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• ~ 15 June 18, '.985 Daniel's Pit 2 C. Farrell We are aware that there is a growing concern about alfalfa and sweetclover. In our experience, the excessive use of these species on areas covered with quality topsoil is patently unwise. But where poor soils are involved or no soil at all, the use of these species appears to be absolutely essential to economically reclaiming land. In spoil, nitrogen fertilizers do not seem to do much good because there is so little organic material to provide a reservoir for the nutrient. Most of the nutrient is lost. As a result, in poor soils as well as spoil, the only viable alternative is to create the soil medium by growing soil building species which includes, most importantly, good nitrogen fixers. There has recently been much work done on nitrogen fixation rates of various native species and it is not at all surprising that most invaders are also excellent nitrogen fixers. Our approach used here is basically drawing upon the clues found in primary successional processes and the nutrient flow pathways in that critical process. Item 7 - Pubescent and Intermediate wheatgrasses will quickly establish and maintain good vigor following seeding. However, I suggest the use of an equally suitable wheatgrass native of the region, e.g., thickspike wheatgrass. This can replace either of the 2 wheatgrasses presented, thereby providing a seedmix more similar to the natural vegetation. Please respond. RESPONSE: We agree that thickspike wheatgrass would be applicable, however, there is a problem with availability and quality. We have considered this species before, but have found it very difficult to find in quantity and the seed quality is rather poor. If in coming years it becomes more available then we will probably use it extensively on this operation as well as on the Castle Concrete operations where it would also have considerable value. But until the sources become more available and the quality becomes better, we feel that replacement of species that we know are easily available and have good quality carries with it a considerable risk of partial failure. If it were to be incorporated, then we would use it as an additional species, but not as a rep]acement for something that we know will work well. Furthermore, the creation of a natural appearing vegetation cover on this site is not one of the goals. The primary goal is the development of a strong vegetation cover. There are many instances where creating a natural appearing vegetation is highly desirable, but on this site where it is surrounded by highly human-centered activities, the extra effort in creating such a growth is highly questionable as to its value. At present, we feel the risks of not acheiving that goal are simply too great if species that are hard to find, of questionable quality, and high cost are used in the mixture.