CX-270063: Sagebrush Seedling Planting - ESER

The purpose and need for the project is to restore habitat for Greater sage-grouse as a conservation measure in the Candidate Conservation Agreement.  We propose to plant 5000 seedlings of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) on approximately 50 acres in the Sage Grouse Conservation Area on the INL Site.  Specifically, the proposed planting site for 2014 will be in the area burned by the Tin Cup Fire west of the Big Lost River and south of road T-2. Planting will be done by hand using a hoedad to open a hole in the soil.  Once the seedling has been placed in the hole, the hole will be closed by releasing the hoedad and pressing the soil firmly into place by stepping on the loosened soil.  Approximately 100 seedlings will be planted per acre using this method. Access to the planting area will be by existing roads and by foot.