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• Therefore, documentation of tree densities involved a total count of the trees within the two plant <br />communities subject to sampling as opposed to estimates of mean densities through statistical sampling. <br />As indicated, density measurement methodology involved an entire population enumeration protocol Tor <br />the entirety of the derelict and orchard communities. This is possible due to the relative small size of <br />each area (45.64 acres and 17.67 acres), and in this manner, the difficulties of sampling were entirely <br />avoided. All Truit trees were counted within the orchard community while only trees over 15 feet tall <br />(young and mature) were counted in the derelict community. The 15-foot limitation was used to avoid <br />complications due to high seedling mortality and certain taxa such as coyote willow and snowberry. <br />2.6 Qualitative Assessment of Minor CommunitJes <br />Because of agreements reached with the Golorado Division of Minerals and Geology wish regard to <br />evaluations of "minor" cemmunities, qualitative descriptions of certain study area features were allowable. <br />Such qualitative evaluation applied to the riparian /wetlands type, portions of the derelict and residential / <br />industrial facility types, and the understory of the orchard type. Methods involved random pedestrian <br />transacts with observations of the various plant species observed, estimated canopy cover, ground cover, <br />production, size and number of trees, forage utilization, and dominant taxa in the overstory and <br />• understory. <br />The riparian /wetland community was the most important of these qualitatively surveyed types <br />because of its close proximity to study area boundaries, high value to flora and fauna, and vital hydrologic <br />functions. Plant species observed, canopy cover, ground cover, production, size and number of trees, <br />utilization, and dominant vegetation in the overstory and understory were estimated for each sub-unit <br />within this community type. Each sub-unit also included a narrative description of important ecological <br />factors as well as photographic documentation of existing conditions. <br />2.7 Rare and Endangered Plant Species <br />A list of eight rare and endangered plant spades that are known to occur within athirty-mile radius of <br />the study area was developed from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program's System for Conservation <br />Planning website (www.ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/escoo/). Information regarding habitat requirements and <br />level of state and federal protection was also acquired for each species from standard information <br />databases or published sources. <br />u <br />2"a®c~ d:;is~cs Aw~a.~ioama, iNC. Page 10 EzhibR 5 -Bowie Baseline Vegetation Survey <br />