Laserfiche WebLink
• page 4 • <br />Sunflower, the mint, Vicia, and Wallflower are all species that commonly <br />invade natural disturbances and play an important ecological role. These <br />species are entirely welcome additions. <br />The Gambel Oak and the Mountain Mahogany are native shrubs of great <br />importance. Their presence is very important and highly significant in that <br />they will give the eventual plant community a natural insurance against <br />ecological disaster. In the event all the planted shrubs and trees were <br />to die of some environmental change that is severe (e.g. Dust Bowl-like conditions) <br />then it is very likely these two species would expand and fill the niche. <br />They are natives and have evolved in the presence of occassional occurrences <br />of severe climatic change and are therefore well adapted to these conditions. <br />In short, the successional process that usually "reclaims" severe <br />natural disturbances has been, to some extent, greatly shortened. This has <br />been accomplished by using a soil derived from an area of similar environment <br />to the berm. This has clearly permitted the rapid development of a vegetation <br />that is similar to the original growth. Furthermore, this development is <br />a modified secondary succession rather than the more usual enhanced primary <br />succession usually found on areas of mines being revegetated. <br />CONLCUSIONS: From these studies several conclusions can be drawn. <br />1.) The seed mixture used is well suited to this soil material <br />and the environment of this site. <br />2.) Frequency, density, and cover is adequate to provide some <br />significant protection against most storms. <br />3.) Trees and shrubs, including native species, should begin <br />to become visually evident in about 2 years and prominent in <br />5 to 7 years. Conifers, however, will be a minor component <br />and will take much longer to become evident as they grow slowly. <br />4.) Weeds will not be a problem. <br />5.) Mountain Mahogany and Gambel Oak are developing on the site <br />and will provide a natural "backup" in case severe environmental <br />conditions kill most of the planted trees and shrubs which are <br />less well suited to such conditions. <br />