PERMFILE130539

• Permit No: M1999034
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Name: WILDLIFE INFORMATION
• Section_Exhibit Name: EXHIBIT H
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

associated with species such as horsetail (Equisetum spp.), milkweed (Asclepias
incamata), verbena (Verbena hastata), and goldenrod (Solidago spp.). None of
the known indicators were present in the field investigation. The species occurs
primarily in areas where vegetation is open and not overly dense, overgrown or
overgrazed. The majority of the wetland complex was overgrown or overgrazed.
The site is composed of two plant community complexes:
An herbaceous wetland complex dominated by hydric grasses, sparse willow
and weedy wetland species such as curly dock (Rumex crispus) and Pale
smartweed (Polygonum lapathrfolium)
An upland complex dominated by upland grasses, weedy species such as
puncturevine (Tribulus terresfris) and occasional shrubs
Plant Community Descriptions
Herbaceous wetland -willow complex
Vegetation: Wetlands along the bank of the South Platte River were dominated
by hydric grasses and weedy wetland species. Dominant species include
horseweed (Conyza canadensis), tarty dock (Rumex crispus), Pale smartweed
(Polygonum /apathifolium), and junglerice (Echinochloa crus-gall). Coyote willow
(Salix exigua) is scattered throughout the area. Monocultures of common teasel
(Dipsacus sylvestris) were located in pockets in the wet areas. ,~
Hydrology: Wetlands are currently maintained by overflow from the South Platte. . # ~
Wetland pockets are located adjacent to streamside populations and are ~
maintained from runoff that is collected from the upland pastures. Standing
water was evident in same areas.
Sails: Wetland soils are dark brown to black in the pockets adjacent to the
stream. Soils were muddy and wet with the characteristic sulfuric odor that is
associated with the reducing conditions of a wetland.
Function and Quality: Wetlands provide habitat for small mammals, songbirds,
waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and insects. Wetlands provide increased water
quality and serve to retain and remove both nutrients and groundwater.
Open Meadow/Pasture Complex
Vegetation: The upland areas consist of open meadows and pastures that are
currently in use by local ranchers. Old refrigerators and junk are present in some
areas and it appeared that the areas not associated with pastures were disturbed
in the past. Dominant plant species included leafy spurge (Euphorbia robusta),
common sunflower (Helianthus annus), common cocklebur (Xanthium
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