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with an average density of 32.1 stems /50m2 or (2,570 stems /acre). Rubber rabbit was the next <br />dominant shrub with 5.1 stems /50m2 or (407 stems per acre). Other species included Utah <br />juniper with 0.1 stems /50m2 or (5 stems /acre) and four -wing saltbush with 0.4 stems /50m2 or <br />(34 stems /acre). <br />Seventeen species occurred in the cover samples. Three species had relative cover values of <br />1 percent or greater. Grasses (including annuals) comprised six of the species (see Table <br />2.04.10 -24), while annual /biennial /perennial forbs totaled six. Three shrubs occurred in the <br />cover samples, as did lichen and moss. <br />The sagebrush -2 (SG -2) vegetation type as identified within the study area occurs on soil map <br />unit 98G. The map unit is comprised of Bowbac and Bowdish soil. Within the complex are <br />small inclusions of coal. Bowbac is typically a big sagebrush range site and Bowbac is <br />typically a pinon juniper range site. As evidenced by the cover data, and verified by field <br />observations, the pinyon juniper woodland overstory has been essentially removed if it existed <br />at all. The removal of this overstory plus the level of disturbance associated with livestock use <br />and man's impact has completely altered the composition of the site. In evaluating the Guide <br />for Determining Forage Condition attached to the Pinyon- Juniper Woodland Site Description, it <br />is apparent that the sites would only warrant a poor forage condition rating. Note that no <br />woodland site index information has been provided in the Site Description.. The stocking rate <br />for the sagebrush type is estimated at a low 0.09 AUM's /ac or 12 acres /AUM assuming use of <br />all grasses and the more palatable forbs. <br />As stated earlier, the sagebrush -2 (SG -2) type represents a remnant native community that <br />has been severely altered because of intensive agricultural land use and associated support <br />activities. Most of the type occurs on toeslopes of a mesa adjacent to the alluvial flood plain of <br />Tuttle Draw. The sites are heavily stocked with cattle at least during part of the year, resulting <br />in a high level of animal pressure from grazing and trampling and winter livestock feeding <br />areas. Consistent with the composition of severely deteriorated native plant communities in the <br />Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions, cheatgrass predominated the understory while <br />more desirable range species were lacking. Tail water from leaking ditches on the mesa top <br />encroaches this type. Where tailwater is present the site is dominated with an understory of <br />Russian knapweed. <br />Revised September 2010 (PR 06) 2.04.10 -79 <br />