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Project 085237 <br /> Seed Increase for Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology <br /> Progress Report for 1999 <br /> by Steve Parr <br /> INTRODUCTION <br /> Reclamation and revegetation efforts are being conducted by the Colorado Division of <br /> Minerals and Geology at numerous locations throughout the state, including Coal Basin <br /> near Redstone, Colorado. One material, Calamagrostis purpurascens, has been identified <br /> on the site as a potentially important reclamation species. It is a perennial, cool season <br /> bunch grass with slight rhizomatous tendencies. Because of its prevalence in the Coal <br /> Basin area, the project manager was interested in a seed increase of this material for <br /> revegetating some steep 1:1 slopes. <br /> OBJECTIVE <br /> The main goals of the project include developing cultural technology for seed increase of <br /> the species and providing seed of the grown material to Colorado Division of Minerals <br /> and Geology for revegetation of Coal Basin. If initial success is good, an expanded seed <br /> increase effort could be initiated. There is also interest in the possible release of this <br /> species for high altitude revegetation. <br /> METHODS <br /> After what appeared to be four separate unsuccessful direct seeding attempts, plans for <br /> continuing the seed increase for Calamagrostis were altered such that 1000 plugs of <br /> containerized material would be supplied for use in revegetation work in Coal Basin. From <br /> a letter dated May 25, 1999 (included), options were presented to Steve Renner for <br /> consideration, including plug production, installation or replacement of desired seed with <br /> seed from a separate material. At any rate, it was determined that seed increase efforts for <br /> Calamagrostis were unsuccessful. <br /> However, about one week after the letter and 1998 project report were sent to Steve, <br /> Calamagrostis seedlings were noted in the large seed increase field. The stand was <br /> approximately 40%-50%, but the seedlings were not vigorous. Steve was notified of the <br /> field established seedlings and made a trip to the Plant Center to inspect the field so a <br /> determination could be made relative to the future of the field. After Steve visited the <br /> Plant Center, it was decided to continue the seed increase program for at least one more <br /> year since seedlings had at least been established. <br />