PERMFILE55264 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

their survival characteristics under adverse conditions. These same reports document [hat [he introduced species • are capable of providing a permanent vegetation cover, have a longer life span and are more prolific than some of the slower developing native species. The proposed introduced species are currently encountered in Routt County. All are deemed desirable from a range seeding and wildlife management standpoint. Their nutritional value for the compatibility with livestock and wildlife are well documented. Mule deer preferences for intermediate wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, orchardgrass, timothy, brome grass, alfalfa, and milkvetch are documented by Kufeld et al, (1973). Elk preferences are reported by Kufeld (1973) to include desert wheatgrass, [imodry, brome, alfalfa, milkvetch and small borne[. Plununer et al. (1968) reports that studies in Utah have shown big game prefer alfalfa, small borne[, desert wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, smooth brome, and orchardgrass. Introduced (orbs are restricted to legumes which are noted for tlteir soil building properties as well as a high protein source for grazing animals. A major wildlife concern in the Twentymile Park area is sage grouse habitat. Legumes are the only recommended plant species specified in all reseedings ro improve sage grouse habitat (Western S[a[es Sage Grouse Committee 1967). Pyrah (1969) found that sage grouse moved out of the sagebrush and into "alfalfa fields as [he fortis in the sagebrush desiccated". Gill (1966) reported that legumes represented 51% of the sage grouse diet during the summer months. Alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, and small Burnet represent a desirable feed source for sage grouse. Livestock forage preference for the proposed introduced species has been documented by Marquis et al. (1974). Palatability ratings in order of descending preferences were: smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and beardless wheatgrass. In a study spanning almost 30 years in which some 127 species of grasses were planted, Gomm (1969) documented livestock preferences for the • introduced species proposed in the pastureland seed mixture. He concluded his studies with the following statement "Generally, the introduced species have been more palatable than the native in areas where range seeding is a common practice." The nutritional value of [he proposed introduced species is predictable and is largely independent of geochemical changes resulting from disruption of [he topsail and overburden. Cook and Harris (1950) state that "environmental factors and soil moisture are more important in determining the nutrient content of range forage plants under' various site conditions than [he chemical content of the soil...." Reclaimed vegetation quality, as reported by DePuit et al. (1976), was found to differ, but not significantly from that occurring on undisturbed sites. The Director of Extension Services in Routt County, Colorado, confirms that, according to the present State and Federal noxious plant lists, the proposed introduced species have clearance for seeding, and are not considered poisonous or noxious. Seeding and planting of the disturbed areas will be initiated during the first favorable planting conditions after final seedbed preparation, as specified in Rule 4.15.3, Seeding and Planting. Details of the proposed planting and seeding methods are discussed under Rule 2.05.4(2)(e). Mulchine Mulch is defined in Rule 1.04 as a material that aids in soil stabilization, promotes soil moisture conservation and encourages plan[ germination and growth. Numerous studies have shown that topsoil itself is highly effective as a mulch, due [o its ability to control erosion and assist in moisture conservation (Power e[ al. 1974; USDA-ARS- • NDSU 1971: Dollhopf et al. [977). I[ is the opinion of TCC that mulch in die form of an organic plant material residue is unnecessary to achieve [he three regulatory goals of controlling erosion, promo[in~ germination and mcreasin!! soil moisture content. TCC contends that, under die definition of mulch set forth in Rule 1.04, [he reapplication of topsoil, as provided by this reclamation plan, satisfies the requirement for mulch set forth at Rule M R 97-15d 2.05-112 Revised 9/9/97