ADDENDUM 304(9)-7 INVENTORY OF HYDROPHYTIC …

ADDENDUM 304(9)-7

INVENTORY OF HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION AT TWELVE SPRING/SEEP SITES IN THE BULL MOUNTAINS MINE NO. 1 STUDY AREA, 1991

CONTENTS ADDENDUM 304(9)-7

Page

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION MONITORING PROGRAM . . . . . . . . 7-10

DATA SUMMARIES

COVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-54 SHRUB DENSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-61

ACREAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-62

HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION MAPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-63

7-2 (Rev. 6/92)

Baseline hydrophytic vegetation information is a component of an

interdisciplinary assessment of potential impacts/mitigation

measures for potentially affected hydric sites in the Bull

Mountains Mine No. 1 study area. Documentation of hydrophytic

vegetation involved detailed quantitative sampling of all

springs/seeps within the permit area during 1991. Other

spring/seep sites in the mine plan area will be quantitatively

sampled during subsequent terms of permit.

INTRODUCTION

Hydrophytic vegetation in the study area frequently shows

pronounced compositional zonation, primarily related to

hydrologic gradient and water chemistry. Due to zonation within

these relatively small sites, sampling methodoly differed from

that used to inventory upland sites, although the same

parameters were sampled. At each site, hydrophytic zones were

identified according to plant composition and structure.

Quantitative data were collected on permanent transects

established at each spring/seep site. These baseline data will

serve to initiate the hydrophytic vegetation monitoring

program.Transects were positioned across hydrophytic sites,

perpendicular to the direction of drainage. Transect end points

were permanently marked with rebar stakes driven into the ground

several meters outside the perimeter of hydrophytic vegetation

influence (adjacent upland vegetation composition was

METHODS

7-3

identified qualitatively). Plastic caps on each stake designated

transect number and orientation. The number and spacing of

transects at each site was determined by areal extent and

configuration of hydrophytic vegetation, with the goal of

characterizing composition and structure of each zone throughout

a spring/seep site.

At each transect, a fiberglass tape was loosely stretched

between the end points. Each hydrophytic zone was identified by

one to three dominant species, and line intercept along the

transect was measured to the nearest decimeter for each zone. A

0.5m2 (1.0 x 0.5-meter) rectangular plot was placed at the

center of line intercept of each zone, and cover values were

recorded to the nearest percent for ground cover classes (bare

ground, rock, litter, surface water, moss, algae and basal

vegetation), total vascular vegetation and each vascular plant

species. Zones dominated by the same species were sometimes

sampled for cover more than once per transect, depending on line

intercept.

At each site, selected 0.5 m2

7-4

cover plots were harvested in each

zone to estimate annual production. Number of plots were

determined according to structural diversity within a zone.

Plots were selected in homogeneous, representative stands in

each zone, and clipped to ground level. Separation of plant

material (morphological class) was the same as described for

upland production sampling. Where minor grazing had occurred on

unprotected sample sites, utilization was estimated to calculate

total production.

Shrub density was determined by counting all individuals by

species in each 0.5m2

It is intended to sample 3-5 spring/seep sites in or near the

mine plan area (depending on land ownership considerations),

well removed from the projected five-year affected area. These

will serve as control sites, to assist in interpretation of any

significant changes in hydrophytic vegetation parameters.

Control sites will be chosen to reflect the variability of

hydrophytic vegetation at baseline inventory sites in the permit

area, in consultation with regulatory personnel. Sampling of

control sites will follow the same procedures described for the

permit area, including establishment of permanent transects.

plot. Densities were recorded by age class

and size class as described for upland sampling.

Vegetation associated with springs, seeps, impoundment perimeters

and receiving drainages differs compositionally from adjacent

uplands,dominated by hydrophytic species with substantially

higher annual production. These sites diversify wildlife habitat

within the area and provide higher forage values for livestock

and wildlife. The relationship between upland community types

and hydrophytic community types in the Bull Mountains Mine No. 1

study area is similar to that reported for other studies in the

ponderosa pine forest zone in eastern Montana (e.g. Culwell and

Scow 1982, Culwell et al. 1985, Scow in press).

RESULTS

7-5

The twelve spring/seep sites inventoried in 1991 are evaluated

below. Significant hydrophytic parameters include species

composition (native vs. introduced taxa), species diversity,

zonal diversity, areal extent and disturbance history. Most

parameters reflect the normal range of hydrophytic variability

in the region (eastern sedimentary plains of Montana as defined

by the USDA Soil conservation Service). Essentially all sites

inventoried have been manipulated ("improved"), which has in

general increased the diversity of hydrophytic zonation at the

largest sites. Establishment of introduced plant taxa is

comparable to other inventories of hydrophytic sites in the

region.

