acres/AUM assuming use of all grasses and the more <br />palatable (orbs. <br />As stated earlier, the sagebrush-2 (SG-2) type represents a remnant native community that has <br />been severely altered because of intensive agricultural land use and associated support activities. <br />Most of the type occurs on toeslopes of a mesa adjacent to the alluvial flood plain of Tuttle Draw. <br />The sites are heavily stocked with cattle at least during part of the year, resulting in a high level of <br />animal pressure from grazing and trampling and winter livestock feeding areas. Consistent with <br />the composition of severely deteriorated native plant communities in the Great Basin and <br />Colorado Plateau regions, cheatgrass predominated the undersiory while more desirable range <br />species were lacking. Tail water from leaking ditches on the mesa top encroaches this type. <br />Where tailwater is present the site is dominated with an understory of Russian knapweed. <br />• (REVISED B/15/00) 2.04.10 - 70 <br />