2009-07-15_REPORT - M1988044 (2)

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riparian forest. Even some of the middle generation trees were affected, but no si; ificant effect on the youngest generation was seen other than a somewhat reduced growth rate compared to 2007. But by the start of the 2009 growing season all of those poor growing conditions in 2008 was showing signs of becoming worse. Subsoils once again had became depleted resulting in sometimes deep cracking of the soil, even in areas where cracking would not be expected. Initiation of grass and forb growth was weak at best and in most areas showed nothing more than a few leaves. Only very deeply rooted forbs made a fair showing during early 2009. Although the trees along the stream looked fairly good with lots of new, "hopeful" leaves in early spring, the dryness was evident. In May, abundant moisture began to arrive and its effects were evident almost immediately. That continued through June. Whereas in 2008 the prairie remained brown, dry and crispy until August, by the end of June 2009 the prairie was greener than it has been since after the severe and snowy winter of 2007. In fact, it is probably richer in late June 2009 than it was in late June 2007. Even if the rest of the 2009 growing season is dry this season can be considered a success. However, weather patterns so far and long range predictions, for what they are worth, do not show a return to the entrenched high pressure over the Four Corners that was seen in 2008 and earlier drought years. Those models and predictions could be wrong, but if they are there: currently is no sign of that situation redeveloping any time soon. It is likely there will be a normal to possibly above normal monsoon in 2009. A complete season with excellent moisture would have a huge beneficial effect on the revegetation development as well as continued recovery of the native vegetation. On the downside, it will also help the weeds a great deal, but with stronger native growth not being beaten down to the ground by grazing, weeds will have a more difficult time maintaining; or expanding their distribution except where they already fully dominate. RECLAMATION PERMIT STATUS: The reclamation permit was modified in early 2009 to make the mining plans parallel with the 300 acre limitation previously agreed to. Large areas of the northern phase of the plan were removed from future mining, reclamation contours adjusted accordingly, and the land agreed to as being mineable were specifically designated on the permit maps. Also, 43.32 acres of previously bonded land was released from bond. This included most of the bonded land in the older operations that had not been disturbed and would not be disturbed because the amendment area could now be entered. No land was released that had been mined and reclaimed. Although there are parcels that are approaching a condition where they could be released, no release of those lands was requested and those remain under bond. 404 PERMIT STATUS: The 404 permit exclosures and other areas included in that permit continued with analysis. Due to the dry summer of 2008, growth gains were not as great as was seen in 2007, but there were still significant gains in height, cover and living biomass. It was requested that exclosures 3 and 5 be removed from a need for continued sampling with only photographic documentation continuing for those locations. Exclosures 1, 2, and 4 continue to show a need for quantitative measurement as they have not achieved the required standard yet. Exclosure 1 continued to show some instability typical of young vegetation, but it appears the various woody species are subdividing the land in a fashion that limits the wild fluctuations seen in young growth. It is beginning to appear that much of this area will eventually be dominated by willow with cottonwood only strong on the somewhat more elevated areas. It was originally hoped Status report for 2009 due July 15, 2009 Page 5 of 10