PERMFILE67019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• t • ~~ HARNER-WHITE Ecological Consultants, Inc. rrtvaan G~~~re Y~Ot ~ ir, C~re. '. .. ~ ~ . ~~:;_ 9 ~., 303.;7: at g< ~.~m~~~~HicP ..,~-.. _.. _.,.. ., ,. .. __-'i ~__'l ob6-Gate July 1, 1981 Ms. Patricia Farnsworth Colorado Westmoreland, Inc. P. O. Box E Paonia, CO 61428 Dear Ms. Farnsworth: On June 25, 1981, I made a visual reconnaissance of the Stevens Gulch and West Fork areas for the presence of subirriaated indicator species. In particular, I observed two areas, one located in Section i of Township 13 South, Range 92 West near the Morrell Cow Camp, the other in Section 13 of Township 13 South, Rance 92 West near the existing CWI wellfield. The drainage near the Morrell Cow Camp contains a spring which at this time of the year had flowing water and contained both pacific willow (Salix la siandra var. caudtate), rushes (Juncos spp.) and sedges (Carex spp.). The extent of these subirrigated indicator species was approximately 5 to 7 feet on either side of the channel and in some places as much as 15 to 20 feet. The channel along Stevens Gulch at the CWI wellfield contained no water :nd was deeply incised. Plant sper.iPS occurring along the rhannel includea pacific willow, river hawthorne (Creataeeus riviularis), narrow-leaf cottonwood (P~oulus angustifolia), horsetails (Equisetium arvense) and rushes (Junc:us ssp.). Tne extent of any subirrigated indicator species was approximately 4 to 5 feet on either side of the dry channel. In general, the presence of subirriaated indicator species other than willows, hawthorne and cottonwoods was less than 50% cover along the channel. It is hypothesized that the willows, hawthorne and cottonwoods were presumably receiving moisture through subirrigation while few of the herbaceous species were actually receiving moisture by subirrigation. A small stockpond occurs just south of the CWI wellfield and the presence of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) occurred around the pond. Pres~,R;;bly this pond has been in place for a number of years and species requiring sub- irrigation and/or flood irrigation have occupied the site. If the pond were not constructed it is doubtful that these species would be present. Idy inspection of the remaining areas within the Stevens Gulch area indicated that cottonwoods occur along the majority of the channel indicating that they r.ay be receiving subirrigation along the channel. Once again, these species are confined to the extreme channel bottor areas along the gulch. I •~