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shrub density transects sampled in this evaluation. A list of all of the plant species encountered <br />in the field sampling or observed growing in these areas during the field sampling is presented <br />in Table 1, Southfield - Mine Plant Species List. <br />Sample Adequacy. A statistical summary and analysis of the data collected to characterize the <br />plant cover, forage production and woody plant densities are presented in Table 2, 2014 <br />Statistical Summary and Sample Adequacy Calculations. This comparison documents that a <br />sufficient number of samples were collected to describe the parameters of "plant cover," and <br />"forage production" at the 90 percent confidence interval or until the required minimum <br />sample size as required by the "reverse null" statistical comparison, as defined in Section <br />4.15.11 (2)C of the CDRMS regulations was achieved. <br />Transect Locations. The locations of all of the plant cover, forage production and shrub <br />density transects sampled in this evaluation are shown on the enclosed maps. The specific <br />details corresponding to each reclamation area or reference area sampled are discussed for each <br />area individually. <br />REFUSE PILE REFERENCE AREA <br />Plant Cover. The results obtained from the sampling of the 15 cover transects are found in <br />Table 3, Refuse Pile Reference Area - 2014 Plant Cover. Total plant cover averaged 42.53 <br />%, litter cover averaged 32.80 % and "allowable plant cover" averaged 42.33 %. <br />Perennial grasses dominated the plant cover, contributing 33.60 % of the total plant cover or <br />79.00 % of the total plant relative plant cover on this reference area. Woody plants consisting <br />of trees, shrubs and half shrubs was the second most dominant plant life form, contributing a <br />total of 6.80 % of the total plant cover and 15.99 % of the total plant relative plant cover. <br />Perennial forbs was the third most dominant plant life form and contributed 1.40 % of the total <br />plant cover or 3.29 % of the total relative plant cover. Succulents were the fourth most <br />dominant plant life form contributing 0.53 % of the total plant cover or 1.25 % of the total <br />relative plant cover. Annuals was the fifth most dominant plant category, contributing a total <br />of 0.20 % of the total plant cover and 0.47 % of the total relative plant cover. <br />Blue Grama was the dominant plant species, contributing a total of 26.33 % of the total plant <br />cover and 61.92 % of the total relative plant cover. One -seed Juniper, Western Wheatgrass and <br />Sand Dropseed were the other dominant species, contributing 11. 13, 8.15 and 4.38 <br />respectively, of the total relative plant cover on this area. <br />The locations of the 15 cover transects are shown on Map 2, Refuse Pile Reference Area - <br />2014 Transect Location Map. The sample adequacy calculations in Table 2, 2014 Statistical <br />Summary and Sample Adequacy Calculations, document that the number of samples <br />required to describe this site at the 90 % confidence interval with respect to "total plant cover" <br />and "allowable plant cover," was 6.1 and 6.0 transects, respectively. These calculations mean <br />that a sufficient number of plant cover transects were collected to satisfy the CDRMS <br />regulations which require that a sufficient number of samples must be taken to characterize the <br />parameter of plant cover at the 90 % statistical confidence interval. <br />When sampled in 2013 in connection with the first year of Phase III bond release sampling <br />"total plant cover" averaged 29.00 %, litter averaged 41.27 % and "allowable plant cover" <br />