1988-09-16_REPORT - C1981028

• Permit No: C1981028
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Date: 9/16/1988
• Doc Name: 1988 VEGETATION SAMPLING OF KEENESBURG MINE C-81-028
• From: MLRD
• To: DAN MATHEWS
• Annual Report Year: 1988
• Permit Index Doc Type: REVEG MONITORING REPORT
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

999
` STATE OF COLORADO
�e g h
Roy Romer, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
MINED LAND RECLAMATION DIVISION
FRED R. BANTA, Director b
DATE: September 16, 1988
T0: Dan Mathews�
FROM: Matt Hayes OJ4,+
RE: 1988 Vegetation Sampling of Keenesburg Mine (C-81 -028)
The reclaimed areas of Keenesburg Mine were sampled over two days (8/8; Dan
Mathews, Matt Hayes: 8/17; Mike Savage, Matt Hayes) , 1985, 1986, and 1987
reclaimed areas were sampled and are noted on the enclosed map.
From visual inspection, 1986 reclamation seemed to have the greatest cover and
diversity of perennial grasses. This was confirmed in doing quantitative
sampling. Alfalfa was still an important component in the 1985 sites, which
were also relatively species poor in both warm and cool season grass
categories. The 1987 reclamation was dominated by russian thistle (Salsola
kali ) with several large patches of plains sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris) .
Grasses were noted to be growing under the thistle in some areas. Judging by
last year' s data (Coors 1987 Reclamation Survey) describing the 1986
reclamation which also indicated dominance by russian thistle, it is possible
that the thistle will be reduced next year. 1986 data collected by MLRD does
not indicate a similar large amount of russian thistle in the first year
following 1985 reclamation's seeding. Success of alfalfa in the 1985
reclamation may have prevented russian thistle from establishing in large
quantities. If monitoring over the next year or two does not indicate that a
satisfactory stand of desirable perennial vegetation is establishing in the
1987 area, mitigative treatment will be warranted.
Data for each area sampled is attached. Below are summary descriptions of the
data. No woody plants were encountered in any transects, though a few widely
scattered individuals of sandsage (Artemisia filifolia) were seen.
Results of Sampling
Area A - 1985, West of Road
Relative cover is almost evenly shared among warm season grasses (30%) ,
cool season grasses (34.3%) , and perennial forbs (31 .3%) . Western
ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) is the sole annual species sampled, and
it was only present in small quantities. The dominant warm season grass
was prairie sandreed (Calomovilfa longifolia) while crested wheatgrass
(Agropyron cristatum) and intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium)
were cool season dominants. Overall , however, alfalfa was the dominant
species.
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