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UPDATED NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY FOR <br />SOUTH OF DIVIDE STUDY AREA <br />The study area includes portions of the Minnesota Creek and Deep Creek watersheds, both of <br />which are tributary to the North Fork (Figure 1). The study azea is divided into three basins that <br />originate on the northern flank of Mount Gunnison and drain towards the west, northwest, and <br />north. The southern and southwestern portions are drained by South Prong, Lick Creek, and Lion <br />Gulch, which are tributaries of Minnesota Creek and East Fork. A central portion of the study <br />area is drained by the Dry Fork of Minnesota Creek, which includes Deer Creek, Poison Gulch, <br />Slide Gulch, and Pond Gulch. The eastern and northeastern portions are drained by Deep Creek, <br />which flows to Raven Gulch, which in turn reaches the North Fork near Somerset. Avery small <br />portion of the northern study area flows to Sylvester Gulch, which flows to the North Fork just <br />east of the West Elk Mine surface facilities. <br />Elevations within the study area range from approximately 6,600 feet to 9,700 feet above mean <br />sea level. The vegetation community is generally dominated by gambel oak (Quercus gambelli), <br />serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and snowbeny (Symphoricarpos longiflorus) on hillsides <br />and ridge tops in the western portion of the study area. Drier sites at lower elevations are <br />generally dominated by piiion pine (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus spp.). Rocky or shaded <br />sites contain Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziessii), aspen (Populus tremula), chokecherry <br />(Prunus virginia), and mountain maple (Ater glabrum). <br />Upland grasses, forbs, and shrubs occur in meadows throughout the study area. These areas <br />include wetland species where high groundwater exists. <br />Grazing has occurred relatively extensively in the study azea, and continues to the present. <br />Grazing is more intensive in the western portion of the study azea. Grazing has resulted in <br />significant trampling and denuding of vegetation, particularly adjacent to stock ponds, seeps and <br />springs. A relatively ]ow density of dirt roads and 4-wheel drive roads exist. Some of these <br />access stock ponds and exploratory drill paths. USFS lands within this study azea are used for <br />dispersed recreational activities, particularly hunting. <br /> <br />831-032.670 Wright Water Engineers, Inc. Page 2 <br />May 2005 <br />