2001-12-11_PERMIT FILE - C1994082A ‎(2)‎

• Permit No: C1994082A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 12/11/2001
• Section_Exhibit Name: TAB 04 LAND USE
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

above vegetation types. In general, range condition was determined to be high-fair to .
low-good. The following range site;: apply to the mine permit area: brushy loam end stony
loam (mountain brush end steep mountain brush), mountain loam (sagebrush end mesic
tlrainage), claypan (western uheatg r:;ss/alkali sage), and mountain shale (alkali sagebrush/
greasewootl). Aspen is classified es woodland and does not have a representative range
site description.
The following briefly describes the vegetation types associated with rangeland land use,
Table 4-2 lists the acreage, herbac~aous production, stocking rate, and capability for each
vegetation type. Estimates of forage value are based on Dennis and Antonio (1980).
Mountain brush. The mountain brush type, greatest in areal extent of the vegetation types
(51 percent of the permit area), occurs on moderatel y. to steeply s(aping sandstone bedrock
controlled sideslopes. Dominant vegetation includes a dense cover of tall shrubs such as
Gambel oak (guercus gambelii), chokecherry (Patlus virginiana), and serviceberry
(Amelanchier alnifolia) with a lesser unde rstory of diverse grasses and fortis. Total
biomass production is high, but the heavy woody canopy results in suppressed herbaceous
production. Grasses tend to predominate in the understory and have high forage values for •
cattle and lesser values for sheep. The forb component and dominant shrubs have a medium -~
to high forage value for sheep. Dense woody stands provide shading but restrict access in
this type, particularly to cattle. The mountain brush type is best suited Ito sheep
grazing. In determining the stocking rates listed in Table 4-2, it was estimated that up
to 25 percent of the herbaceous forage was unavailable due to access and palatability.
Sagebrush. The sagebrush type occupies 19 percent of the permit area. This type occurs
on gently rounded soft shale knobs and ridges and in areas with deeper soils. Mountain
sagebrush (Seriphidium vasevanum), Big sagebrush (Seriohidium tridentatum), and snowberry_
(SVmohoricaroos rotundifolius) dominate this type. A diverse herbaceous component that
contributes significantly to total biomass is commonly found in the type. Herbaceous
production is higher in the sagebrush than in the mountain brush type, likely due to the
more open nature of sagebrush stands. the sagebrush type has an overall forage value that
is medium to high for sheep due [o grass, forb, and woody plant composition. The grass
component is generally medium to high in forage value for ceitle. The sagebrush type is
best suited to sheep grazing and has historically been used as spring and early summer
sheep range. It is estimated that the available herbaceous production may be reduced by •~
ten percent due to access and palatability.
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