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August 24, 2010 C-1981-019/Colowyo Coal Mine JRS <br />seed mix, the newer reclamation showed a large amount of yearly variability in diversity based on annual climactic <br />conditions when the reclamation block was planted (the variability was even seen between reclamation blocks <br />seeded with the same seed mix). There were also large areas/patches of the reclamation (mostly the older <br />reclamation) that were heavily covered with cicer milkvetch and alfalfa. The relative cover of the cicer milkvetch <br />and alfalfa showed no relation to seeding and was probably a result of climatic conditions during and immediately <br />following planting and soil conditions. There were areas within the reclamation (besides the CSU shrub plots and <br />other shrub test plots) that had a fair amount of woody stems (including big sagebrush, fringed sage, four-wing <br />saltbush and rubber rabbitbrush). There was also a location along the Southwest Tributary to Streeter Ditch, at <br />approximately station 29+00, which had around a dozen large, mature wood's rose. The following are some <br />observations specific to individual or groups of reclamation blocks. <br />- The newer (Phase II) reclamation exhibited a heavy presence of annual brome (primarily cheatgrass - Bromus <br />Tectorum). In particular, reclamation blocks EP041, EP042, EP043 and EP044 had a large cheatgrass component. <br />In most areas of these reclamation blocks there was also a fair number of perennial grasses interspersed within the <br />cheatgrass. Based on historic data and observation, when there are perennial grasses within the cheatgrass areas <br />the perennial grasses tend to eventually out-compete the cheatgrass and limit it to a very small percentage of the <br />overall cover. Since these areas are Phase II Bond Release areas only, the Division is satisfied to see how these <br />reclamation blocks progress over the next few years. Colowyo should closely monitor these reclamation blocks. <br />- One notable exception to the above statement regarding cheatgrass is the north portion of reclamation block <br />EP041. This portion of the reclamation block was dominated by cheatgrass to the point where it was virtually the <br />only species present. The Division does not believe that this portion of the reclamation block will recover like the <br />other areas mentioned above. Given this fact, the Division is excluding the northern portion of reclamation block <br />EP041 from the Phase II Bond Release SL-02. The exclusion area encompasses approximately 6.1 acres and is <br />shown on Inspection Map 14. Colowyo may wish to withdraw the entire reclamation block EP041 from the Phase <br />II Bond Release (for ease of tracking), but this is not necessary. <br />- Cheatgrass (primarily Bromus Tectorum) was also present on reclamation blocks EP036-EP040, although it <br />represented a much lower percentage of the relative cover than it did in the reclamation blocks mentioned above. <br />It appears as though the perennial grasses have out-competed the cheatgrass in these units and they all looked <br />good. The older (Phase III) reclamation blocks had very little to no cheatgrass. One notable exception was the <br />eastern-most edge of reclamation blocks EP009, EPO10 and EPO 11. These reclamation blocks had some <br />cheatgrass, but not enough to be a concern to the Division. <br />- Reclamation block EP042, seeded in 2002, which is in the Phase II Bond Release area only, is interesting in that <br />the block was only seeded with shrubs. Although no grasses were seeded in this reclamation block a fair number <br />have volunteered in, including several species of wheatgrass. Although, as stated above, there was some <br />cheatgrass present in this reclamation block, the Division believes that there is enough perennial cover present, <br />which will eventually out-compete the cheatgrass. <br />- Colowyo has a large number of shrub test plots/exclosures scattered throughout the Phase II and III Bond <br />Release areas. Included in these shrub plots are the CSU test plots. The species within the shrub plots vary <br />depending on seed mix, seed rate, plot treatment and climatic conditions during the first few growing seasons. <br />Detailed information regarding the shrub plots can be obtained in the yearly vegetation monitoring reports <br />Number of Partial Inspection this Fiscal Year: 3 <br />Number of Complete Inspections this Fiscal Year: 0 <br />Page 12 of 39