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INTRODUCTION <br />In late July 1980 vegetation studies were conducted on the Bourg <br />property, Walden, Colorado. The purpose of this study was to quantify and <br />characterize the veyetation on the area to be impacted by mining activities <br />and to establish vegetation reference areas. The sampling program was designed <br />to address guidelines for premining vegetation studies outlined by the Colorado <br />Mined Land Reclamation board (CMLRB) and the Office of Surface Mining (OSM). These <br />data will then be used to evaluate eventual reclamation programs. <br />Vegetation Map. A detailed map was prepared at a scale of 1 inch = Z00 feet for <br />the mine permit area. The map was prepared using a combination of aerial photo <br />interpretation and field checking. Major vegetation types are included on this <br />map as are the location of reference areas. , <br />r~ <br />METHODS <br />Sampling studies were designed to quantify species composition, cover, <br />frequency, and density for the two vegetation types within the affected area. <br />Reference areas were also established and sampled quantitatively. The data <br />from the reference areas will be used to evaluate future reclamation success. <br />Two vegetation types occur within the area to be affected by mining <br />activities: a dry grassland type, and a big sagebrush type. The grassland <br />community and the herbaceous layer of the big sagebrush community were sampled <br />for cover and frequency using a quadrat method. The shrub layer of the big <br />sagebrush community was sampled using the Lindsey line-strip method (Lindsey <br />1955). Herbaceous layer productivity studies in both community types were <br />,onducted using a harvest method. <br />