2010-11-12_PERMIT FILE - C1981010A (8)

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The vigor, denseness, and species composition of the ground cover within the pro- posed mine plan area vary, dependent inpart upon past grazing intensity. In gen- eral, the species composition and cover of the original vegetation on the Wil- liams Fork Mountains have been modified by extensive use by sheep and, to a les- ser extent, cattle. Rangelands have been further altered by efforts intended to eradicate sagebrush. Throughout the area, a mosaic distribution of vegetative types is noticeable, indicative of these past and continuing disruptions. Grass species encountered most frequently are: western wheatgrass (Agropyron_smithii), Junegrass (Koeleria cristata), mutton grass (Poa fendleriana) and needle and thread grass (Stipa comata). Forb species, such as violet (Viola spp.), cinquefoil (Potentilla spp.), dunal (Grindelia squarrosa), paintbrush (Castilleja spp.), and lupine (Lupinus spp.), bloom in this understory at different times through the summer. In the most highly developed shrub communities within the proposed permit area, Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelli) attains heights of 10-12 feet. Serviceberry _ (Amelanchier alnifolia) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) plants are shorter in • stature, thus providing discernible strata of cover from the ground up of sage- snowberry, serviceberry-chokecherry, and finally oak. These strata are used diE- ferentially by various species of mammals and birds. (Refer to Section 2.3 for more detail on rangeland characteristics.) Areas not used for cropland with slopes >12% present few or no hazards when used for pasture, rangeland, woodland, or wildlife as determined by the First Soil Conservation District during a 1975 Soil Survey and Range Site and Condition Sur- vey. Other factors affecting determination of rangeland were areas with thin rocky soil, or other features unsuitable for farming. (Refer to Section 2.6.2.2 for soil characteristics occurring on rangelands.) . 3-81