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iii iiiiiiiiiiiu iii ~ <br />999 <br />1990 Annual Report <br />Domtar Gypsum <br />Coaldale Gypsum Quarry <br />ID 4tM-77-247 <br />1990 field activities commenced in early April, with planting <br />of tree and schrub seedlings by crews composed of students of <br />Colorado Mtn. College Environmental Technology Program <br />supported by quarry personnel. Crews of six to fourteen <br />people planted 120 Ponderosa Pine, 60 Blue Spruce, 120 Pinon <br />Pine, 100 Juniper (bare root), 50 Russian Olive (bare root), <br />70 Four-wing Saltbush, 125 Three Leaf Sumac, 50 Mtn <br />3nowberry, and 100 Winterfat seedlings over the course of <br />several weekend sessions. These dormant seedling plantings <br />were followed by active tubling plantings numbering 320 Four- <br />wing saltbush, Winterfat, Three Leaf Sumac, Squaw Current, <br />Mtn Mahogeny, and Crown Vetch in early June utilizing a <br />planting crew of three. More than 1200 seedlings were <br />planted during the spring and summer of 1990, <br />employing screened soil and compost processed on site, poly- <br />acrylimide humectant to retain moistere, slow release <br />Agriform tablets, and ample straw mulch to plant each <br />specimen. Moreover, topical and systemic animal repellents <br />were employed on all plantings. Unfortunately, these <br />repellents did not perform adequately to keep mule deer from <br />seriously damaging some species, especially Ponderosa Pine. <br />All tree seedlings were eventually protected by wire cages <br />constructed from 14 gauge welded wire, 24" diameter by 4' in <br />height. Wire caging seems to be the only realistic solution <br />to serious animal damage to young tree seedlings. Overall <br />survival rates averaged 70% or above, except for the Juniper <br />bare root stock which shows less than 10% survival. With the <br />cessation of mining operations in August also ends a twelve <br />year period of continuous plantings numbering over 20,000. <br />1991 field work should include several sessions of <br />investigation and watering, if necessary, to insure survival <br />of 1st and 2nd year seedlings. The thirty acres of <br />hydromulched grassland planting will need assessment. <br />