Laserfiche WebLink
2006 Revegetation Survey <br />Introduction <br />During July and August visual surveys of the referenced sites were made. Each site was <br />walked or ridden with an ATV to assess the site. Observations were then recorded on an <br />inspection form for future reference (see Appendix). The intent of the inspections was to: <br />1. Assess the effectiveness of past revegetation practices. <br />2. Identify potential problems that exist that may warrant further attention. <br />3. Provide insight to future revegetation efforts. <br />4. Provide information needed to develop strategies to correct potential <br />deficiencies. <br />2006 was unique in that the spring and summer was exceptionally dry providing little <br />new growth. In addition, cottontail rabbit population was at or near its peak. This <br />complicated the existing conditions in that most new growth was rapidly grazed. In fact, <br />on several sites the dominant ground cover was rabbit pellets. <br />Cheatgrass started out abundant with good fall and winter precipitation but abruptly <br />stopped growth at only several inches in height due to sudden onset of the drought. <br />Due to the adverse conditions, only a representative sample of SAES was observed for <br />this report. The state of revegetation could best be evaluated using prior years standing <br />dead vegetation. <br />Return Shaft Sites/Roads <br />As previously discussed, very little current yeaz's growth was observed. Residual matter <br />from last year indicates reasonably good establishment of perennial vegetation. <br />Observations taken from the 2005 monitoring period are more indicative of the health <br />and condition of these areas than 2006 observations. <br />