REP26054 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The west parcel of the 1987 reclamation area was dominated by Andropogon hallii, Calamovtlfa longtfolia, Bromus marginatus, and Agropyron cristatum. There was little • Artemisia frlifolia or Eriogorrum antmum observed. An area immediately adjacent to the undisturbed range on the south is significantly drier and contains more Helianthus animus, Nuttallia mrda, and Yucca glauca. Vegetation cover was estimated at 50 percent. In the 1987 reclamation azea east pazcel, Andropogon hallii and Panicum virgatum are the visually dominant species. Dominant forbs include Helianthus anrmus and Nuttallia ttuda. Calamovilfa longifolia was present, but not as dominant as in past yeazs. Total vegetation cover was estimated between 45 and 55 percent. Average total vegetation cover in the 1987 reclamation azea was estimated at 50 percent. Overall herbaceous production in this azea was estimated to be 250 g/mZ (22301b/ac). No evidence of pests or diseases was identified in this area. 1999 RECLAMATION AREAS Two areas were seeded to the permanent revegetation seed mix in 1999. The first azea encompasses the remaining A pit area and haul road access (15.3 acres). The second area comprises 2.6 acres at the south end of the topsand piles. The 1999 A pit seeding is dominated by Helianthus anrruus and Ambrosia psilostachya. The haul road is dominated by Helianthus aarruus and Cotryza carutdettsis (horseweed). The area south of the topsand piles is dominated by Helianthus animus, Kochia scoparia, Corryza cartadensis, and Cenchrus longispirrus (sandbur). Total vegetation cover was estimated at 25 percent. • Perennial grasses contributed approximately two to five percent to total cover in these areas. Of the perennial grass species noted, Calamovilfa longifolia and Bouteloua gracilis were identified. 2000 RECLAMATION AREAS I• Two former haul road corridors were seeded to the permanent seed mix in 2000, the comdor (3.2 acres) between the 1985-1987 west pazcels and east parcels, and the comdor (4.1 acres) southeast and east of the 1987 east parcel. Both corridors aze dominated by Helianthus annuus and Kochta scoparia, with occasional Cotryza canadensts individuals. Total vegetation cover was estimated at 40 percent and located primarily in the seeded drill rows. COMPARISON OF RECLADYIED AND REFERENCE AREAS Monitoring of the revegetated azeas allows for the identification of vegetation community development trends during the extended liability period. This evaluation also assists in decisions regarding yearly grazing, husbandry practices, interseeding, fertilizing, and weed management. Comparison of the reclaimed azea values for vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and species composition with the values from the reference area or standard, indicates whether revegetation has been successful, or whether additional measures need to be initiated to enhance vegetation community development. The tables below allow the -14-