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Renner <br />June 26, 1987 <br />Page 2 <br />use of herbicide in attaining the desired goals of <br />increased shrub density, increased species diversity, and <br />desirable postmine land use, <br />Review of data used- to develop the summary tables <br />presented in Appendix 13-3 showed three interesting <br />phenomena. First, while the actual numbers of fortis and <br />shrubs in the alfalfa understory were suppressed in the <br />alfalfa stands, the species diversity was relatively high. <br />Second, in the postlaw (after 1978) areas with high <br />concentrations of alfalfa, the 1981 reclamation showed <br />both the highest production of alfalfa and, very <br />interestingly, the highest woody plant diversity and <br />density. <br />Third, in the most problematic postlaw years, (1979, 1980, <br />and 1981), while total alfalfa cover is significant in <br />summary, individual sample plots showed a wide range of <br />variability as shown below: <br />Total Mesa Relative Mesa Range of Mesa No. of <br />Year % Cover Cover (% Cover % Samples <br />1979 32.47 54.29 0-94 15 <br />1980 16.8 42.15 0-68 20 <br />1981 24.8 61.58 0-87 30 <br />In summary, within the most dense stands of alfalfa there <br />exists a significant desirable forb and shrub component. <br />Selectivity of spraying solely for alfalfa is extremely <br />difficult. In addition, because of the extensive and deep <br />rooting system of alfalfa, individual plants are variably <br />susceptible to herbicide applications. Continued <br />reapplication may be necessary or use of stronger <br />herbicides such as Tordon would be required. Therefore, <br />spraying at an intensity to control the alfalfa would <br />severely impact this desirable component and probably <br />necessitate wholesale reseeding. <br />The next step in deciding on the final Alfalfa Management <br />Plan, given the above stated problems with herbicide, was <br />to determine if a lesser impact plan (i.e., grazing) would <br />produce adequate results, based primarily on land use - <br />range grazing and wildlife. <br />In discussions with the Lolorado Division of Wildlife (Jim <br />Haskins, Hayden, Colorado, and Jim Morris, Coal <br />Coordinator) at Seneca II Mine on March 30, 1987, they did <br />not indicate any concern with the areas of high alfalfa <br />