Dominance types and line intercept are listed for each permanent

transect in Addendum 304(9)-7A. Cover data for the 1991

inventory are tabulated in Addenda 304(9)-7B through 7G.

Production data are given in Addenda 304(9)-7H through 7J, and

shrub density data are in Addendum 304(9)-7K. Hydrophytic

vegetation is mapped in Figures 304(9)-9 through 304(9)-23.

SITE 14325

Species composition was typical (introduced plant species well

established), species diversity was high and a diversity of

hydrcphytic zones was present, due to areal extent in

conjunction with site enhancement. The degree of site

manipulation is pronounced due to creation of artificial

impoundments. A fence dissects the site, and livestock

utilization was much more evident east of the fence at the time

of sampling.

7-6 (Rev. 6/92)

SITE 14415

Introduced plant species were not well established, species

diversity was typical and zonal diversity was low. The degree of

site manipulation is moderate due to an artificial impoundment.

Livestock utilization was not apparent at time of sampling.

SITE 14535

Introduced plant species were conspicuous, and species diversity

and the diversity of hydrophytic zones were typical of regional

hydrophytic sites, despite limited extent of this site. The

degree of site manipulation and other disturbance (spring 1991

flooding) was moderately evidenced at time of sampling.

SITE 16365


established) and species diversity relatively pronounced, with

diversity of hydrophytic zones restricted due to limited extent

of the site. The degree of site manipulation, livestock

utilization, and/or other disturbance was noteworthy at time of

sampling.

SITE 16625

Species composition was generally dominated by native plants,

species diversity was typical of regional hydrophytic sites and

zonal diversity was typical of regional hydrophytic sites,

despite limited areal extent. The degree of site manipulation,

livestock utilization, and/or other disturbance was moderately

evidenced at time of sampling.

7-7

SITE 16655


established), species diversity was relatively pronounced and a

diversity of hydrophytic zones was present, due to areal extent

in conjunction with site enhancement. The degree of site

manipulation, livestock utilization, and/or other disturbance

was moderately evidenced at time of sampling.

SITE 16755

Introduced plant species were very conspicuous,species diversity

was relatively depauperate and zonal diversity was typical of

regional hydrophytic sites, despite limited areal extent. The

degree of site manipulation, livestock utilization, and/or other

disturbance was noteworthy at time of sampling.

SITE 16855


species diversity was relatively depauperate and the diversity

of hydrophytic zones was restricted due to limited extent of the

site. The degree of site manipulation, livestock utilization,

and/or other disturbance was moderately evidenced at time of

sampling.

SITE 16955


established), species diversity was typical of regional

hydrophytic sites and diversity of hydrophytic zones was

restricted despite extent

7-8

of site. The degree of site manipulation, livestock utilization,

and/or other disturbance was not noteworthy at time of sampling.

SITE 17415

Introduced plant species were very conspicuous, species

diversity was typical of regional hydrophytic sites and zonal

diversity was typical of regional hydrophytic sites, despite

relatively large areal extent. The degree of site manipulation,

livestock utilization, and/or other disturbance was noteworthy

at time of sampling.

SITE 17515


established), species diversity was typical of regional

hydrophytic sites and a diversity of hydrophytic zones was

present, due to areal extent in conjunction with site

enhancement. The degree of site manipulation, livestock

utilization, and/or other disturbance was moderately evidenced

at time of sampling.

SITE 17685


species diversity was typical of regional hydrophytic sites and

a diversity of hydrophytic zones was present, due to moderate

areal extent in conjunction with site enhancement. The degree of

site manipulation, livestock utilization, and/or other

disturbance was noteworthy at time of sampling.

7-9

Hydrophytic vegetation parameters (except production) will be

monitored using the permanent transect methodology detailed

earlier. All transects established in 1991 will be included in

the monitoring program. Monitoring will be conducted every five

years unless significant changes in the hydrologic regime are

detected at a site, in which case monitoring will be conducted

within one growing season of such change and annually thereafter

until a return to a five-year monitoring schedule is approved by

MDSL. This will require close coordination with the hydrology

monitoring program. Significant changes will be determined by

Meridian in consultation with the Department. Monitoring will be

suspended at a site when species composition data indicate that

hydrophytic vegetation is greatly reduced or absent, in

consultation with regulatory personnel.

HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION MONITORING PROGRAM

7-10 (Rev. 10/92)

Addendum 304(9)-7A. Dominance types and line intercept by transect, spring/seep inventory of hydrophytic vegetation, Bull Mountains Mine No. 1, 1991.

