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West Elk Mine supplied with subsurface water through interconnection with fractures or springs. Some groundwater seepage may occur from the wetland to the river via groundwater. However, the site of the highway embankment and the compaction that should have occurred during its construction, probably restrict groundwater flow to the river. The only drainage exit from the wetland area is a road culvert that has been blocked by animal activity; therefore, the only avenues of -exit are evapotranspiration-and seepage. Vegetation of the wetland community is characteristic of swamps or marshes with relatively stagnant hydrologic conditions, and is dominated by olcl and senescent Populus angustifoZia (narrowleaf cottonwood) individuals along the edges of the wetland, numerous Salix sp. (willow) clumps along the edges extending to the center, and a dense mixture of Typha latifolia (cattail), Carex sp. (sedges), and Agrostis alba (redtop). Approximately the west third of the wetland had standing water present in September 1995, while the remainder of the azea was subirtigated (no standing water on the surface, but saturated conditions below the ground surface). Total vegetation cover of this community was estimated between 50 and 65 percent. Herbaceous production was approximated to be between 200 and 300 g/m2 (1780-26751bs/acre). Woody plant density was estimated at 1000 stems/acre, dominated by the willow thickets. The small size and relative inaccessibility of this area and vegetation community significantly limit its potential uses. Size of this community, as well as unpredictable subirrigation and/or surface flow effectively limits its usefulness as pasture or hayfield. While the community serves as wildlife habitat for residents of the RPE area, the adjacent North Fork of the Gunnison .provides a more diverse and high quality wildlife habitat. A small side slope area {<0.01 acre) on'the main slope of the RPE area was identified during the vegetation sampling as differing in visually dominant tree species (Figure 2). This area represents a seep from a bedrock outcrop or saturated surficial soil on the slope of the RPE azea. With a generally reliable moisture source, this small azea supports plant species with high .moisture requirements. At this area, mature Populus angustifolia (natmwleaf cottonwood) individuals are . present.along:with Agrostis alba (redtop) and Salix sp. (willow). Vegetative characteristics and parameter values aze similar to those of the relict oxbow wetland described above. Due to its small size, this minor. community serves mainly as a source of cover and water for wildlife species utilizing the immediate RPE azea. A small inclusion {Q acres) of the Douglas fir-Utah juniper vegetation community is present on the easternmost flank of the RPE azea. Within the 1tPE area this community is an association of mature Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) and Juniperus osteosperma. The topography of the area is characterized by rocky terrain and moderate slopes. The vegetation. cotmunity is open and park- like between the mature trees. It is hypothesized that this area, having shallower soils and more surficia] sandstone fragments has allowed the shade intolerant Douglas fir to become established. As the area has a more easterly aspect, the moisture regime may be slightly more xeric, explaining the presence of Juniperus osteosperma. In any event, this vegetation community is not chazacteristic of the RPE azea. 2.04-153 Revised Apri120P¢ PRlO