2004-11-01_REPORT - M1980047 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Also, four 10x10' test plots were established on a north-facincl slope in order to evaluate the germination rates withiwithout stratification and with/without raking 0.5-1" of soil over the seeds. The seeding rate was intentionally high, approximately ten see=_ds per square foot, in order to improve the chances of measuring germination in all of the plots. As reported previously, in some rocky, north facing areas of the Colony site Douglas Fir seedlings are abundant, apparently scattered by birds on the rocky surface. Because of the unknown effect of cover, the test plots were designed to evaluate not only the effect of stratification, but also the effect of alight cover vs. none. In July, 2004 Dr. Keammerer inspected the test plots and observed seven tiny seedlings in the raked, stratified plot, one seedling in the raked, non-stratified plot, and no seedlings in the unraked plots. Germination rates in the test plots will be inspected annually as part of the Colony revegetation monitoring program. In October, 2004 the remaining 20 lbs. of non-stratified Douglas Fir seed were hand broadcast at a rate of 10-15 lbs./ac. along generally north-facing slopes of portions of the area revegetated in November, 2003, per the original project plan. The expectation is that stratification will occur naturally as a result of snowfall, winter, and spring moisture. As with the May planting, the areas seeded with Douglas Fir received no fertilizer beyond what was used the year before with the grass and shrub seed mix, but they were gently raked to provide a light soil cover. This work completes the grading and revegetation planned in 2001. To date the grass and shrub seed mixes used have performed as well or better than expected. On the south-facing slopes seeded in the fall, 2002 production and diversity of vegetation have far exceeded expectations, particularly considering the droughts since 2001. The success of establishing Douglas Fir from seed rather than tubelings will not be known 'For 5+ years when seedlings should be large enough to find. However, early results are encouraging in the test plots, where it is possible to identify the tiny seedlings. Because we expect that revegetation will be successful, the enclosed map, "Affected Land Status -Figure 3" and following "Affected Land Status" table show the condition of Coarse Ore Valley (Area 1 "I) as "permanent vegetation complete," except fora 3 acre area that is still used for site operations. This classification is subject to future inspection and review by the Division. Effectiveness of the project will be evaluated as part of the angoing Colony revegetation monitoring program. Affected Land Status Permitted acreage 6778 Historic Disturbances To Date Past Year Affected acreage 1134 0 Reclaimed acreage (Area 17) 159 31 Planned Disturbances Next Year Affected acreage 0 Reclaimed acreage 0 Beginning of active operations Date active operations ceased June 13, 1980 NA, ongoing