SITE 14325

TRANSECT 1

PLOT NO.* LINE INTERCEPT

DOMINANCE TYPE ** (Meters)*** -

COMMENT Art can/Sti vir 3.8 (Rhu tri)

1 Cir arv/Spa pec 2.2

2 Car neb/Car lan 6.7

3 Typ lat 3.7 12” water

- Pond (Typ lat) - no end pin (pond)

- Art can/Sti vir _ no end pin (pond)

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Cal lon/Agr smi 1.3

- Muh ric 1.0 Atypical microsite

1 Spa pec/Amb psi 2.8

2 Car neb/Ele pal 6.9

- Poa pra/Agr sto/

Ast fal

6.8

SITE 14415

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Pin pon/Sym occ 1.8 (Rhu tri)

1 Sce ame/Ele pal 8.3

- Pin pon/Sym occ 3.2

7-11 Addendum 304(9)-7A. Continued)

SITE 14415 (continued)

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Art can/Sti vir 2.0

1 Car neb/Car pra 8.6

- Sti vir/Agr smi 3.0 (car lan)

- Pin pon/Sym occ 1.7 (Sym occ, Muh ric)

SITE 16365

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Gut sar/Agr smi 2.5 Shale breaks

1 Sci ame/Ele pal 3.9

2 Fes aru/Hor bra 8.1

- Agr smi/Poa pra 3.3

- Art can/Sti vir 4.6

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Agr smi/Poa pra 2.6

1 Ele pal/Hor bra 2.9

- Sti vir/Agr smi 0.9 (Art can/Sti vir On

Slope above)

7-12

Addendum 304(9)-7A. (Continued)

SITE 16365

TRANSECT 1


DOMINANCE TYPE ** (Meters)***

COMMENT

-

Burned

Pin pon/Sti vir

1.5

- Phl pra/Poa pra/

Cir arv

1.5 Weedy toe of bank

1 Car neb/Cat aqu 3.3

- Sol can/Phl pra 0.7

- Sti vir/Agr smi 1.9 (Phl pra)

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Pin pon/Sti vir 3.0

- Burned

Pin/pon/Pru vir

2.8 Weedy toe of bank

1 Cat aqu/Vera me 1.5 narrow zone in

central, wettest

portion

2 Car lan/Car nep 3.5

- Sol can/Phl pra 0.7 weedy toe of bank

- Pin pon/Sti vir 1.9

7-13


SITE 16625

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Agr smi/Poa pra 2.1 Lower bank

1 Car neb/Sci ame 5.1

2 Car nep/Car pra 3.5

3 Agr can/Muh asp 1.4

- Agr smi/spa gra 2.2 Art can/Sti vir

upslope

SITE 16655

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Sym occ/Poa pra 1.2 (Agr sto)

1 Car lan/Agr sto 1.4

2 Car neb/Car lan 5.7 (Agr sto)

3 Car lan/Car neb 3.0 (Ele pal)

4 Car lan/Car pra 1.1

- Agr smi/Poa pra 1.7

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Agr sto/Phl pra 2.1


2 Car pra/Agr sto 5.0

- Agr smi/Agr sto 2.5 Art can/Sti vir

upslope

7-14


SITE 16655 (Continued)

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Sym occ/Poa pra 0.8


- Car neb/Car lan 0.4 Sparse Car neb


2 Car neb/Car pra 1.6 (Agr sto)

- Agr smi/spa gra 1.6 toeslope

SITE 16655-B

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Cal lon/Agr smi 2.0 (Art can)

1 Car lan/Car pra 4.0 (Agr sto)

2 Car neb 5.8

3 Ele pal 1.0 (Agr sto)

- Agr smi/Poa pra 2.3 Sym occ/Art can

upslope

7-15


SITE 16755

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Agr smi/Poa pra 4.4

1 Pha aru 2.9

2 Poa pra/Car neb 4.2

3 Car neb/Sci ame 4.7

- Agr smi/Agr can 3.3 (Rosa)

- Bare soil 0.3 Dozed bank

- Sti vir/Agr smi 0.9 Burned Pin pon/Agr spi

Upslope

SITE 16855

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Chr nau 3.0 Clay breaks

1 Poa ari 7.0

2 Sci ame/Ele pal 7.0 (Jun bal)

3 Poa ari 3.0 (see plot #1)

- Barren clay shale 0.9

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Gut sar 1.8 Shale – clay bank

1 Sci ame/Spa pec 3.8

- Eri pau/gut sar 2.3 Clay – shale bank

7-16


SITE 16955

TRANSECT 1


DOMINANCE TYPE ** (Meters)*** 1

COMMENT Cal lon/Agr smi (Poa pra)

18.8 Sti vir/Agr smi Upslope

2 Car lan 6.6 (Agr smi)

- Sti vir/Agr smi 3.8

SITE 17415

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Agr smi/Poa pra 2.1 Art can/Sti vir

