2012-11-05_REVISION - C1982056 (5)

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their survival characteristics under adverse conditions. These same reports document that the introduced species are capable of providing a permanent vegetation cover, have a longer life span and are more prolific than some of the slower developing native species. The proposed introduced species are currently encountered in Routt County. All are deemed desirable from a range seeding and wildlife management standpoint. Their nutritional value for the compatibility with livestock and wildlife are well documented. Mule deer preferences for intermediate wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, orchardgrass, timothy, brome grass, alfalfa, and milkvetch are documented by Kufeld et al, (1973). Elk preferences are reported by Kufeld (1973) to include desert wheatgrass, timothy, brome, alfalfa, milkvetch and small burnet. Plummer et al. (1968) reports that studies in Utah have shown big game prefer alfalfa, small burnet, desert wheatgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, smooth brome, and orchardgrass. Introduced forbs are restricted to legumes which are noted for their soil building properties as well as a high protein source for grazing animals. A major wildlife concern in the Twentymile Park area is sage grouse habitat. Legumes are the only recommended plant species specified in all reseedings to improve sage grouse habitat (Western States Sage Grouse Committee 1967). Pyrah (1969) found that sage grouse moved out of the sagebrush and into "alfalfa fields as the forbs in the sagebrush desiccated ". Gill (1966) reported that legumes represented 51% of the sage grouse diet during the summer months. Alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, and small burnet represent a desirable feed source for sage grouse. Livestock forage preference for the proposed introduced species has been documented by Marquiss et al. (1974). Palatability ratings in order of descending preferences were: smooth brome, intermediate wheatgrass, pubescent wheatgrass, desert wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and beardless wheatgrass. In a study spanning almost 30 years in which some 127 species of grasses were planted, Gomm (1969) documented livestock preferences for the introduced species proposed in the pastureland seed mixture. He concluded his studies with the following statement: "Generally, the introduced species have been more palatable than the native in areas where range seeding is a common practice." The nutritional value of the proposed introduced species is predictable and is largely independent of geochemical changes resulting from disruption of the topsoil and overburden. Cook and Harris (1950) state that: "environmental factors and soil moisture are more important in determining the nutrient content of range forage plants under various site conditions than the chemical content of the soil...." Reclaimed vegetation quality, as reported by DePuit et al. (1976), was found to differ, but not significantly from that occurring on undisturbed sites. The Director of Extension Services in Routt County, Colorado, confirms that, according to the present State and Federal noxious plant lists, the proposed introduced species have clearance for seeding, and are not considered poisonous or noxious. Seeding and planting of the disturbed areas will be initiated during the first favorable planting conditions after final seedbed preparation, as specified in Rule 4.15.3, Seeding and Planting. In general, reclamation areas be prepared for seeding by ripping the surface to break -up and roughen the soil material. Ripping will provide a rough surface to hold the seed, promote moisture and root penetration, and minimize surface runoff until the vegetation becomes established. Disturbed areas will be drill or broadcast seeded following necessary surface preparation. Generally, drill seeding will be utilized for most regraded areas unless ground conditions, topography, or the limited size of certain areas preclude safe and cost effective use of this seeding method. A conventional rangeland drill with disks and packer wheels will be used, with seeding at the rates specified in the seed mixtures. All other disturbance areas will be broadcast seeded using equipment- mounted or hand broadcast seeders. Seed will be broadcast at the increased rates specified in the seed mixtures and seeded areas will be harrowed, raked, or dragged to bed and cover the seed. Any areas where conventional seeding (drill or broadcast) is not practical due to slope gradients and related equipment safety concerns ( >3H:1 V) will either be hydro- seeded and hydro- mulched or broadcast seeded and protected by erosion control blankets or similar materials. Seeding will normally occur in late -fall to allow the seed to "winter- over "' so that it germinates in the spring when soil and moisture conditions are optimal for effective germination and initial establishment. TR06 -52 2.05 -112 02/17/06