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_ VEGETATION INFORMATION <br /> The most representative sites of the cobbly foothill range are found in the northern portions <br /> of Section 14. Slope is generally moderate and the surface is very rocky with cobbles mixed <br /> throughout the profile. The cobble reduces the volume of soil but does concentrate moisture for <br /> plant use. Plant composition varies widely depending on aspect, slope position and influence of <br /> other plant species. Mountain muhly is co-dominant with bluegrasses and junegrass below talus <br /> slopes covered with gambel oak. Western wheatgrass and blue grama become dominant in areas <br /> surrounding the loamy foothill sites. Needle-and-thread and Indian ricegrass produce forage on the <br /> more gravelly and sandy east facing slopes. <br /> The understory vegetation composition on Table Mountain is varied and different from the <br /> previously mentioned area, although the soils mapping unit is the same. Blue grama is the primary <br /> producer along with sideoats grama, and mountain muhly is generally not present. Needle-and- <br /> thread and Indian ricegrass have increased in relative proportions with mountain mahogany as the <br /> principle shrub species. The change in the plant community is probably a result of the gentle slope <br /> and warmer south aspect. These two factors plus heavier grazing pressure has contributed to the <br /> disappearance and reduction of many tall grass species. <br /> Non-reclaimed Mined Areas - <br /> Most of the land included in the affected land was mined within the last two decades. Little <br /> reclamation was used with huge piles of rock left scattered about the area and in some places slopes <br /> were left at the angle of repose. <br /> Visually, the most common species on the site were those from some meager reclamation <br /> efforts that were implemented to reclaim the site. These appear to be of two species (at present) - <br /> yellow-blossom sweet clover and crested wheatgrass (apparently some western wheatgrass was also <br /> planted, but was seen only very sparingly on the site). The area was apparently first planted in <br /> Autumn 1976 and over a period of at least four growing seasons apparently heavily grazed each <br /> year. The cover in the best areas is about 25 to 35 percent. To some extent, this low cover value is <br /> a result of the lack of diversity and general clumping of plants. With this sparse cover, it is unlikely <br /> that the vegetated areas would control erosion resulting from severe thunderstorms. Of course, the <br /> gazing impact has been severe, and this may explain why western wheatgrass is very sparse on the <br /> site. Overgrazing would favor the more hardy crested wheatgrass and yellow-blossom sweet clover. <br /> It seems reasonable to assume that the revegetation effort would have been more successful if the <br /> area had been restricted from cattle for a few growing seasons and then managed with proper <br /> rotation and attention to species phenology. <br /> Species found in the older, non-reclaimed areas are listed below. A few might be added <br /> after a full season survey, but this list probably contains all the common species and about 75% or <br /> more of all the probable species. <br /> List of Species found in revegetated areas <br /> I. Yellow-blossom sweet clover Melilotus officinalis <br /> 2. Heronsbill Erodium cicutarium <br /> 3. Crested wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum <br /> 4. Butterweed Senecio spartoides <br /> 5. Fringed sage Artemisia frigida <br /> 6. Prairie sage A. ludoviciana <br /> 7. Scribner's needlegrass Stipa scribneri <br /> Table Mountain Quarry - Castle Concrete Company Exhibit J Page J-2 <br />