Upslope


- Soil/rock bar 4.1 Recent deposition from

Upslope dozer cut

- Sci val 0.8 See transect #2 Plot #2

2 Car lan/Sci ame 1.6 (Pol mon)


TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Art can/Sti vir 2.7

1 Hor jub/Ele pal 0.8 (Pol mon)

2 Sci val 6.3

3 Sci ame/Hor jub 2.0 (Pol mon)

- Agr smi/Agr can 2.7


7-17


SITE 17515

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Sti vir/Agr smi 2.4

1 Car lan/Agr rep 2.0

2 Car lan/Sci ame 5.6

- Rock channel 1.0 3 Car lan/Sci ame 1.5 (June bal, Agr sto)

4 Agr sto/Poa pra 1.3 Weedy terrace


TRANSECT 2

PLOT NO.*

LINE INTERCEPT

DOMINANCE TYPE **

(Meters)***

-

COMMENT

Agr rep/Agr smi 2.6 Weedy

1 Sci ame 2.3

2 Car neb 5.0

3 Poa pra/Agr sto 0.3


7-18


SITE 17685

TRANSECT 1



COMMENT Agr can/Gri squ 2.0 (scattered Pin pon)

1 Ele pal 1.2 (sci val)

2 Puc nut 2.5

3 Ele pal 0.8 4 Sci ame/Ele pal 2.6

- Agr can/Gri squ 1.6

TRANSECT 2



COMMENT Sti vir/Agr smi 1.8 (Art can)

1 Car par/Muh asp 2.5


3 Car lan/Poa pra 1.5

- Sti vir/Agr smi 1.5 (Agr can)

*Only hydrophytic vegetation plots were quantitatively sampled – see Addenda 304(9)-7B through 7G for canopy cover data and 7H through 7J for annual production data. **Dominance types are on-site ocular estimates of zonal extent – species codes are explained in Addendum 304(9)-1. ***Line intercept measurements are from fiberglass tape stretched loosely between permanent rebar stakes established for each transect.

7-19

ADDENDA 304(0)-7B through 7G

PERCENT CANOPY COVER BY QUADRAT FOR SPRING/SEEP SITES SAMPLED IN THE

BULL MOUNTAINS MINE NO.1 STUDY AREA, 1991.

SPRING/SEEP DESIGNATION

ADDENDA 304(9)-

PAGE

14325 14415 14535 16365 16625 16655

16655-B 16755 16855 16955 17415 17515 17685

7B 7B 7B 7C 7C 7D 7D 7E 7E 7E 7F 7F 7G

7-21 7-21 7-21 7-27 7-27 7-32 7-32 7-37 7-37 7-37 7-43 7-43 7-49

FOOTNOTES for the canopy cover tables in this Addendum: T (Trace) is a cover value assigned 0.5 percent for each 0.52m quadrant. X represents incidental species recorded in each hydrophytic compositional zone represented by a 0.5m2 quadrant. Binomials are from USDA Forest Service (1987).

7-20

Addendum 304(9)-7K. Shrub density (stems/m ) by plot*, spring seep inventory of hydrophytic vegetation, Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 study area, 1991.

SITE 14325

Transect 1, Plot 1 Stems/mRosa woodsii

2

Seedling Immature

4 2

SITE 16655

Transect 1, Plot 1 Stems/mSymphoricarpos occidentalis

Seedling

2

2

*Shrubs were encountered on only two of all 0.5m2

7-61

quadrats sampled in hydrophytic vegetation during the 1991 inventory.

Addendum 304(9)-7L. Acreage of hydrophytic vegetation and water for twelve spring/seep sites sampled in 1991, Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 study area.

SPRING/SEEP HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION

SITE WATER

(ACRES)

ACRES

14325 1.55 0.41 14415 0.66 0.03 14535 0.35 - 16365 0.09 - 16625 0.32 - 16655 1.92 0.07 16755 0.06 - 16855 0.12 - 16955 0.54 - 17415 0.63 0.09 17515 0.45 0.04 17685 1.25 0.01

Permit Area Total 5.38 0.21 Twelve Site Total 7.94 0.65

7-62

HYDROPHYTIC VEGETATION MAPPING

FIGURE SPRING/SEEP 304(9)-_ DESIGNATION

PAGE

9 14535 7-64 10 14415 7-65 11 14325 7-66 12 16955B 7-67 13 16955 7-68 14 16855, 16655B 7-69 15 166558 7-70 16 16755 7-71 17 16655 7-72 18 16625 7-73 19 17515 7-74 20 17685B 7-75 21 17685 7-76 22 16365 7-77 23 17415 7-78

Location of these figures is shown on Map 304(9)-15.

7-63 (Rev. 6/92)

ADDENDUM 304(9)-7 INVENTORY OF HYDROPHYTIC …

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