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On July 12, 2005, an inspection was performed on the site to <br />obtain some of the information contained in this status report. At that time, <br />the mid-season weed situation was assessed. The weed pattems at this <br />time of year are very different from what was observed at the same time in <br />2004. In 2004, gumweed (a native species) was extremely abundant. This <br />year it is greatly reduced. In 2004, thistles (bull, musk, aztd Canada) were <br />minor weed components. This year they are far more abundant, especially <br />the bull and musk thistles, but Canada thistle is also more apparent on this <br />site as well as along Quincy in the next drainage to the west. In 2004, <br />cheatgrass was hardly ever seen in abundance, but in 2005 cheatgrass is <br />seemingly everywhere and often very dense. <br />As a rule, such shifts in species that exhibit weedy behavior is a <br />reflection of the differences in the local weather from year to year. But it <br />also is suspected to follow complex interactive quasi-successional patterns <br />in vegetation. It is known that gumweed tends to increase: dramatically <br />after a drought, but then declines to a less important component in <br />subsequent yeazs as competition from recovering grasses increases. The <br />cheatgrass and thistles are probably a reflection of the wept June that <br />occurred in 2005, followed by a dry and hot July. That pattern is often <br />considered ideal for these two species. <br />L. Provide any other information that might be useful and relevant to the fitture use of this <br />land. (Examples: areas of the land in general that maybe showing land use problems, <br />conditions that might affect or limit future use of the land, etc.) <br />REPORT: None to report at this time. <br />M. Describe progress in fulfilling compliance with 404 permitting. <br />REPORT: For the most part, full compliance with the Corps requirements in the 404 <br />Permit have been fulfilled, as was established last year. The three <br />requirements that still need to be addressed pertain to tree establishment, <br />weed control, and the two remaining islands that were left. As for the <br />islands, the belief is that the islands do not produce any impact on the <br />ability of the stream to flow and would not produce any problems if left. <br />The largest island has a large number of dead trees on it ~md it is felt that <br />these trees probably provide a better service as a raptor perching area than <br />would be served through the removal of the dead trees. Dead trees are an <br />important part of the raptor hunting strategy and clusters of them probably <br />benefit the raptors more than a single tree -the hawk or owl or eagle is less <br />likely to be noticed by prey than if there is a single dead Tree where the <br />predator perches. <br />The tree reproduction, once again, goes back the impact of cattle <br />grazing. Last summer the Corps of Engineers was told, on the basis of the <br />Pancost lease cancellation, that the cattle would be removed. As the cattle <br />aze still present the problem with cattle impact on tree seedlings continues. <br />This is yet to be resolved. <br />Annual Status Report - 2005 for State Land Board July 15, 2005 Page 7 of 10 <br />