2013-07-11_REPORT - M1988044 (2)

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2 M would very likely remain stable in 2012 and could show considerable increase in vigor, density, and diversity in the early summer of 2013. As for long range forecasts and the drought forecast, it is not especially hopeful, but it is better than the last couple of years. June -July- August will likely see above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation, but the deviation from normality is predicted to be less than has been the case. Thus, the drought forecast is for some improvement. Whether that happens or not is a different matter. ENSO (El Nino/ La Nina) status is currently just about neutral. ENSO forecasts generally favor a continuation of a near neutral condition, but some models show a possible development of a weak La Nina condition during the summer of 2013. However, those models are not the favored solutions. Long range climatic prediction at this time shows near normal temperatures and precipitation through the winter months. Thus, the ENSO models generally support the drought forecasts with some drought improvement. Returning to only normal conditions will not actually alleviate the huge deficit already established with years of weak to severe drought. What is needed is a couple of years with well above normal precipitation to eliminate the deficits. As eastern Colorado is only marginally affected by ENSO conditions, what needs to happen is for lands west and southwest of Colorado to become much wetter than average (an El Nino condition) so Colorado can receive the moisture that is pushed northward rather than the intense blizzards of polar outbreaks that move down from the north. Those often produce a lot of cold and sometimes a good deal of snow with a very low moisture content. Northern storms therefore are not much help with drought alleviation. Topsoiling - As no land was ready for final reclamation. No topsoil was spread in the last year. A. Locations of topsoiling - As no land was ready for final reclamation, no topsoil was spread in the last year. B. Depth of topsoiling - As no land was ready for final reclamation, no topsoil was spread in the last year C. Final grading of topsoiled lands - As no land was ready for final reclamation, no topsoil was spread in the last year Accommodation for drainage - Drainage in recently completed portions is stable with only a small amount of sheet erosion and minor rilling. Revegetation - No land was seeded in the last year. Status of Prior Revegetation Areas- A. Status of newest seedings as of report date - No new seedings were done. Therefore, comments on revegetation status is covered in the next section. Status report for 2013 due July 15, 2013 Page 7 of 16