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2010 Soil Borrow Sites <br />These sites (HR/CR 65 SW side of intersection, and RP -5a Subsoil top) were redisturbed <br />and reseeded in 2010. Both sites showed excellent seedling establishment with the top of <br />RP -5a being exceptional. <br />Other Observations <br />Concerns were previously expressed over the potential for forage kochia spreading and <br />becoming more aggressive than desired. Observations in 2011 indicate that this species <br />continues to behaving well. It is showing little signs of spreading beyond the intended sites <br />and does not appear to be forcing other perennial vegetation out. It is, however, competing <br />well with cheatgrass and has become established on Refuse Pit #1 where cheatgrass has <br />been a long term problem. <br />Canadian wildrye was observed on areas seeded in 2009. It appears to be an inadvertent <br />substitution in the seed BME received that year (apparently mistaken for Basin wildrye). <br />Being native to North America and also highly desirable as a forage species no adverse <br />consequences are anticipated. This incident does provide insight that this species may be <br />worthy for inclusion in future seed mixes. Previous thought was that this species would not <br />compete well in this dry of a climate. <br />Other reclaimed areas continued to mature and progress as expected with similar <br />appearances as observed in 2010. <br />The group that was to conduct the cheatgrass study starting in 2011 failed to contact BME. <br />Recommendations <br />The reclaimed areas appear hydrologically stable and generally in good condition. <br />Cheatgrass continues to be the primary problem impacting long term vegetation success at <br />many of the sites. Further investigation into means for long term control of cheatgrass is <br />warranted not only for this mine site but for many mines throughout the arid West. <br />