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• Volume III Exhibit 5 Vegetation The following presents a discussion of the vegetation communities in the area of the vent shaft in Freeman Gulch. Reference Map 3-1 Vegetation - Freeman Gulch presented in Volume II for the location of the boundaries of the vegetation communities. DOUGLAS FIR (DF) This vegetation community is located on an east facing slope in a mid to low slope position. The following is adapted from the Soil Conservation Service Douglas Fir site description. Range in Elevation 7,500 - 9,000 Precipitation Range 18 - 24" Average Annual Temperature 37° - 42° F Frost Free Period 30 to 60 days Associated species: In the lower and middle elevations it is associated with Ponderosa Pine and Concolor (white) fir and aspen. In the upper elevations it will be associated with Engleman spruce, Sub-alpine fir and aspen. Douglas fir is • seldom a pure type, but will vary from 40 to 90 percent of the overstory. In some localities Limber pine may be present. Associated understory plants: Kinnikinnick, Boxleaf myrtle, common juniper, Oregon grape, Gambel oak, snowberry, mountain muhly, Idaho fescue, Thurbers fescue, elk sedge, Fendler bluegrass, squirreltail. Effect of Aspect and Position: Douglas fir and its associated species prefer north and east facing aspects. It is only occasionally found on south and west facing aspects. Douglas fir also prefers mid and lower slope positions, but may be found on upper slopes and occasionally ridges. Light Tolerance: Douglas fir is moderately tolerant to shade. Uses for Species: Lumber, Christmas trees, posts, poles, ties, mine props, pulp. Douglas fir is usually called Red Spruce by loggers and lumberman. Spacing requirements: Because of its tolerance to shade, thinning is usually not recommended. Ability to reproduce naturally: Requires some shading of the site. Reproduces well in most of its range. • Grazing Use: Provides grazing only in older stands or in openings or parks in the site. TR-012 - 1 - 2/00