2006-12-18_REVISION - M1978314 (3)

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King Mountain Sand and Gravel Mine Ecological Resources Assessment Page 10 4.3 NRCS Range Site A range site is a distinctive kind of rangeland that produces a characteristic natural plant community that differs from natural plant communities on other range sites in kind, amount, and proportion of range plants. Range site information is useful in determining the potential native vegetation on a given property, and preparing reclamation and reseeding plans based upon native seed mixes. Most soil units are assigned to a range site as a part of the soil surveys completed by the USDA Natural resources conservation Service (NRCS). The Mountain Loam range site is discussed herein, since NRCS based its mine reclamation seed mix upon this range site. It is also the major range site on the Project site, including virtually all of the Sagebrush Shrubland impacted by mine activities. Mountain Loam range site is commonly associated with loamy soils in valley bottoms, sideslapes and terraces. Grass, in association with minor amounts of woody plants such as sagebrush and snowberry and several forbs, accounts for most of the vegetative cover. This site is treeless; however trees aze often in the general vicinity. Dominant grasses aze Idaho and/or Arizona fescue, slender wheatgrass, bearded wheatgrass, native bluegrasses, nodding brome, mountain brome, Letterman's needlegrass and pine needlegrass. Mountain muhly and Parry oatgrass are important in some locations. Lupine, geranium, groundsel and bluebells are the principal forbs. With range depletion, sage-brush often becomes dominant. Cheatgrass, slimstem muhly, three-awn, blue grama, rubberweed, broom snakeweed, tall rabbitbrush, phlox, and nailwort are all potential invaders of [his site. 4.4 Noxious Weeds The State of Colorado, in conjunction with county and municipal governing bodies, has developed the State Noxious Weed list as required by the Colorado Weed Management Act, § 35-5.5-101 through 114, C.R.S. (2003). The state weed list is typically further refined by local weed districts. During field work the presence of designated noxious weeds was noted, as described below in Table 2. Noxious weeds are of importance, since severe infestations can adversely impact the natural values of a property. On the State Noxious Weed list, Canada thistle and scentless chamomile are on List B, wel]- established species for which management plans are being developed to stop [heir continued spread. Downy brome is on list C, widespread species for which management resources will be provided to jurisdictions that choose to require management. None of these species is on the Routt County noxious weed list. Only Canada thistle is common, and [he Mine Operator has targeted this species for control by herbicide application. Common grasses in the Disturbed Sites include: