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-2 <br />~ ~^,. United States Soii 216 North Colorado <br />Department of Conservation Gunnison CO 81230 <br />~~ ~ AgricWture Service <br />ties and limitations, chief of which would be rock outcrops, very shallow soils <br />and depth to bedrock, slope steepness in certain areas, high mineral and low <br />organic matter content in the soil, rapid permeability for reservoirs and other <br />berms or embankments, relatively short growing season for seeding establishment, <br />and dry, open slope exposure. For porposes of surface mining, the soil, sub- <br />soil and parent material are relatively stable, and drainage of the area either <br />during mine operation or after reclamation presents no apparent problem. Other <br />than excavation activities, livestock grazing is the only other beneficial use <br />of the area at present. <br />Other considerations of general concern regarding reclamation of the site include: <br />1) All topsoil present should be stockpiled in an easily accessible area, <br />where practical. However, natural topsoil depth in the area is already <br />minimal, especially on steeper slopes and occasional ridge tops. Addit- <br />ional topsoil may need to be obtained to supplement native topsoil re- <br />moved and stockpiled. If the stockpiled topsoil is to be stored for <br />an ex`~ended period, it should be reseeded as per the recommendation <br />mentioned afterward. <br />2) Asnoted previously, no on-site inventory of existing vegetation has <br />been possible. However, on the attached form CO-ECS-2, I have pro- <br />vided some estimated and expected plant composition percentages, based <br />on a general working knowledge of the area and range site in cuestion <br />relative to neighboring sites. The range site as a whole would be <br />classified as ountain Loam either in poor or low fair condition, <br />if typical of nes oring range sites. A complete, specific inventory <br />will be possible this summer, if still required. <br />3) Seedbed preparation, since most (if not all) of the sites to be seeded <br />are roadbeds, other travelled and compacted areas, fill material back <br />slopes, etc., should include several factors: <br />a) If the area is highly compacted from machinery traffic, the area <br />should be ripped or deep-chiseled down to a depth of at least 1 foot, <br />and more preferably 2-3 ft. This will break-up 'rhardpan'r layers and <br />permit greater water infiltration and root penetration to deeper soil <br />layers. <br />b) After such renovation, the area should be disked and perhaps mildly <br />rolled or dragged to provide a smooth and relatively firm seedbed. <br />c) The seedbed should be as rock and weed free as possible. If poss- <br />ible, especially on areas which have been denuded or eroded down to <br />subsoil layers or exposed rock, topsoiling should definitely be con- <br />sidered, nreferabl;/ to depth of 4-6 inches, This would greatly en- <br />hance the probability of seedling establishment, vigor and success. <br />However, natural topsoil depth in the area is already minimal; i:•f an <br />outside source of suitable topsoil (i.e. rock a7d ueedfree, friable, <br />good organic matter content, etc.) is not available or feasible, this <br />alternative may not be possible. <br />0 Tne SoA ConserveUOn Servme <br />U is en spent, of me <br />Depe~lmenl of Apncve ure <br />