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iii~~~iiiiiii«-iii~ Exhibit J CMLRB I I? Permit Application Agile Slone Systems, Inc. • Exhibit J Vegetation Information • • 1.0 Introduction Vegetation studies were completed within the proposed permit area in April 1997 by Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. The objectives of this field work were to characterize general vegetation types in the permit azea and evaluate in more detail vegetation in the proposed disturbed azeas. Seven vegetation types were delineated in the project area: Pinyon/Juniper, Shrub/Grassland, Stream Wash, Riparian, Grassland, Pinyon/Juniper Grassland and GrasslandJImproved Pasture types. Each vegetation type and field methods aze described. The details discussed for each vegetation type varies with the extent it will be disturbed by the mine plan. Map J depicts the boundaries of each type and can be compazed with Map I to show the relationship of vegetation types with soil types. Data sheet copies completed in the field aze included. Table J-1 presents a species list keyed to vegetation topographic features to support the field data sheets. 2.0 Survey Methodology Survey work began with a review and analysis of the project azea's topographic map to determine general slope conditions and the potential for vegetation community variability based on topography. Reconnaissance of the project area was conducted and general vegetation community boundaries were identified. Detailed field work followed the reconnaissance evaluation. In each azea proposed to be disturbed, one or more 100-foot Vansects representative of the vegetation types to be impacted were established. Along each transect, percent cover by vegetation, litter and rock was estimated by the line- intercept method. Tree heights were estimated and general observations of each vegetation community surrounding azeas were noted. Finally, the local Natural Resources Conservation Service office was visited to obtain aerial photograph copies to complete the vegetation map. 3.0 Results 3.1 PinyontiTuuiper Vegetation Type This vegetation type occurs primarily in the foot hills to the north of Tallahassee Creek and on the southern portion of the bench. Dominant species include one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma), pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Transect numbers I, 2, and 3 were run in the azea proposed to be disturbed by the granite quarry operation. Slopes ranged from 25 to 40 percent on south-southwest aspects. Total plant cover ranged from 2.7 percent in azeas with a high percentage of rock outcrop to 14.8 percent in more vegetated azeas. Cover afforded by litter and rock ranged from 0 to 87 percent under these same conditions. Baze ground was highly variable ranging from 10.3 to 85.2 percent. Average tree heights were estimated to range from 15 to 20 feet with shrub heights ranging from 1 to 5 feet. The shrub component of this vegetation type was heavily fledged.