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" ` • • ' ' ~. unaea States $oi 6 N. CO1Orad0 Department of lb~ ' Conservation CO 81230 Gunnison AgncuRure : j , Service mentioned afterward. Please refer to Colorado Standard and Specification No. 544-"Land Reconstruction, Currently Mined Land" (attached)- for additional guidelines and recommendations regarding proper topsoiling techniques. 2) On the attached form CO-ECS-2, I have provided estimated plant composition percentages and current production of the existing vegetation, based on my on-site inventory of these factors. This form provides an indication to the MLRB or the site's current vegetation condition and composition and also an indication of reclamation/revegetati on potential. As noted, the site's ecolo- ogical condition is low fair relative to rangeland productivity and composition at present. 3) Seedbed preparation, since most (if not all) of the sites to be seeded are roadbeds, other travelled and compacted areas, fill material back slopes, open cuts, etc., should include several factors: a.) If the area if highly compacted from machinery traffic, the area should be ripped or deep-chiseled down to a depth of at least 1 foot, and more preferably 2-3 feet. This will break-up "hardpan" layers and permit greater water infiltration and root penetration to deeper soil layers. b.) After such renovation, the area should be disked and perhaps mildly rolled or dragged to provide a smooth and relatively firm seedbed. c.) The seedbed should be as rock and weed free as possible. If possible, especially on areas which have been denuded or eeoded down to subsoil layers or exposed rock, topsoiling should definitely be considered, preferably to at least a depth of 4-6 inches. This would greatly enhance the probability of seedling establishment, vigor and success. However, natural topsoil depth in the area may already be minimal; if an outside source of suitable topsoil (i.e. rock and weedfree, friable good organic matter content, etc.) is not available or feasible, this alternative may not be possible. d.) Small amounts of fertilizer (as outlined on the CO-ECS-5) could also be added and incorporated into the soil at this time, or more preferably in the spring and summer immediately fallowing seeding. Fertilizer application will also greatly improve probability of seedling success and good stand establishment. e.) Any bank or other slopes of moderate or greater degrees should be worked within reason to provide as minimal a slope as possible, O The Sorl Conservation Service U rs an agency of the DeO arimeni of Agrrc ult ure