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RULE 2 PERMITS <br />Mountain Shrub Community <br />The mountain shrub community is characterized by varying densities of serviceberry (Amelanchier <br />alnifolia), GambelI's oak (Quercus gambelii), and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). During 1980 and <br />1988, overall woody plant density for the mountain shrub community was determined to be <br />approximately 6,970 and 6,370 plants per acre respectively. The woody plant density for additional <br />species is contained on Table 2.04.10-6, Woody Plant Density. <br />The density measurements for snowberry, involve many of the same problems in the mountain shrub <br />community as encountered in the sagebrush community. Large clumps of snowberry were encountered <br />making measurements of individual plants very difficult. <br />The growth form of this community is characterized by an overstory of shrubs ranging in height from two <br />to twelve feet. Typically, serviceberry and Gambell's oak are the predominate overstory throughout the <br />community. Serviceberry can be found in open to dense stands while Gambel's oak tend to be found-in <br />dense stands. On north facing slopes and in drainages where soils are deeper with higher soil moisture <br />conditions, moderately dense to dense stands of chokecherry are found. Throughout the mountain shrub <br />community, snowberry is the most common associated shrub found in open to dense stands. <br />Numerous forbs and grasses occur in varied densities throughout this diverse community. The most <br />abundant grasses are Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), western wheatgrass and needle and thread <br />grass (Stipa comata). The most abundant forbs are lupine, yarrow, bedstraw (Gallium spp.), and <br />American vetch (Vicia americana). For 1980 and 1988 the total herbaceous cover for the community was <br />determined to be 41.9% and 56.67% respectively: For specific cover values for individual species refer to <br />Table 2.04.10-2, 1980 Herbaceous Cover by Species and Table 2.04.10-3, 1988 Herbaceous Cover by <br />Species <br />For 1980 and 1988, the total herbaceous production for the mountain shrub community was determined to <br />be 569.0 and 933 pounds per acre respectively. According- to these production figures, the carrying <br />capacity in AVM's, assuming 1,000 pounds of air dry forage per AUM at 50% utilization, would be .28 <br />and .47 AUM's per acre. <br />Based on the determination by the Bureau of Land Management of an average production of .18 AUM's <br />per acre for the mountain shrub type in this area it is evident that the condition of the mountain shrub <br />community within the permit area is good. <br />Grazing has been eliminated from the initial lease area since 1977 and will also be eliminated in the <br />future, so it is anticipated that the condition of the mountain shrub community will remain stable or <br />improve. Grazing on the permit area addition should be discontinued in 1991. <br />The mountain shrub community is typically found in the areas of higher soil moisture and deep, medium <br />to fine textured soils on all slopes and aspects within the permit area. Generally, the areas with decreased <br />soil moisture and shallower soils will tend towards elements of the sagebrush community in a diverse <br />transition area. <br />For further details on soil/moisture relationships refer to Figure 2.04.10-1, Environmental Gradient/Plant <br />Tolerance Graph. <br />Rule 2 Permits 2.04.10-3 Revision Date: 6/23/08 <br />Revision No.: MR-91