PERMFILE105224 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~II ~~~ 1II~ II'I~I ~~I hoc Date:72/1 02/, 0, S~E 2.04.10 VEGETATION INFORMATION • The Meadows No. 1 mine was disturbed in 1976-77 prior to the CMLRD requiring the operator to quantify vegetative cover, productivity, and diver- sity. As a result, data not collected prior to mine disturbance was estimated and extrapolated to the site using physiognomically recognizable vegetative com- munities (Map 6) (ERT, 1979) in surrounding areas using field reconnaissance and interpretation of limited black-and-white aerial imagery. In addition, the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) mapped John Eilts' ranch to define range, ranch, and management practices. These mapping efforts provide some information as to the vegetation of the mine site and surrounding area. The entire mine permit area, most of which was disturbed prior to mapping, is characterized as a Brush Loam Range site. The area adfacent to the Meadows No. 1 mine is covered by a variety of • vegetation types reflecting the influence of soils, topography, exposure, and geologic factors. Communities in the area tend to intergrade (follow a con- tinuum) and, occasionally, smaller inclusions of one type area included within another (minimum mapping unit = 1 to 2 acres). Vegetation communities defined included: sagebrush/grassland, Mountain Shrub 1, Mountain Shrub 2; aspen, Douglas fir, box elder, fortis grass, wet meadow, cottonwood, and revegetated. Vegetative Baseline Information Sagebrush/grassland communities occur qn exposed ridgetops at higher eleva- tions, lower slopes, benches, and occasionally in drainage bottoms. Relief is moderate to gently sloping; and aspect is usually east, west, or south. Soils are deep, dark, fine loamy cryoborolls ranging from poor to excellent develop- ment. This community occupies approximately 15 percent of the study area, and . is highly variable in composition. This community may be dominated by big - 124 - (Rev. 5/86)