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

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Production The results obtained from the sampling of 50 production transects on this area are summarized in Table 2.04.10-19. This table shows that the average total herbaceous forage production on this site equaled 141.34 g/1/4 m2 or 5,037.4 pounds of air dry forage per acre. Perennial grasses and grasslikes contributed 128.63 g/1/4 m2 or 9 1. 01 percent of the herbaceous forage produced on this area. Perennial forbs, contributed 12.71 g/1/4 m2 or 8.99 percent of the herbaceous forage production on this area. The locations of the 50 production transects sampled for this site are shown on Map 2.04.10-1. The sample adequacy calculations in Table 2.04.10-2, document that the number of samples required to describe this site at the 90 percent confidence interval was 44.2 transects. Shrub Density The shrub density counts obtained from the 15 belt transects sampled in this area are summarized in Table 2.04.10-20. The average shrub density was determined to equal 67.73 shrubs per one hundred square meters or 2,725.0 shrubs per acre. Sandbar Willow and Russian Olive were the only shrubs encountered. The locations of the 15 shrub density transects sampled in the Wetland predisturbance area 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 388.7 transects. Other Wetland As shown on Map 2.04.10-1 these areas classified as wetland vegetation type (WET) and are areas outside of Meehan and Chiles Draw that are describe above. A primary reason for sampling this vegetation type was driven by the requirement found in the Corps regulations. At the time that this site was sampled, it had not yet been determined the exact extent to which this vegetation type would be disturbed by mining activities and it was obvious that it could potentially be larger than 10 acres in size. Subsequent geological drilling, as well as numerous back hoe soils pits dug in or near the bottoms of the Chiles and Meehan Draws, have documented that in these areas, the coal is so close to the surface and the quality is so poor, that there will be no mining in these depression areas containing the larger wetland areas. Therefore, the only possible disturbance to the wetlands in Chiles and Meehan Draws will be in the form of haul roads that will be constructed across those areas. Section 2.04.10 Page 23 of 36 June 2016 (TR -14)