2020-06-25_REVISION - C1981019 (6)

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RULE 2 PERMITS The approximate extent of the vegetation communities throughout the permit area is shown on Regional Vegetation Map (Map 3). The vegetation communities on the area to be disturbed by' mining are mapped in more detail on the Vegetation Map (Map 4). During the summer of 1980, an intensive vegetation study was completed covering the initial permit area to be disturbed by mining. The area to be mined consists, primarily, of the sagebrush and mountain shrub communities with small inclusions of aspen and grass. During the summer of 1988 vegetation study was completed for the additional areas to be added to the permit. The additional areas to be mined consisted, primarily, of the sagebrush, mountain shrub and aspen communities. Vegetative mapping was accomplished utilizing information from previous vegetation surveys in the area, the 1976 VTN Colorado Inc. study, color aerial photography and on the ground observations. Sampling locations were selected by using 300 foot by 300 foot numbered grid system covering the entire area to be sampled. Individual transect sites were sampled at random using the numbers from the grid system for each vegetation type. At each selected point, a 100 foot transect was laid out oriented in a randomly selected compass direction. Five random points along each transect were then selected for the quantitative vegetation sampling. Herbaceous cover data was collected using a 10 point frame at each of the five points along the transect. The first hit by each pin on the herbaceous vegetation was then recorded by species. Production samples were taken by clipping a 30cm x 60cm plot at each of the same five points along the transect. The clipped herbaceous vegetation was separated into grasses and forbs. There were no measurable amounts of annuals sampled. The samples were air dried then weighed. 60cm x 60cm plots were used for the 1988 data and samples were oven dried prior to weighing. Woody plant density data was obtained by recording the numbers of woody plants along a three foot wide belt the entire 100 foot length of each transect. Species composition and cover for the initial 1980 data is shown in Table 2.04.10-2, 1980 Herbaceous Cover by Species. The 1988 data is summarized in Table 2.04.10-3, 1988 Herbaceous Cover by Species. Summaries of the data can be found on Table 2.04.10-4, Summary of Herbaceous Cover. Herbaceous productivity for the sagebrush, mountain shrub, and aspen communities is shown on Table 2.04.10-5, Production Data Summary. Information pertaining to statistical tests to be performed for determination of revegetation success is contained in Section 4.15. Woody plant density, by species, for the sagebrush, mountain shrub, and aspen communities is shown on Table 2.04.10-6, Woody Plant Density: Following is a general description of each of the vegetation communities, including various environmental factors contributing to the distribution of the types. The relationships between soil Rule 2 Permits 2.04-52 Revision Date: 6/22/20 Revision No.: MR-220