2008-05-28_REVISION - C1981019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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utilize grassland cicer milkvetch stands in close proximity to sagebrush patches, which would eliminate the primary justification for inclusion of the species in the shrub steppe planting areas. Fourwing saltbush may not be adapted long term to the mountain shrub/aspen/mountain big sagebrush environments that are dominant within the subject area. Elimination of fourwing saltbush from both seedmixes is requested, and substitution of alternative forb species for cicer milkvetch in the sagebrush steppe seedmix is requested. Forbs that should be considered for inclusion in the sagebrush steppe mix would include those listed in the "contingency" mix, as well as lupine, arrowleaf balsamroot, fringed sage, and pacific aster. Please give consideration to these concerns and make appropriate revisions, or provide reference to applicable data or relevant, current, technical literature to support contrary position(s). Colowyo's Response: Part a) Festuca saximontana is a commercially available species. Furthermore, at the present time it is one-half the cost of F. idahoensis. Part b) The footnote on Table 2.05-7 has been modified to be more specific and restrictive. Furthermore, the amount of orchard grass to be planted has been reduced to 0.5 pounds PLS per acre to maintain the 12 pounds PLS seed application rate. Part c) Comment noted - corrections made as appropriate. Part d) - Regarding cicer milkvetch. First, the amount of cicer milkvetch (0.3 pounds PLS) is identical to the previously approved seed mix. Second, this amount comprises only 0.0067% of the seed base (based on the number of seeds / square foot). Third, this amount of seed has not been found to be problematic (overly aggressive) on recent reclamation. For example, ground cover monitoring in 2007 indicates that this taxon comprised only 1.75% of the composition of 4 and 7 year-old monitored units. Fourth, if this condition changes, the amount of seed can be adjusted. Continued careful monitoring of resulting ground cover by planted taxa will be forthcoming and seed mix adjustments are highly probable. Fifth, the risk that this taxon will draw large ungulates to the Sagebrush Steppe targeted areas is overshadowed by the benefit provided with regard to sage grouse brood habitat. Young sage grouse are heavily dependent on insects in their diet during their early months of life and cicer milkvetch provides significant habitat for insect populations. Therefore, Colowyo proposes no change to the current planting regime at this time. As indicated above, if excessive amounts of cicer milkvetch are consistently observed in given circumstances, the amount of seed will be modified at that time (with CDRMS approval). Regarding Four-wing saltbush. Though Colowyo concurs that four-wing saltbush is not well adapted for long-term existence in the environs of the mine (expected duration is 2-3 decades), Colowyo is reluctant to remove it from the mix for a variety of reasons. First this taxon is on the currently approved mix. Second, it is one shrub that has been repeatedly proven to grow reasonably well from seed and help to achieve required levels of woody plant density (i. e., it would be imprudent to delete a proven performer). Third, this shrub exhibits reasonable protein content and is therefore very useful as livestock or wild ungulate forage. Fourth, four-wing saltbush serves well as a "nurse crop "for the shrub component of reclamation until more adapted shrub populations emerge and mature. During these first 20 to 30 years of reclamation, the structural diversity and micro-habitats afforded by this taxon improves the overall value of habitat for certain wildlife species, especially song-bird populations. Furthermore, the cover provided by this species improves habitat conditions for wildlife such as sharp-