2010-12-17_REVISION - C1981019 (160)

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This reference area was selected to provide target parameters of vegetation that are conducive to Sage Grouse early brood rearing which according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.(CDOW), is the most important life stage for this taxon that can be provided by lower project area habitats. Cedar Creek reviewed the extensive radio-telemetry data that has been collected by the CDOW, and located concentrations of observations of radio-collared birds during this critical life stage. One of the densest concentrations of observations (hence the conclusion that life requisites were being met) and external to the study area, was in the area of the Sage Grouse Target Habitat Reference Area. Because these birds were extensively utilizing this habitat at this time, it was readily hypothesized that the floral variables, including structural, spatial, and compositional, being provided by this area were optimal for early brooding in sage grouse. In this regard, floral variables documented from this area could then be utilized to design revegetation efforts to encourage reclamation conducive to this important habitat, and thereby hopefully encourage post-mining recolonization by sage grouse. By documenting the characteristics and circumstances provided by this area prior to disturbance, additional reclamation planning capability as well as bond release strategies are afforded for future efforts. Review of Table V9 and Chart V1 indicates that the average vegetation cover of the Sage Grouse Target Habitat reference area was 55.2%. Litter and rock provided an average of 27.8% and 0.4% of the ground cover, respectively, while bare ground exposure averaged 16.6%. The dominant plant species were western wheatgrass, snakeweed, Sandberg bluegrass, cheatgrass, mountain big sagebrush, and low rabbitbrush with 11.8%, 8.7%, 7.5%, 6.8%, 5.6%, and 3.4% of the ground cover, respectively. Perennial plants (excluding noxious weeds) contributed 82% of the total plant cover (45.2% average cover) while annual species and noxious weeds contributed 18% and 0% of the composition, respectively. Perusal of Table V10 indicates that a total of 7 perennial species contributed at least 3% relative cover or composition (3% is the typical lower limit for plant diversity bond release evaluations). Four of those species were grasses and three were shrubs. Review of Tables V11 and Chart V3 indicates that the average herbaceous production of this reference area in 2005 was 792 pounds per acre, oven-dry weight. Seventy-six percent (598 pounds per acre) of the total herbaceous production is attributable to perennials, with grasses contributing 363 lbs./acre, forbs providing 34 lbs./acre, and sub-shrubs adding 200 lbs./acre. Twenty-four percent (194 pounds per acre) of the total production is attributable to annuals, with grasses contributing 164 lbs./acre and forbs providing 30 lbs./acre. Noxious weeds were not found in any of the sampling quadrats in this community. 10 CIEDAR CREIEK AMMATZ3, INC. Page 34 2005 Collom Vegetation Survey