2017-06-07_PERMIT FILE - C2010089A (2)

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Production The results of the 50 production transects on this area are summarized in Table 12.04.10-13. The average forage production on this site averaged 9.78 g/1/4m2 or 348.6 pounds of air-dry forage per acre. Perennial grasses contributed 6.40 g/1/4m2 or 65.44 percent and perennial forbs contributed 3.38 g/1/4m2 or 34.56 percent of the total forage production on this area. The locations of the 50 production transects sampled for this vegetation type are shown on Map 2.04.10-1. The sample adequacy calculations in Table 2.04.10-2, document that the number of production transects required to characterize this site at the 90 percent confidence interval was 121.1. Since 50 transects were sampled in this vegetation type, which satisfies the maximum sample size of 50 transects as found in the Vegetation Guideline, it can be concluded that this area satisfies the sample adequacy requirements with respect to forage production. Shrub Density The shrub density counts obtained from the 15 belt transects taken in this area are summarized in Table 2.04.10-14. The average shrub density was determined to equal 1.67 shrubs per 100 m2 or 67.5 shrubs per acre. Rubber Rabbitbrush, Siberian Elm and Basin Big Sagebrush were the only woody plants encountered. The locations of the 15 shrub density transects sampled on this site are shown on Map 2.04.10-1. Examination of the sample adequacy calculations in Table 2.04.10-2, reveals the number of samples required to describe the shrub density on this area at the 90 percent confidence interval was 115.8 transects. Since the DRMS informed NHN that it was not necessary to sample adequacy with respect to shrub density sampling, it can be concluded that this area satisfies the sample adequacy requirements with respect to shrub density. INTENSIVELY MANAGED IRRIGATED PASTURE This vegetation type is only found on the western portions of the Garvey property. It is distinguished from irrigated pasture, in that these areas are intensively irrigated, with the water being changed twice a day and these areas routinely receive supplemental fertilizer, whereas the irrigation water on the irrigated pasture is often not moved for days or weeks at a time and has no history of being fertilizer. This vegetation type is the fifth largest plant community type found within the NHN permit area (Map 2.04. 10- 1 This vegetation type covers an area approximately 37.11 acres in size and accounts for nearly 11.52 percent of the proposed permit area. Section 2.04. 10 Page 20 of 36 June 2016 (TR -14)