2005-04-22_REVISION - M1977526 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXHIBIT J -VEGETATION INFORMATION This exhibit provides information on the vegetation within the Expansion Area. The vegetation information in this exhibit is presented in the order fisted below and meets the specific requirements for this exhibit. 1) Narrative descriptions of the following items: a) descriptions of present vegetation types, including quantitative cover and height estimates for the principal species (such as trees, tall shrubs, low shrubs, grasses, and fortis); b) the relationship of present vegetation types to soil types; and c) estimates of average annual production for hay meadows and croplands, and carrying capacity for rangelands on or in the vicinity of the affected land. 2) Exhibit J-1 shows the types of vegetation within the Expansion Area in relation to the existing topography. The proposed project was reviewed and commented upon by the State of Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW); the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A copy of the their response letters is provided in Exhibit H. Description of Vegetation Based on the CDOW Colorado Vegetation Classification Project Vegetation Map for the Middle South Platte Basin (CDOW 2003), seven vegetative communities are classified within the Expansion Area North and four within Expansion Area South. These vegetative communities are shown on Exhibit J-1 and listed in Table J-1. However, the CDOW vegetation map is considered to be baseline information and is no longer accurate because of historic mining activities at the site. For example, irrigated and dryland agriculture no longer occur within the Expansion Area. Greystone biologists conducted site visits on March 10 and 30, 2005 to evaluate and map the various vegetative communities within the Expansion Area. The Expansion Area North was surveyed on March 10, antl the Expansion Area South was surveyed on March 30. The observations made during the site visits are summarized in the following paragraphs. EXPANSION AREA NORTH Much of the vegetation at Expansion Area North was cleared during previous mining operations. Some of the ground surface is barren because of previous topsoil stripping and excavation of aggregate materials. Some areas that were not cleared were still indirectly disturbed from the lowering of the water table in the area, and the invasion of weeds. This includes the patches of cottonwoods and the area bordering the river. Areas that are vegetated are primarily located on the outer edges of these excavations and are dominated by invasive or weedy species. Table J-1 shows the types of vegetative communities, describes the dominant species in each community, and provides the estimated aerial extent {approximate acreage) for each community. The vegetative communities are further described in the following paragraphs. 1898-Frei l l2 Exhibits_(4.20.05).doc J-]