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<br />gig Sagebrush given in Figure 2a. The derivative curves level off at the point <br />where the more important or dominant species are separated from the less domi- <br />nant species. It should be noted that since the physiogomy of the reclaimed <br />plant community will not resemble the premine community, the diversity standard <br />should likewise represent the functional structure in terms of the number of <br />species which share dominance and not the physical appearance of the community. <br />Also, the species diversity on reclaimed land will, over time, be a result of <br />modifications in the physical environment imposed by the successional devel- <br />opment of the community. This process is for the most part beyond our control <br />once it has been set in motion through the cultural practices and the seed <br />mixtures approved in the reclamation plan. <br />Finally, the diversity standard is determined by following the derivative curve <br />to the point where it levels off. In the case of CYCC, that point occurs at <br />about the fourth species. By referencing Table 1 in the June 24 submission, it <br />is found that four species represents 63.6% of the total average composition. <br />Also, no single species contributed more than 36.9% of the total composition. <br />Consequently, these data were used [o establish the diversity standard, i.e., <br />four species will make up at least 64% of the composition in the reclaimed plant <br />community and no single species will contribute more than 40Y, of the overall <br />composition. <br />It has always been CYCC's intention to avoid monocultures or extremely simple- <br />structured plant communities on reclaimed land. CYCC currently plants a diverse <br />seed mixture and employees cultural practices to encourage the growth of shrubs <br />and forbs. In addition, the reclamation plan incorporates mature and seedling ~ <br />tree and shrub transplants as well as topsoil handling methods which enhances <br />volunteer plants from the topsoil. These practices are designed to return the <br />land to a diverse and permanent plant community capable of sustaining the post- <br />mine land use. <br />2 <br />