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ERO Resources <br />0.2 g/m2 and peppergrass - 0.1 g/m2. Half-shrubs mean production <br />• values are snakeweed - 0.7 g/m2 and petradoria - 0.4 g/m2. <br />(31^+~!~^-casnion and Land flee; <br />The wildrye steppes are a topo-edaphic climax vegetation type in the <br />Intermountain Region. Vegetation on the steppes is in essential balance <br />with the harsh temperature, soil and erosion conditions that characterize <br />these exposed slopes. The steppes have been subjected to few disturbances <br />by sheep grazing or other of man's activities. The slopes are generally <br />not readily accessible to grazing aniipale. In addition, the available <br />forage does not offer an attraction to large herbivores. Colorado wildrye <br />is a fibrous species that is low in palatability except during the early <br />spring. The steppes do not provide Suitable areas for roadway <br />construction, as a result of soil and subsurface instability. The wildrye <br />slopes may, on the other hand, be an essential source of temporary forage <br />and browse for wild herbivores including antelope and mule deer, These <br />sites are free of snow during winter and may provide refuge during periods <br />• of bad winter weather. <br />(4) Potential Impacts and Reclamation Cbnortunities. <br />[litigation a*d ErtLncement: <br />The Colorado wildrye steppes will be affected by mine development <br />operations irrvolving construction of mine portal facilities and haul roads <br />from these facilities to the waste disposal area. Lessening of the <br />potential impacts to this vegetation type can be achieved by minimizing <br />disturbance directly to these areas and to areas of this type adjacent to <br />construction activities, as well. These sites will be difficult to <br />revegetate because of their unique characteristics and as the result of <br />soil instability. Cut slopes in the overburden material should be at <br />least 3:1 to ensure stability. This size of slope will necessitate <br />additional revegetation effort. Informal benching is reoommended as a <br />treatment for disturbed areas. This technique will ease the difficulty of <br />revegetating these sites and will better ensure long-ter^ success, <br />• <br />II.F-45 <br />