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Within North Park, Beck (1977) estimated that <br /> 1252 Y.mZ (ca. 67$) of the surface is dominated by big <br /> sagebrush. In the course of mining under the proposed <br /> lease, about 15.5 acres (6.3ha) of this type will be <br /> disturbed. <br /> b. Big sagebrush-grassland escarpment <br /> This type occupies hillsides and slopes on the <br /> lease area, where the terrain varies from rolling to <br /> broken and is dissected by small drainages. Most <br /> exposures are south-easterly, contributing to greater <br /> sunlight exposure, on one hand, and greater snow <br /> accumulation on the other, since prevailing winds are <br /> west-northwest. <br /> This habitat type contains elements of the previous <br /> type, but the greater range in microclimate produces a <br /> greater diversity in vegetation. Big sagebrush will not <br /> tolerate deep snow accumulation, or prolonged flooding, <br />• hence grasses and forbs dominate in snow accumulation <br /> areas and seeps. Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentataJ is <br /> found sparingly here. <br /> In the course of mining, about 26.9 acres (10.9ha) <br /> of this type will be disturbed. <br /> c. Alkali sagebrush-greasewood bottomland complex <br /> The lower portions of the lease area are more poorly <br /> drained than the above types, and soils more saline/ <br /> alkaline. Hence big sagebrush gives way to phreatophytic <br /> and halophytic vegetation - alkali sagebrush (Artemisia <br /> ZongilobaJ, greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatusJ, and <br /> related flora (see vegetation, Apperx3ix F). Fdaphic constraints may <br /> limit full development of this type. Often the flora <br /> is very sparse. However at the upper limits of this <br /> type, vegetation can be quite dense, due to the higher <br /> soil moisture, and the growing season is extended into <br /> late summer. About 25.2 acres (10.2 ha) of this type <br /> would be disturbed. <br />I • <br />-3- <br />