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Colowyo did not feel comfortable using such a complicated Index, <br />but did so because it was the norm at that time to use this method. <br />Since the initial Permit Application, the CMLRD regulations have <br />been revised to allow for the use of comparisons of species <br />composition based on cover between the reclaimed area and the <br />undisturbed vegetation. <br />--~ <br />This method of analyzing diversity was applied to the weighted <br />premine vegetation cover data originally sampled and summarized in I`7 <br />Section 2.04.10 on Table 2, 1980 Herbaceous Cover by Species. The <br />percent contribution to diversity by each species contained within <br />the predominate vegetation communities, sagebrush and mountain I <br />shrub is weighted by acres and summarized on the revised Table 7, I <br />Premine Species Diversity. ~ <br />A total of four species with a combined contribution to diversity <br />of 43.4$ have been chosen to characterize the premine vegetative <br />community diversity standard. <br />The vegetative species with their contribution to diversity are as <br />follows: <br />Species <br /> <br />(1) Poa pratensis <br />(2) Aaropvron smithii <br />(3) Achillea lanulosa <br />(4) Stipa viridula <br />$ Contribution to Diversity <br />22.6$ <br />10.8$ <br />6.7$ <br />3.3$ <br />43.4$ <br /> <br />Although Gallium and Lupinus ca datus rank reasonably well in the <br />diversity scale, they are not included in the diversity goals for <br />reclamation. Gallium is an annual, while Lupinus caudatus is <br />considered toxic to livestock and is most likely a product of <br />overgrazing. Colowyo is interested in reclaiming with vegetation <br />species with equal or superior utility for the postmining land use <br />when compared with the utility of the naturally occurring premine <br />vegetation. Neither species provides any utility towards <br />supporting the premining land use. <br />Three of the species are perennial cool season grasses and one <br />specie is a perennial forb. All of the species are found <br />throughout the premine area on all soil types and moisture regimes. <br />The grass species all provide the qualities for excellent erosion <br />control and valuable forage for both wildlife and domestic live- <br />stock use. All four species of vegetation exhibit high utility <br />towards the premine land use. <br />It is important to note that the species exhibiting the greatest <br />contribution to the premine vegetative diversity is the Kentucky <br />Bluegrass, Poa pratensis, which is not considered a native. It <br />4.15-17 <br />