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r' <br />is known to be an intense competitor of trees. Yet in Williams Canyon, the trees are growing faster <br />and are in better condition than the trees on the roadside disturbances. <br />Although competition from dense grass on the roadside disturbances is certainly a factor in the <br />success or lack or success of the tree plantings, it is clear that competition between grass and trees <br />cannot explain the entire pattern. There certainly must be something else acting. The only two <br />remaining factors that could possibly cause this are the soil growth environment and the microbiology. <br />It is well known that many gymnosperms reyuire fungi called mycorhizae to have proper <br />growth. It has also been established that there often exists competition and even antagonism between <br />mycorhizae that inhabit grasses and those that inhabit conifers. It may be that because the mycorhizal <br />microbiology of the Williams Canyon soils was so little affected by the superficial disturbance to the <br />vegetation that trees are easily able to grow back into the environment. On the other hand, in the very <br />different and severely altered soils along the roadsides either the required mycorhizae are not present <br />or, even more likely, there is an intense competition between mycorhizae that may inhabit the grasses <br />and those that inhabit the trees. This would, in one step, affect the rate of growth, the health, and the <br />survival rate of the trees. <br />It cannot be known for sure whether this anomalous growth pattern is caused by a single factor <br />or a combination of several interactive or even independent factors. It is clear though that where grass <br />density is less (Area 2 along the road) or the soil condition was little altered by disturbance (Williams <br />Canyon) tree growth is successful. Where grass density is greater and/or soil condition was drastically <br />altered (Areas 1, 3, and 4 along the roadside) tree growth is generally poor to non-existent. <br />Included in this report are color copies of some photographs taken of the site and, in particular, <br />some of the trees. <br />Affected Areas Associated with the Water Storage System: All revegetation work that was <br />done in association with the installation of the water storage pond have been successful. Grass density <br />is excellent and erosion is minimal to none. <br />Additional Sheet Snyder Quarry 1994 Annual Report Page 4 <br />