PERMFILE103602

• Permit No: C1982056A
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 8/28/2007
• Section_Exhibit Name: 2.05 Operation and Reclamation Plans Part 2
• Media Type: D
• Archive: Yes

their survival characteristics under adverse conditions. These same reports document that the introduced species
are capable of providing a permanent vegetation cover, have a longer life span and are more proli&c than some of
• the slower developing native species.
The proposed introduced species are currently encountered in Routt County. All are deemed desirable from a range
seeding and wildlife management standpoint. Their nutritional value for the compatibility with livestock and
wildlife aze well documented. Mule deer preferences for intermediate wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, orehazdgrass,
timothy, brome Bass, alfalfa, and milkvetch are documented by Kufeld et al, (1973). Elk preferences are reported
by Kufeld (1973) to include desert wheatgrass, timothy, brome, alfalfa, milkvetch and small borne[. Plummer et al.
(1968) reports that studies in Utah have shown big game prefer alfalfa, small borne[, desert wheatgrass,
intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, smooth brome, and orchardgrass.
Introduced forbs are restricted to legumes which are noted for their soil building properties as well as a high protein
sowce for grazing animals. A major wildlife concern in the Twentymile Park area is sage grouse habitat. Legumes
are the only recommended plant species specified in all reseedings to improve sage grouse habitat (Western States
Sage Grouse Committee 1967). Pyrah (1969) found that sage grouse moved out of the sagebrush and into "alfalfa
fields as the forbs in the sagebrush desiccated". Gill (1966) reported that legumes represented 51% of the sage
grouse diet during the summer months. Alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, and small bumet represent a desirable feed sowce
for sage grouse.
Livestock forage preference for the proposed introduced species has been documented by Marquiss et al. (1974).
Palatability ratings in order of descending preferences were: smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent
wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and beardless wheatgass. )n a study spanning almost 30 years
in which some ]27 species of gasses were planted, Gomm (1969) documented livestock preferences for the
introduced species proposed in the pastweland seed mixtwe. He concluded his studies with the following
statement: "Generally, the inroduced species have been more palatable than the native in areas where range
seeding is a common practice."
The nutritional value of the proposed introduced species is predictable and is largely independent of geochemical
changes resulting from disruption of the topsoil and overbwden. Cook and Harris (1950) state that:
"environmental factors and soil moistwe are more important in determining the nutrient content of range forage
plants under various site conditions than the chemical content of the soil...." Reclaimed vegetation quality, as
reported by DePuit et al. (1976), was found to differ, but not significantly from that occumng on undistwbed sites.
The Director of Extension Services in Routt County, Colorado, confirms that, according to the present State and
Federal noxious plant lists, the proposed introduced species have clearance for seeding, and are not considered
poisonous or noxious.
Seeding and planting of the disturbed areas will be initiated during the first favorable planting conditions afrer final
seedbed preparation, as specified in Rule 4.15.3, Seeding and Planting. In general, reclamation areas be prepared
for seeding by ripping the surface to break-up and roughen the soil material. Ripping will provide a rough surface
to hold the seed, promote moisiwe and root penetration, and minimize surface runoff until the vegetation becomes
established. Distwbed areas will be drill or broadcast seeded following necessary surface preparation. Generally,
drill seeding will be utilized for most regraded areas unless ground conditions, topography, or the limited size of
certain areas preclude safe and cost effective use of this seeding method. A conventional rangeland drill with disks
and packer wheels will be used, with seeding at the rates specified in the seed mixtwes. All other disturbance areas
will be broadcast seeded using equipment-mounted or hand broadcast seeders. Seed will be broadcast at the
increased rates specified in the seed mixtwes and seeded areas will be harrowed, raked, or dragged to bed and cover
the seed. Any areas where conventional seeding (drill or broadcast) is not practical due to slope gradients and
related equipment safety concerns (>3H:1 V) will either be hydro-seeded and hydro-mulched or broadcast seeded
and protected by erosion control blankets or similar materials. Seeding will normally occw in late-fall to allow the
• seed to "winter-over"' so that it germinates in the spring when soil and moistwe conditions are optimal for effective
germination and initial establishment.
'1R06-52 2.05-112 02/17/06 i