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Introduced species accounted for 20% of the seedmix used in 1990 (on a PLS seed weight basis) with the <br />three dominant species mentioned above accounting for 10.6°,'° of [he mix. Based in part on previous <br />monitoring results similar to those described above, the primary rangeland seedmix (# I) was adjusted in <br />1993 in order to reduce [he excessive competition provided by the aggressive introduced species. <br />Intermediate wheatgrass was dropped from the mix, and the amount of titer milkvetch vas cut in half. The <br />currently approved Seedmix # I, apparently used since 1994, contains 10.7% introduced species on a PLS <br />seed weight basis (13.2% on a PLS seeds/square foot basis). Currently approved introduced species are <br />Russian wildrye, orchardgrass, titer milkvetch, and Travois alfalfa. The much less Frequently used <br />Seedmix #2, for mcsic sites, includes three introduced species, which comprise 30% of the mix on a <br />PLS/sq. toot basis. <br />Initial composition and succession on reclaimed areas seeded with the amtnded seedmix will continue to be <br />monitored. Monitoring results to be submitted over the next couple of years should be evaluated by the <br />operator and DMG, to assess whether complete elimination of introduced species from the permanent <br />Seneca ll seedmixes may be warranted. Similar assessment should be undertaken for seedmixes used at <br />Seneca II-W and Yoas[. Seedmix #1 a[ Seneca II-W contains two indroduced species (orchardgrass and <br />Travois alfalfa) which comprise 5.3% of the mix on a PLS seeds/square foot basis. Mix #2 contains 30% <br />introduced species, and Mix #3 (alkaline lowlands) contains 33°io introduced species. Yoast Mix # I <br />contains two introduced species, Travois alfalfa and orchardgrass, which comprise 5.3% of the mix on a <br />PLS seedslsquare foot basis. Mix #2 contains alt native species. and Mix #3 contains 11.7% invoduced <br />species. <br />Missing Information <br />The information included N [he report was very thorough and well presented, with the basic data tables and <br />narrative evaluation enhanced by graphs and photos. However, i[ would appear [ha[ certain monitoring <br />information and documentation required by [he permit (as indicated in the current fmdings document) was <br />not included in the report. Specific apparent deficiencies include the fallowing: <br />I. Page 40 of the fmdings, paragraph 3, references an annual "planning map" showing the <br />approximate location of shrub and tree planting to be done in the coming year. This <br />"planning map" was not included in the reports I reviewed. Was this map submitted for 1998 <br />and 1999 reclamation areas? Was any reclamation done in 1998 and will any be done in <br />1999? <br />2. Page 40 of the findings, paragraph 4, states that "quantitative measurements will be carried <br />out in years 2, 4, and 7 following initial seeding. The data and results from this monitoring <br />program will be submitted to the Division by the March 30 filing of the Annual Reclamation <br />Report." To comply with this requirement, data and results from 1997 sampling of 1995 and <br />1993 reclaimed areas should have been included in the 1997 monitoring report, in addition to <br />the data and results reported for the 1990 reclaimed area. The information should be <br />submitted, if it was collected. If the areas were not sampled in 1997, an explanation should be <br />provided. <br />On page 41 of the findings, paragraph 4, i[ is stated that monitoring for the purpose of <br />evaluating effects grazing on the Wadge study area is conducted annually, and that <br />monitoring reports are to be submitted annually to the Division. The only Wadge pasture data <br />included in the report was the shrub density data referenced previously in this memo. If the <br />grazing study monitoring was conducted in 1997, the report needs to be submitted. If such <br />monitoring was not conducted, an explanation will need to be provided. <br />4. One additional item of note regarding seedmixes. The approved permit contains two <br />permanent seedmixes, in addition [o a shrub-only mix. which is used in concentrated shrub <br />seeding areas. Seedmix I is the primary mix, designed for upland sites and ephemeral drainages. <br />