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The annual vegetation survey noted the following problems in the'85 -'87 seeded areas: <br />1. There are several areas that are over-run by weeds. <br />2. In the'85 and '86 areas, built-up litter has actually make the plants regress in vigor <br />and health. <br />Ground cover could be improved by grazing. <br />Coors wishes to improve, if not eliminate, these problems by grazing cattle on the <br />reclaimed areas. Grazing the reclamation would improve the vegetation in the following <br />ways: <br />Although reduction in the weed population will be minimal in the fall, cattle will <br />graze the more palatable spring growth. <br />2. Grazing stimulates plant growth and improves plant vigor. The health of the plant is <br />improved because there is less competition for sunlight. <br />3. Grazing physically disburses seed which will increase ground cover. Vegetative <br />reproduction is also stimulated through grazing. <br />Coors proposes dividing the reclamation into two approximately equal pastures (see <br />enclosed map). Coors would graze for one month this fall beginning October 15; <br />however, in the following years grazing would begin May 1 and continue on a two <br />pasture, switch-back, deferred grazing schedule until the end of October. <br />Company consultant, Tom Eaman, and representatives from the SCS have determined a <br />stocking rate on the reclamation. The initial stocking rate will be 3 acres per Animal Unit <br />Month (AUM). This rate can be adjusted up or down depending upon the degree of use. <br />It is important to note that this is only planned grazing. Proper management techniques <br />and close supervision of the reclamation will be used to guard against over-use. A <br />representative from the SCS has agreed to consult in order to determine proper grazing <br />use of the vegetation. If there is any question about the degree of use, grazing will be <br />discontinued so that the current resources of vegetation are protected. <br />L~ <br />89 <br />