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~ ~ III lilllllllllllllll DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES David H. Getches, Executive Director MINED LAND RECLAMATION DIVISION DAVID C. SHELTON, Director Richard D. Lamm Governor December 7, 1983 Mr. Justin Dean Kirk Union Carbide Corp. P.0. Box 1029 Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 Re: Grass Species that Should be Adaptable to the Grand Junction, Colorado Area Dear Operator: During a November, 1983 inspection of the Grand Junction area, a number of operators expressed concern over the problem of establishing a di~rerse grass stand given the severity of the local environment. Assistance was requested from the Division of Mined Land Reclamation to identify adaptable species to the alkaline soils of the Grand Junction area. Mr. Peter O'Connor, reclamation specialist, reviewed a number of publications and identified the following grass species that should tie adaptable to the low precipitation, alkaline soils of the Grand Junction area. A. Native Grass Species 1. Alkali sacaton: Perennial bunchgrass, with poor to fair Ease of estao lshment, that is found naturally on alkali flats. The plant is best suited for clayey textures and not adapted to saltdy soils. 2. Basin wildr e: Perennial bunchgrass that is moderately eitsy to estao is~d to medium to clayey soils but not adapted to sandy soils. This species is coivnonly found on alkali soils. 3. Galleta: Perennial mid grass that is adapted to all soil types. The grass is tolerant of moderately alkaline soils and can survive in areas with precipitation down to 3.7 inches/year. 4. Indian ricegrass: Perennial bunchgrass with a low genninittion rate causing this species to be classified by many as "difficult to establish". This grass grows best on sandy and silty textured soils that are weakly alkaline. Indian ricegrass is commonly round in deserts with precipitation of 6 inches/year. 423 Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Tel. (30:3) 866-3567