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Note that this test addresses total species density, not just native species density (see Test D) below). <br />Noxious weeds are omitted. The point of addressing total species density, including annual/biennial <br />species and introduced species, is that the total species density is arguably a strong indication of the <br />existence of niche spaces that could eventually be occupied by the native forb and woody plant species <br />typical of the pre -mining plant communities. <br />The final step for the Test B assessment is a straight comparison of the mean total species density of the <br />reclaimed area to the reference area -derived standard number (above). If the reclaimed area mean <br />exceeds the standard, the Test B is passed. <br />Alternative Test C): Species Density Distribution Assessment Among Lifeforms <br />This test relates to the distribution of species presence among the various lifeforms in comparison to the <br />reference areas. This standard uses the Motyka similarity index to assess the resemblance of species <br />density distribution by lifeform of the reclamation vegetation to that of the reference areas. Because the <br />average internal resemblance (i.e. between -sample similarity) of applicable reference areas for species <br />density data is often in the range of 70%, the standard is 63% (0.9 x 70%). (The assessment of internal <br />similarity was performed on data from the extended reference areas) <br />The Motyka similarity index is used as follows: <br />2c <br />ISmp = (Q + b) <br />Where: <br />c = the smaller of the paired species density values (for each <br />lifeform) of the reclaimed and reference areas* <br />a = total of species density values for lifeforms of the reclaimed <br />areas <br />b = total of species density values for the lifeforms of the reference <br />area* <br />* Weighted average lifeform species density using the Seneca IIW Reference Areas (weighted based on <br />11.0% original extent of Aspen, 34.5% original extent of Mountain Brush, 31.3% original extent of <br />Sagebrush, 12.8% original extent of Steep Mountain Brush, and 10.4% original extent of Western <br />Wheatgrass/ Alkali Sagebrush). <br />10 <br />