2009-08-13_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (4)

Home Browse Search

RULE 2 PERMITS • • Woody plant density; and, • Presence/absence of rare, threatened, or endangered plant species or other important species, Introduction -The objective of this section is to describe general vegetation community types (floral assemblages) and their distribution within the South Taylor Study Area to facilitate extrapolation to, and an update of, the remainder of the permit revision area (6,050 acres). To support this objective, vegetation data are provided in sufficient detail to formulate a revegetation plan and facilitate development of performance standards responsive to Rule 4.15.7 for the proposed disturbed area associated with the South Taylor Mine Area. The referenced "Study Area" is a specific delineation including the overall Permit Area that incorporates all proposed disturbances plus a buffer to facilitate modest engineering flexibility and encompasses an area of 9,725 acres (Map 4A). The total acreages and percentage of each vegetation type identified in the South Taylor Mining Area aze presented in Table 2.04.10-7. The vegetation communities delineated aze shown on Map 4A. The vegetation inventory was conducted to: 1) determine the percent cover of vegetation canopy, rock, litter, and baze ground in major vegetation types; 2) determine the annual production of herbaceous species in major vegetation types; 3) estimate the density of woody species in major vegetation types; 4) determine carrying capacity; 5) compile a vegetation map of the study area; 6) compile a list of species observed within the study area; and 7) assess the presence or absence of threatened and/or endangered plant species within the study area; 8) obtain qualitative information concerning minor vegetation types. This inventory was conducted by Hamer & Associates, Inc. for Consolidation Coal Co. during the growing season of 1984 with a report of final results submitted in January, 1985 (see Exhibit 10, Item 5 for an original copy of this document). The following discussion is excerpted (and occasionally modified) from this document. • Methodology -The following is a description of methodology used in determining and measuring vegetation communities within the South Taylor Study Area. Community Tvpe Mapgi~ -Vegetation types within the study area were delineated and mapped on 1" _ 2,000' color aerial photographs and 1" = 400' blue-line photomosaic base maps provided by Consolidation Coa] Company. Differences in shading and texture were used as a guide in delineating vegetation types. The vegetation map was ground-frothed in the field during the course of other segments of the study. Vegetation types greater than two acres in size were mapped separately. Species List - A list of vascular plant species was compiled from species observed during the course of Feld work conducted in summer of 1984. Species observed were identified in the field with the use of floral keys by Harrington (1964), Hitchcock & Chase (1951), and Weber (1976). Notes were made as to the date of collection, location of collection, habitat, exposure, slope, elevation, soil, and collector. Dried specimens were verified by Dr. William Weber at the University of Colorado Herbarium. Specimens not readily identified in the field were collected in standazd herbarium manner. Weedy species were determined using Thornton et al. (1974). The authorities for scientific names were obtained from Weber and Johnson (1979). Common names were taken from the USDA Forest Service (1976). Species considered threatened or endangered in Colorado and potentially occurring at the study azea were determined by review of the USDA-USDI (1979) publication, An Illustrated Guide to the Proposed Threatened and Endangered Plant Species in the Rocky Mountain Region; the Federal Register listing of Threatened and Endangered Species (USDI 1980) and information contained with the Colorado Natural Heritage Inventory. . Study Area Defined -The study area for the vegetation inventory was defined as those lands containing the proposed surface disturbance aeeas, buffer areas, and adjacent reference areas consisting of souu, Taytor/Lower wason-lmie z, rage 6t Revision Date: 1/31/07 Revision No.: PR-02