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species, while the remaining species in the quadrat was lumped into life forms and clipped per life form. The plant <br />material was oven-dried at a temperature of 1000 C for a period of 24 hours and then weighed. <br />Woody species density data was obtained by establishing at the minimum 20 30-square meter quadrats and counting <br />the number of individuals of each woody species contained within the quadrat. Quadrat placement was the same as <br />that described for production. <br />Species diversity was evaluated using the Shannon-Weiner Index. The Shannon-Weiner Index formula is as follows: <br />Where: <br />H'=- £, P; log P; <br />H' =the diversity index (measure) <br />P; = N;/N <br />P; =cover for species i <br />N = sum of all species cover <br />Please refer to a report entitled "A Survey of Techniques for Measurement of Herbaceous and Shrub Production,. <br />Cover, and Diversity on Coal Lands in the West" by Bonham, et. al. as an example of the application of this method <br />for evaluating species diversity. It is important to note that each species, which is present on the undisturbed land will <br />not be necessarily replaced on the reclaimed surface. Rather a diversity goal, derived from the diversity index, will be <br />set and obtained prior to bond release. The diversity goal will be mutually agreed upon by: 1) EC, 2) Colorado <br />Division of Minerals and Geology (CDMG or CMLRD), and 3) Office of Surface Mining (OSM), after reviewing the <br />data and resultant diversity index. <br />The actual vegetation sampling program, described above, was carried out during July and August, 1981. This study <br />was performed by Harner-White Ecological Consultants, Inc., with project supervision by Dr. Richard Hamer. The <br />results of the vegetation sampling program are presented in Exhibit 14, Supplemental Vegetation Information. The <br />report is entitled "A Vegetation Baseline of Three Saeebrush Reference Areas at the Eagle Mine, Moffat County, <br />Colorado". <br />The following information can be found in Dr. Hamer's report: 1) cover, 2) production and woody species data, 3) <br />threatened and endangered species statement, and 4) species list. <br />Another vegetation study was performed on the hay fields located in the Big Bottom area. This study was performed <br />in October, 1979 by ERT/Ecology Consultants, Inc. for the EC. The results of [his vegetation study can be found in <br />Exhibit 14, Supplemental Vegetation Information. The report is entitled "Vegetation Analysis of Hay Fields". A total <br />of 121 acres was examined during the course of this study in the Big Bottom area. <br />Disturbed Area <br />A third vegetation study was conducted in September1983 on the disturbed area surrounding the No. SA portal. <br />Hamer and Associates, Inc conducted the study. The vegetation study was conducted in order to provide cover data <br />that could be used in determining vegetation success criteria, per Rule 4.15.10. Vegetation success criteria were <br />developed to be used at reclamation for the crusher site. The disturbed area sampled is representative of the crusher <br />site area and the data obtained were used to develop vegetation success criteria. <br />Methodology. Cover data was obtained along a 50 meter point transect. Cover was measured by point-intercept <br />techniques at one (1) meter intervals along a 50 meter transect. At each point, a metal pin was projected downward <br />perpendicular to the transect and first hits on vegetation, litter, rock, or bare ground was recorded. Second hits on <br />vegetation were also recorded by species to provide a more complete description of species composition. Results <br />obtained from second hit data were only described in terms of relative cover. <br />Permit Revision 04-34 2.04-31 Revised 7/2/04 <br />