GENERAL48949

• Permit No: M1977211
• IBM Index Class Name: General Documents
• Doc Name: RECLAMATION AT CASTLE CONCRETE CO OPERATIONS PRESENTATION TO MLRB
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

terribly unsuccessf~ Numerous studies of the prob~ have not determined
exactly why the growth is so poor. Seeding has been done twice as well as
Fertilizations and the implementation of fertilizer test plots, as suggested by
~ Reclamation Specialist Camille Farrell. This last study was lust concluded and
will be discussed a little later.
Leaving the limestone produced terrible problems in the visual aspects.
The brilliant white of the limestone clashes severely with the surrounding
vegetation and makes the quarry standout in glaring visibility. In contrast,
the top of the quarry, which is occupied by a ruddy colored sandstone, looks
much better and at times is hardly visible. But the greatest problem is the
lack of growth on the limestone. In our opinion, even if good growth were
achieved the quarry visibility would not be altered significantly for many ,
decades because the brilliance of the limestone simply overwhelms the green of
grass cover. Not until shrubs have become established and grown to mature
dimensions will the quarry begin to blend with the surrounding areas.
Establishment of shrubs on the site, however, is a very prolonged process.
The only shrub which will do well on the area is Mountain Mahogany, the species
which originally grew on the site. Attempts at seeding this species have shown
good success, but the Big Horn Sheep so strongly favor the shrub for food the
shrubs have severe problems reaching a good size. It is ironic that the
primary purpose of the reclamation program is to develop good sheep habitat and
yet the sheep themselves cause the reclamation program to falter. We have
considered all kinds of options to control the sheep grazing and browsing. But
the nature of the species prevents the implementation of all but the most
drastic measure, which would be removal of the sheep altogether.
The recently completed fertilizer test plot study, which extended over two
growing seasons, produced some interesting as well as discouraging results.
Essentially, the study showed that fertilizer has no measurable effect on the
vegetation. We believe this is because there is insufficient organic matter in
the medium to allow the fertilizer to be processed and made available for the
plants. On top of this is the fact that the vegetation itself does poorly in
the medium, particulazly the species which helps develop the needed organic
matter and nitrogen reserve - yellow sweetclover. We believe this species is
the key to the development of good cover, but it appears the lime content of
the medium is totally antagonistic toward this species and therefore soil
9