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from a locally occurring aster(tentatively identified as Aster glaucodes) was collected and <br /> cleaned. <br /> Seeding was accomplished as the crew worked down the slopes. The seed from the two <br /> native species as well as the commercially obtained seed was distributed on the slope by <br /> hand broadcast methods. <br /> Bioso17-2-3, a slow release fertilizer, was applied by helicopter at a rate of 1,800 pounds <br /> per acre. Certified weed free straw mulch was applied at a rate of 2,000 pounds per acre. <br /> At four of the five outslopes, the mulch was applied by helicopter. <br /> Approximately twenty-four acres of steep mine bench outslopes were scarified, seeded <br /> fertilized and mulched during performance of this Project. Due to the steepness of the <br /> slopes and because of the density and depth of the gullies present on the slopes, a precise <br /> measurement of the acreage involved is extremely difficult. Acreage estimations were <br /> made using aerial photos, topographic maps, real-time Global Positioning System mapping <br /> and through the use of a range finder. <br /> Using Calamagrostis seedlings grown from seed by the Upper Colorado Environmental <br /> Plant Center in Meeker, Colorado, approximately two hundred grass tublings were planted <br /> across each of the five mine bench outslopes at mid-slope. The mid-slope area was chosen <br /> for planting, as it is anticipated that seed produced from the plants will have an equal <br /> chance of being distributed either up- or down-slope by winds. <br /> Approximately 540 containerized shrubs were planted at the base of each slope. The <br /> purpose of this planting was to begin to establish vegetative sediment barriers. This <br /> planting effort will be followed up in 2000 by planting large volumes of willow cuttings at <br /> the base of some of the mine bench outslopes. The 2000 planting will establish a shrub <br /> layering affect in the target areas. It is anticipated that this follow-up planting will largely <br /> be accomplished with the help and assistance of volunteers. <br /> In order to help control sediment at the base of three slopes accessible by equipment, <br /> sediment traps were constructed. In one instance, this required the excavation of existing, <br /> but non-functional, sediment traps. These broad shallow traps were excavated so that <br /> runoff from a portion of two mines and the runout from a large avalanche, would pass <br /> through this sequence of three traps, allowing water to stand for a short period of time, <br /> permitting sediment to drop out of suspension. Locally obtained willow cuttings were <br /> planted around the perimeter of these sediment traps in order to further slow water as it <br /> exits the traps, and to provide for habitat enhancement. <br /> In some areas, adequate room to construct sediment traps does not exist. At one such <br /> location, logs and timber were placed into semi-concentric arrangements along the length <br /> of the slope base. This approach is a short term sediment control measure, due primarily to <br /> the limited detention time afforded by the logs and timber. Intensive shrub planting will <br /> occur at this location in 2000 to provide for a greater degree of sediment control. <br /> 11 <br />