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roadway leading to this area. The loss of this growth (composed of not only grasses and forks but also extensive shrub growth and developing trees) would take many years to recover and ;~ ,after seeding might never redevelop to the quality present today. This pile of broken rock is in .~ astable location and is certainly no more hazardous than scree slopes found on the high peaks throughout Colorado. Because of the tremendous damage that would occur in grading this small area it is proposed that this pile be left as is. There is some invasion of raspberry and other species occurring in the rock pile. In general, the rock pile is developing into a fairly typical natural, foothills rockpile type of vegetation community composed mostly of shrubs with only minor grass and forb growth. There is no point in seeding the area as grass would add nothing to the condition, assuming much of it even grew. Seed to be applied should be according to Map R-5. Seeding of specific areas within each of these areas should consider the existing vegetation. Where existing vegetation is good, seeding should be reduced or even not done if the existing growth is excellent. Where existing growth is poor seeding should be done at maximum rates. As noted above, where trees -primarily Douglas Fu and Ponderosa Pine -are invading heavily (mainly north facing slopes), seeding should be very light. This will help to reduce the adverse effects of grass growth on the development of these trees. These species tend to be very sensitive to grass development in their vicinity, not only through moisture competition, but also through soil microbiological changes induced by the presence of dense grass growth. Seeding of these areas would best be done in late October to late November. This is a partial reflection of natural seeding cycles. Spring seeding could be done, but on this site could produce too vigorous a seedling growth and, if a very favorable year, might be disruptive to the natural vegetation. Fertilizer should definitely not be used and mulch, even if advisable, would be difficult to apply. Mulch is not recommended as it usually shifts species balance to an intense cool season species dominance. After the first growing season the seeded areas should be examined for seeding take. Weak areas can be spot seeded in the second year, if necessary. Walking on seeded areas should be avoided until at least late June of the summer following seeding. New seedings on steep slopes can be severely damaged by walking across them even once before the young grasses have established a good root system. Expectations: Little growth should be readily evident from the new seedings until the second growing season. Typical dryland grass growth patterns show only minor top growth the first year when most of the growth goes into roots. In the second year, after the root system is established, the top growth and reproduction occurs. If the first year is J Deer Creek Quarry Rehabilitation June 1994 Page 8