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HARNER-WHITE Ecological Consultants, Inc. Colorado Olhre 4901E Dry Creek Hoatl Litllcinn Gnlorado 80122 (3031 7709184 Wyoming Ollice. 4509 Radio Road. Gitlette. Wyommq 82716 (307) 686~081f; July 1, 1981 Ms. Patricia Farnsworth Colorado Westmoreland, Inc. P.O. Box E Paonia, CO 81428 Dear Ms. Farnsworth: On June 25, 1981, I made a visual reconnaissance of the Stevens Gulch and West Fork areas for the presence of subirrigated indicator species. In particular, I observed two areas, one located in Section 1 of Township 13 South, Range 92 West near the Morrell Cow Camp, the other in Section 13 of Township 13 South, Range 92 West near the existing CWI wellfield. The drainage near the Morrell Cow Camp contains a spring which at this time of the year had flowing water and contained both pacific willow (Salix la siandra var. caudtate), rushes (Juncus spp.) and sedges (Carex spp-~ The extent of these subirrigated ind ci ator species was approximately 5 to 7 feet on either side of the channel • and in some places as much as 15 to 20 feet The channel along Stevens Gulch at the CWI wellfield contained no water and was deeply incised. Plant species occurring along the channel included pacific willow, river hawthorne (Creatae us riviularis), narrow-leaf cottonwood (Po ulus angustifolia), horsetails Equisetium arvense) and rushes (Juncus ssp.). The extent of any subirrigated indicator species was approximately 4 to 5 feet on either side of the dry channel. In general, the presence of subirrigated indicator species other than willows, hawthorne and cottonwoods was less than 50% cover along the channel. It is hypothesized that the willows, hawthorne and cottonwoods were presumably receiving moisture through subirrigation while few of the herbaceous species were actually receiving moisture by subirrigation. A smal] stockpond occurs just south of the CWI wellfield and the presence of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) occurred around the pond. Presumably this pond has been in place for a number of years and species requiring sub- irrigation and/or flood irrigation have occupied the site. If the pond were not constructed it is doubtful that these species would be present. My inspection of the remaining areas within the Stevens Gulch area indicated that cottonwoods occur along the majority of the channel indicating that they may be receiving subirrigation along the channel. Once again, these species are confined to the extreme channel bottom areas along the gulch. B •