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• 2.2 East Pit 2.2.1 EPO28 EP028 is comprised of 17.0 acres of moderately sloping revegetation that has a predominately easterly aspect. This unit was seeded in 1996 and therefore, has undergone seven growing seasons prior to sampling in 2003. A total of 39 plant taxa were observed in the unit (see Table 19). Current annual production across the unit averaged 1,376 pounds per acre in 2003 with perennial and annual grasses the dominant categories (see Table 1). Ground cover in EP028 (Fgure 1) consisted of 60.0% live vegetation, 1.9% rock, 0.3% standing dead, 21.4% litter, and bare soil exposure of 16.5%. Perennial cover across the unit averaged 43.0% with annual and biennial cover averaging 17.0%. The dominant taxa were intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium), Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and Kentudry bluegrass (Poa pratensis) with 17.8%, 5.4%, 5.0%, and 4.8% average cover, respectlvery. Woody plant density was determined from 20 belt transacts. Density (Table 2) totaled 20 young and mature stems per acre with fringed sage (Artemisia frigida) the dominant woody plant. With regard to diversity, EP028 exhibited 6 perennial grasses and 1 perennial fort with between 3% and 50% relative cover. • Unit EP028 currently passes the bond release diversity standard of 3 perennial grasses and 1 perennial fort witfi between 3% and 50% relative cover. This unit should also readily pass both the cover and production bond release comparisons to the reference areas. This unit does not presently meet the woody plant standard of 90% of 1000 stems per acre and will probably not meet this in the foreseeable future due to the heavy competitive grass cover. See Appendix AA -Section 7.4 for a discussion on options and recommendations with regard to woody plant density. Noxious weeds appear to be well controlled in this unit. There are a few large and small patches of annual bromes scattered in the northern portion of the unit. Although these bromes currently represent only 10% cover, these patches should be monitored/mapped to determine if they are expanding or shrinking. If monitoring reveals expansion, use of the herbicide Oust or Plateau is recommended in conjunction with spot reseeding. It is possible this activity could occur as a normal range management practice without resetting the clock. CDMG would have to be consulted for specific allowances unless such are currently stated in Colowyo's pemtit. At present, EP028 is a good example of an improved pasture grassland community that would contribute to the local system as foraging habitat for wildlife (espedally elk), as well as provide a variety of management opportunities for livestock grazing. • rr«mecon erergy Ca. / Cdowyo Mpne Page 11 Revegefatlon Nbnltoring -2003