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• This map unit is in capability subclass VIe. It is in Mountain Loam range site. 2E--Buckskin loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes. This is a deep, well drained soil on mountain side slopes. It formed in colluvium and residuum derived from shale. Elevation is 6,800 to 8,000 feet. The average annual precipita- tion is 18 to 22 inches, the average annual air temperature is 37 to 40 degrees F, and the frost-free season is 40 to 65 days. Included in this unit are small areas of Cochetopa loam and Binco silty clay loam. Typically, the surface layer is grayish brown loam about 12 inches thick. The upper 4 inches of the subsoil is brown sandy clay loam, the next 22 inches is brown silty clay and the lower 16 inches is yellow silty clay loam. The substratum is yellowish brown clay extending to 60 inches or more. • Permeability is very slow. Effective rooting depth is 60 inches or more. Available water capacity is high. Runoff is medium, and the hazard of water erosion is high. This unit is used for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. Some small areas are used for nonirrigated crops, mainly winter wheat and spring barley. The potential plant community on this unit is mainly mountain big sage- brush, bluebunch wheatgrass, Columbia needlegrass and mountain brome. Other plants that characterize this site are Saskatoon serviceberry, lance leaf rabbitbrush and mountain snowberry. The average annual production of air-dry vegetation is about 1,500 pounds per acre. If the range is overgrazed, the proportion of preferred forage plants decreases and the proportion of less preferred forage plants increases. Therefore, livestock grazing should be managed so that the desired balance of preferred species is maintained in the plant community: Management practices suitable for use on this soil are proper range use, deferred grazing, rotation • grazing, and brush management. Brush management improves deteriorated areas Ex. 16-4