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• 2.04.9 In the Absarokee soil, permeability is moderately slow and available water capacity is low. Effective rooting depth is about 30 inches. Surface runoff is rapid. The hazard of erosion from wind is slight and from water is moderate to high. On the Absarokee soil the native vegetation consists mainly of Gambel oak, serviceberry, big sagebrush, and snowberry. W heatgrasses, pine dropseed, needle grasses, brome, and needleandthread are common grasses. Most areas of this association are used for grazing by livestock and wildlife and for recreational purposes. Because of steepness of slope, the Absarokee soil is unsuited to crops and reseeding of depleted or burned areas in native vegetation is not feasible by conventional methods. A fair degree of success can be expected by broadcasting seed for nonirrigated plantings of grasses in spring or fall. • Smooth brome, pubescentwheatgrass, and crested wheatgrass are adapted species. Good pasture management should be practiced to maintain the grasses. The potential plant community on the Absarokee soil consists mainly of Gambel oak, mountain brome, nodding brome, slender wheatgrass, and elk sedge. As range condition deteriorates, mountain brome, nodding brome, slender wheatgrass, and elk sledge decrease, fortis and woody shrubs increase, and undesirable weeds and annual plants invade and become more abundant. On some sites, control of competing shrubs is required to improve range condition. Seedbed or brushed areas should be fenced. The Absarokee soil is used for winter range by mule deer and elk. Some important plant species which can be managed for optimum production are bitterbrush, mountain mahogany, Gambel oak, serviceberry, and elk sedge. Berry-producing shrubs are an important habitat element for black bear. This • soil provides habitat for Merriam turkey, blue grouse and band-tailed pigeon PR-06 2.04 -47 • 8/Ot fl FPRo~EO ~ ~/5/0 2