2010-12-29_REPORT - M1988044 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the rod. This eliminates the need to lay out straight tape lines through thick vegetation. It is also suitable because we are no longer very interested in the development of zonation but rather the overall condition and results. Furthermore, these data would be directly comparable to the similar parameters measured previously in the transects, so long as only the general development picture is the point of interest. Each of the exclosures have a discussion, and two graphs that show the changes in data over the study duration to this point. In previous years, photographic documentation was done in September. This year it was done earlier when the vegetation still had a lot of green (August 26 to be specific). Therefore, the photo comparisons with 2006 utilize the images from when the exclosures were first established in July 2006. This provides a better comparison to the true initial condition rather than the initial condition in October 2006. Although this change presents a slightly different impression of the exclosures, it does not change the actual information provided. It just provides a better feel for the differences between initial conditions during the growing season with current conditions during the growing season rather than comparing conditions at the end of the growing seasons. The emphasis in this report is on how things have changed over the five growing seasons of 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. EXCLOSUREI- General Description for 2010: This exclosure is located on the west side of the last area to be mined north of the road crossing. The exclosure is long and narrow, paralleling the currently indefinite stream channel through this area. The exclosure can be divided into three rather vague zones. The most northerly third is the wettest and has dense growths of baltic rush (Juncus balticus) as well as other wetland species. Woody growth here is mostly willow with some cottonwood, mainly around the edges in drier soils. This grades to the south end which is dominated by cottonwood in drier more elevated soils. The two graphs for this exclosure are shown on page 9 followed by the photographs for this exclosure. Good gains in growth of both woody and herbaceous vegetation continue. Total cover has probably reached a maximum for all the vegetation. Future increases in cover are probably unlikely and cover this year is very close to the same value it was in 2009. Bare ground, even in dry locations, is uncommon and even there it is likely at a maximum for the local microenvironmental conditions. Species diversity continues to be high. Thus summer of 2010 was not particularly favorable for growth and yet density and cover remained essentially constant. This indicates the vegetation has achieved a condition of stability with strong establishment. From this point on it is likely that changes in density and cover will be minor, assuming no major disaster impacts the exclosure. Such major disasters would include flood or fire. In essence the plants that are currently growing on the site have become permanent residents and future changes will involve simply the 2010 Annual Report Coal Creek Wetland Mitigation Permit DA 198811488 Page 7