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If the calculated index of similarity by lifeform equals or exceeds 90 percent of the standard (0.9 <br />x 75% = 67.5 %), then Alternative Test C has been passed. <br />Alternative Test D: Assessment of the Presence of Native Species <br />Finally, the assessment of the species diversity of reclaimed lands needs to make reference to the <br />presence in reclaimed areas of native western North American plant species. <br />Alternative Test D is conducted as a direct test of the presence of native species in the reclaimed <br />area as reflected in the cumulative presence of reclaimed area native species within the (usually <br />10 to 20) 2 in x 50 in plots associated with the species density determination that accompanies <br />cover sampling (see above). The comparison of this cumulative list of species found at the cover <br />sample locations would be compared to the average number of native species found in a sampled <br />stand of the Reference Area (i.e. the average Reference Area density): <br />Total cumulative # of native species* > avg. Reference Area native species density (# species <br />/ 100 sq.m) <br />*in the cumulative presence data from 2m x 50m samples associated with the collection of a <br />statistically adequate cover sample of the reclaimed area (and including alfalfa and/or cicer <br />milkvetch which have often been included in seed mixes as nitrogen - fixers in light of the lack of <br />suitable and available native nitrogen fixers). <br />In the low sagebrush type, baseline studies identified three grasses with relative cover greater <br />than three percent. No forbs with relative cover values of three percent or more were found. <br />Thus, a minimum of three grasses will be established and each will contribute relative cover <br />values of three percent or greater. Each species will not exceed 40 percent relative cover and the <br />total of the three species will not exceed 75 percent relative cover. In addition, two fortis and <br />one shrub will be established, but no relative cover values are specified. <br />PR -06 54 Revised 10/11 <br />