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<br /> <br /> lishment of perennial grasses. All of the property cur- <br /> rently being stripcropped should be eligible for the C.R.P. <br /> under the present guidelines as established by U.S.D.A. <br /> for this area. <br /> 2. Irrigated Land: The main crop presently being produced <br /> west of Road 53 is alfalfa with some acreage in corn. <br /> The majority of these crops are being produced on IIe-1 <br /> soils that are suited to all of the irrigated crops grown <br /> in the Lyons area. A systematic crop rotation system should <br /> be followed in order to maintain soil tilth. A suitable <br /> cropping system is alfalfa 3 or 4 years, followed by corn <br /> and/or small grains. Vegetable crops may be substituted <br /> for corn in the rotation. To minimize erosion losses and <br />to maintain sail tilth, row crops should be limited to <br /> not more than three consecutive years. Use of high residue <br /> crops, such as small grain and occasionally a green-manure <br /> crop, helps to increase intake of water and to improve <br /> tilth so that these soils can be worked more easily. <br /> Crops grown on soils of this unit respond well to applica- <br /> tion5 of fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus. <br /> Specific fetilization requirements should be determined <br /> by soil analysis. <br /> D. Prairie Dog and Prairie Dog Habitat Management: <br /> Prairie Dog Issues <br /> <br /> Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) management <br /> remains a significant issue with wildlife planners, ecologists, <br /> government agencies, and the general population of Boulder <br /> County. Therefore, their potential concerns must be identified <br /> and mitigated before management opportunities can be imple- <br /> mented. <br /> <br /> Several issues and concerns should be holisticly addressed <br /> in the selection of management alternatives, which may include: <br /> <br /> 1. Are prairie dogs important to the ecological balance of <br /> the area and surrounding habitats? <br />~, a. If yes, what populations can be sustained on the eco- <br /> systems they inhabit, while allowing for other uses? <br />:,. b. Should domestic livestock be allowed to graze in prairie <br />dog colony areas, and if so, at what stocking rate <br /> and when should grazing be permitted? <br /> <br /> - 14 - <br />