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INTRODUCTION <br />Plant cover and production studies were completed <br />for WYOMING FUEL COMPANY'S New Elk Mine tailings disposal area <br />from 23-30 September, 1984. Sampling was conducted within the <br />two vegetation types previously described for the tailings <br />disposal area (Conifer -Shrub; Oak -Shrub), and within a suitable <br />reference area delimited about 4 miles east of the disposal <br />area. <br />Objectives of the study were to: <br />1. Sample plant cover in each affected type at <br />an intensity sufficient to attain 90% confidence <br />and 10% accuracy (p=0.10; d=0.10). <br />2. Sample herbaceous plant production with affected <br />shrubland communities at an intensity sufficient <br />to attain 80% confidence and 10% accuracy (p=0.20; <br />d=0.10). . <br />3. Select a Reference Area in proximity to the <br />site which would tend to typify the topography <br />and exposure of the tailings disposal terraces in <br />the post -mining phase. <br />4. Sample both cover and production within the <br />Reference Area at an intensity sufficient to <br />attain 90% confidence and 10% accuracy (p=0.10; <br />d=0.10). <br />METHODS <br />Cover Sampling <br />Approximate centerlines were described within each <br />type. Along each centerline 50-m transects were placed <br />randomly. The point -frame method was used, with 10 points <br />spaced at 15 -cm intervals on the frame. Measurements were <br />taken at 5-m intervals on each transect line, for a total of <br />100 points per transect. "Hits" were recorded by plant <br />11 <br />