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RULE 2 - PERMITS <br />• Where: <br />z = the number of standard deviations (both ways from the mean) encompassing 75 percent <br />of the normal distribution (= 1.15; see Rohlf and Sokal 1969, Table P) <br />s = standard deviation (n -1) <br />* means multiply <br />The standard would be the point at which the central 75 percent of the distribution of overall species <br />density in the reference areas begins. Mathematically this would be: <br />• Mean reference area species density (no. of species per 100 square m) - 1.15 s <br />The standard would be based on a weighted average as done with cover and production. In words, <br />the selected standard is the midpoint (in terms of probability distribution) of the lower half of the <br />range of variation of the reference areas. <br />Note that this test addresses total species density, not just native species density (but see Alternative <br />Test C below). Noxious weeds are omitted. The point of addressing total species density, including <br />annual/biennial species and introduced species, is that the total species density is arguably a strong <br />indication of the existence of niche spaces that could eventually be occupied by the native forb and <br />woody plant species typical of the pre- mining plant communities. <br />• The final step for this assessment will be a comparison of the mean total species density of the <br />reclaimed area to the reference areas - derived standard number. If the reclaimed area mean exceeds <br />the standard, the Test A is passed. If the reclaimed area mean is less than the standard, a hypothesis <br />test will be undertaken. This would be accomplished using the expression set forth above for a one - <br />sample t -test comparing the reclaimed area species density mean. <br />Alternative Test C: Assessment of the Distribution of Species Density among Life forms in <br />Comparison to the Reference Areas - This test relates to the distribution of the presence of species <br />among the various life forms in comparison to the reference areas. This standard will use the <br />Motyka similarity index to assess the resemblance of the distribution of species density by life form <br />of the reclamation vegetation to that of the reference areas. Because the average internal <br />resemblance (i.e. between - sample similarity) of applicable reference areas for species density data <br />is often in the range of 70 percent, the proposed standard is 63 percent (0.9 x 70 percent). <br />The Motyka similarity index will be used as follows: <br />ISmo = 2c / (a + b) <br />Where: <br />a = total of species density values for life forms of the reclaimed area <br />b = total of species density values for the life forms of the reference area* <br />c = the sum of the smaller of the species density values for life forms of the reclaimed area <br />and the reference areas* <br />• <br />* 'Weighted average life form species density using the reference areas <br />PSCM Permit App. 2.05 -52 Revision 12/17/09 <br />