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The sagebrush vegetation type as identified within the study area occurs on shallow soil that <br />occurred predominantly in map units 98C and 98D. The native vegetation on these soils is <br />typically a pinyon juniper dominated woodland or a shrub dominated rangeland. As evidenced <br />by the cover data, and verified by field observations, the pinyon juniper woodland overstory <br />has been essentially removed. The removal of this overstory plus the level of disturbance <br />associated with livestock use and man's impact has completely altered the composition of the <br />site. Impacts include occasional chaining, and chemical spraying to reduce sagebrush plus <br />poor cattle management practices that has led to most desirable plant species being removed. <br />In evaluating the Guide for Determining Forage Condition attached to the Pinyon- Juniper <br />Woodland Site Description, it is apparent that the sites would only warrant a poor forage <br />condition rating. Note that no woodland site index information has been provided in the Site <br />Description. The stocking rate for the sagebrush type is estimated at a low 0.09 AUM's /ac or <br />12 acres /AUM assuming use of all grasses and the more palatable forbs. <br />As stated earlier, the sagebrush -1 type represents a remnant native community that has been <br />severely altered because of intensive agricultural land use and associated support activities. <br />Though these sites normally have a pinyon juniper tree overstory (previously discussed), these <br />have most likely been removed for fencing materials, firewood, land clearing, and from the <br />impacts of high concentrations of grazing animals. Most of the type occurs where it is <br />impractical to irrigate. The pastures are usually heavily stocked at least during part of the <br />year, resulting in a high level of animal pressure from grazing and trampling. The sites are <br />also periodically used as equipment parking, storage, or boneyard areas and winter livestock <br />feeding areas. The shallow soils, rock outcrops, and low natural precipitation, further reduce <br />the potential productivity of the site, while increasing the potential for further deterioration and <br />decreasing the opportunity for any recovery. The majority of species encountered during <br />cover sampling (see Table 2.04.10 -21) were increaser or invader species. Consistent with the <br />composition of severely deteriorated native plant communities in the Great Basin and Colorado <br />Plateau regions, cheatgrass, sagebrush, four -wing saltbrush, and broom snakeweed <br />accounted most of the vegetative cover. <br />The type is not an important component when considering the local land use and management <br />objectives. Conversion to a higher or better use would be done if not for the militating site <br />conditions and associated costs. <br />Revised September 2010 (PR 06) 2.04.10 -75 <br />