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VEGETATION lNFGRNATIGN <br />and all are in the same type of soil. It is a stony soil that appears to be a <br />little different from the usual soil found on the gravels. This seems to indicate <br />• a great deal of specificity in the requirements of this species at this location. <br />There are also two Rocky Mountain Junipers growing in isolated locations. <br />These trees do not seem to exhibit any particular preference for a specific soil, i <br />but are simply isolated individuals. <br />The rest of the trees are Cottonwoods. Two of these are growiny beside the <br />"permanent" stock pond near the south end of the property. The rest are isolated <br />individuals growing in or near the bottoms of washes. <br />POND VICINITY: Near the south end of the operation is a stockpond which <br />contains water throughout most, if not all, the year. The evidence that it is <br />near permanent in nature is provided by the large population of minnows. This <br />pond provides a wildlife oasis in the midst of a desert-like landscape. The <br />birdlife is in part sustained by the water, but is also aided greatly by the <br />presence of a considerably different vegetation along the shores of the pond. Two <br />medium sized cottonwood trees provide cover and nesting locations. Around the <br />pond are also found an abundance of tall grasses, sunflowers, and other weedy <br />species. These provide food for the birdlife. <br />There is no evidence that any large game animals utilize the pond area as is <br />evidenced by the total lack of game animal tracks in the mud around the pond. <br />This lack of large game animals is due mostly to the blockage of movement routes <br />from the Fountain Creek area to these hills by the presence of Interstate 25. <br />SHRUB COMMUNITIES: In the bottom of the gullies and valleys, particularly in <br />the northern portions of the area, can be found dense groves of Skunkbush Sumac. <br />This is a completely different community from what is usually found on the site. <br />It grows in fairly moist locations where water is supplied with nearly every rain. <br />. page 5 of 6 Exhibit J <br />