Attachment 11 Hill AFB Seed Mixture.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

75TH CIVIL ENGINEER GROUP (AFMC)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE UTAH

25 February 2014

MEMORANDUM FOR 75 CEG, and Airfield and MAMS contractors.

FROM: 75 CEG/CEIE

SUBJECT: Restoration of disturbed sites on the Hill AFB Airfield and the MAMS areas.

1. Restoration of areas impacted from runway and other construction projects is necessary to prevent noxious weed infestation and soil erosion in and around the airfield and MAMS due to airfield proximity. The following specifications outline the process to be used in re-establishing viable stands of dryland vegetation that meets the needs of AFI 91-212 and the approved Hill AFB BASH Plan.

a. Proper seedbed preparation is important to the successful outcome of dryland site restoration. After the construction project has been completed, use a ripper to rip the impacted areas to a depth of one foot to assure that compaction issues have been addressed. When ripping is complete, use a spike or chain harrow to prepare the seedbed for planting. The application of fertilizer is not needed or recommended.

b. Timing of the seed planting is critical when planting drought tolerant grasses.

After 15 October (and no later than March 15), use a seed drill to plant the seed one half inch deep. Planting the seed deeper than one half inch will result in failure of seed germination. Likewise, drilling when the ground is frozen will also result in failure.

Because most seed drillers plant seed at depths greater than one half inch, depth bands must be added to the double-disk openers or the driller must be equipped with hydraulic depth control. Agitation is also required to prevent seed from bridging over the seeder openings.

c. Use the following seed mixture and application rates to plant the impacted sites:

Common Name Variety lbs./acre Western Wheatgrass Rosana 2.5 Intermediate Wheatgrass Oahe 2 Streambank Wheatgrass Sodar 4 Crested Wheatgrass Hycrest, Roadcrest, or Ephraim 2 Sand Drop Seed .12 Bluebunch Wheatgrass 2.5 Sheep Fescue 2

Total lbs./acre 15.12

d. When estimating seed costs, obtain quotes from many different sources as prices can vary as much as 50% between vendors. Purchase only certified seed when possible.

Inquire about the purity and germination test results of the seed to ensure the highest quality and results. Current germination tests are those that have been completed by the appropriate state testing lab within ninety days. The following list includes a few of the possible sources of dryland grass seed:

Utah Seed, LLC., 435-854-3720, 10220 W 11600 N, Tremonton, UT Granite Seed Co., 801-768-4422, 1697 W 2100 N, Lehi, UT Mountain Wildland Seed Co., 435-283-4701,Box 3201, Logan, UT Maple Leaf Co., 435-283-4400, 450 S 50 East, Ephraim, UT Stevenson Intermountain Seeds, 435-283-6639, 488 S 100 E, Ephraim, UT

e. Mowing is to be avoided during the establishment year due to the tenuous condition of young plants.

f. A light application of amine formulation 2,4-D may be required to control broad leaf weeds during the summer and fall establishment phase. No more than 1 pint of active ingredient per acre should be used.

2. By following this protocol the restoration will result in a well established stand of perennial grass, reduce erosion, and re-build the disturbed soil profile.

3. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Russ Lawrence, Natural Resource Manager, at 775-6972.