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Summary <br /> 1985 reclamation is generally low in diversity and is dominated by cool season <br /> grasses and alfalfa. Crested wheatgrass is noticeably more important in this <br /> reclamation than it is in the 1986 and 1987 reclamation. <br /> Total cover in all 1986 area was relatively high, though reference areas were <br /> not sampled for comparison. Warm season grasses dominate 1986 reclamation, <br /> with sand bluestem, blue grama, and prairie sandreed being particularly <br /> important. Thistle showed up in patches, usually in areas that may have been <br /> affected by blowouts. Cool season grass species diversity was high, though <br /> the total cover was of moderate importance. Perennial forbs were rare as were <br /> annual forbs besides russian thistle. <br /> The 1987 reclamation is dominated by russian thistle. According to Coors' <br /> 1987 reclamation survey and qualitative observations from 1987 MLRD inspection <br /> reports, the 1986 reclamation was also dominated by russian thistle a year <br /> after planting. However, it remains to be seen whether the 1987 reclamation <br /> will progress as satisfactorily as the 1986 reclamation. <br /> When comparing 1985 reclamation data collected this summer with data collected <br /> in previous years, certain trends become noticeable. Total vegetation cover <br /> in 1986 (37.3%) has not changed significantly, if at all , alfalfa cover has <br /> increased. Warm species cover has decreased (11 .3 to 8.4% absolute cover) <br /> while cool species cover has increased (13.0% to 16.4% absolute cover) . <br /> Annual weeds have also decreased since 1986, down from four species (6.0% <br /> absolute cover) to 1 species (1 .4% average absolute cover) . Cover from litter <br /> has increased as bare soil has decreased. <br /> My concerns lie mainly with the 1985 reclamation. I am wary of the decrease <br /> in warm season grasses from 1986 to 1988 and the increase of cool season <br /> grasses. I naturally recommend further monitoring next year. 1986 <br /> reclamation looks healthy, except in "blow out" areas. Hopefully, these areas <br /> will receive seed from established grasses surrounding them. If they do not <br /> make progress and remain dominated by thistle, they may have to have seed <br /> broadcast on them. Finally, I am anxious to see how 1987 reclamation looks <br /> next year. Thistle may be an important part of the succession for disturbed <br /> areas around Keenesburg. <br /> MH/l j t <br /> cc: Mike Savage <br /> 0224F <br />