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9. The Division has observed only limited success with respect to establishment of <br />tall mountain shrub species from seed. In the CSU study plots, the only <br />significant success with tall shrub species such as serviceberry and chokecherry <br />was accomplished using containerized transplants. Please incorporate planting <br />of containerized tall shrub transplants, including serviceberry, chokecherry, <br />and Gambel oak on at least Y2 of the tall shrub trial plot. Detailed planting <br />practices as described/requested for aspen planting will need to be provided. <br />Colowyo's Response: <br />Colowyo has amended the text to include planting containerized shrubs including <br />serviceberry and chokecherry and recommended planting practices. Gambel oak has not <br />been included in the plan due to limited success establishing it regionally and the limited <br />wildlife value it exhibits when it has been established as compared to serviceberry and <br />chokecherry. The focus of this trial will be on serviceberry and chokecherry <br />establishment. <br />10. The tall shrub species are in general highly palatable to elk and deer. Given the <br />heavy use of Colowyo reclaimed areas, especially by elk, and given the results <br />observed in past operational and field trial plantings at Colowyo and other <br />northwest Colorado mines, protection from browsing during establishment is <br />critical. The plan to install elk proof fencing if a problem is observed is not <br />sufficient, and could necessitate replanting and associated delays. At least 1/2 of <br />the trial site should have elk proof fencing installed from the beginning. Colowyo <br />may want to consider use of repellent or other protective products or approaches <br />on non-fenced portions of the field trial site. Please amend the plan as <br />warranted. <br />Colowyo's .Response: <br />Colowyo has amended the text to include fencing of the trials. <br />Tall Mountain Shrub Planting Areas - Thin Topsoil <br />11. Colowyo has provided numerous commitments that will be implemented during <br />the construction of the tall mountain shrub test plots on thin topsoil. One of these <br />commitments, "d", states that "the sagebrush steppe mix will be modified to <br />reduce the volume of "low shrubs" in favor of tall shrub components of the mix. <br />The grasses currently included in the mix will also be reduced to minimize <br />competition..." While the Division agrees with this general plan, more details are <br />required. A revised seed mix with the grass component significantly reduced <br />will need to be included in this technical revision. The revised mix will need to <br />include additional tall shrub species adapted to thin soil conditions (i.e. both <br />Saskatoon and Utah serviceberry, curl leaf mountain mahogany, and true <br />mountain mahogany), and an increased rate of bitterbrush. Big sagebrush seeding <br />rate will need to be reduced, and silver sagebrush and four-wing saltbush should <br />be eliminated from the mixture. Please provide the Division with a chart or