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• DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES David H. Getches, Executive Director ~ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii1 999 MINED LAND RECLAMATION DIVISION DAVID C. SHELTON, Director Richard D. Lamm Governor February 8, 1984 T0: Gregg Squire FROM: Dan Mathews RE: Unauthorized Grazing at the Edna Mine 1. Over a period of several years, season long grazing year after year would be expected to result in a downward vegetative trend, with the more productive, palatable species being replaced by "increaser" species, which are more tolerant of grazing pressure due to low palatability or growth form (short grasses are generally more tolerant than mid and full grasses for example). Over grazing (too many sheep in one area for too long) would result in reduction in vegetative cover, and soil loss as evidenced by rill erosion, and pedastaling of plants. Season long grazing every year prevents natural reseeding unless the number of animals is low or the herder rotates grazing to allow different portions of the range to produce seed each year. The older reclaimed areas should be inspected this summer to check for obvious indications of poor livestock management. By looking at the seed mix and monitoring data (if any) the logical conclusions could be drawn. I would take this step before approving or disapproving the plan. A site visit in August would make more sense than one in January. I would like to do it. 2. Probably the most critical concern is that sheep be kept off of newly seeded areas until vegetation is sufficiently established so as to be able to withstand grazing. This generally is 2-3 years after seeding. If there has not been a problem with sheep grazing newly seeded areas, sheepherder control is probably sufficient, but the plan should indicate that reseeded areas would not be grazed until authorized by the Division. /mab 423 Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Tel. (303) 866-3567