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z.o <br />. totaled. Several samples were accidentally damaged prior to oven drying. Dry weights for these <br />samples were calculated by multiplying their wet weights by the average water loss for other dried <br />samples. Production for three transects in the Reference Area was determined in the same manner as <br />the Survey Area. <br />2.4 SPECIES DIVERSITY <br />The diversity of plant species in each azea was evaluated using data acquired from the 25-meter <br />point-intercept transects. Data from the transects was analyzed by implementing Equation 3 to <br />determine .the relative cover of each species detected. <br />(3) <br />%Relative Cover ofSpeciesX = <br /> <br />Total Vegetative Cover <br />Cover of Species X <br />Post-mining success of species diversity was determined by comparing the relative cover values of <br />the survey azea with the values ascertained within the Reference Area vegetation community. <br />2.5 WOODY PLANT DENSITY <br />Woody plant density was determined for the Survey Area by establishing a 2-meter by 25-meter belt <br />transect along the point intercept transect. All shrub and tree species that were established over two <br />growing seasons and were alive and healthy were identified and counted. Sample adequacy was not <br />evaluated for woody plant density since a standard of 1,000 stems per acre is applicable to this <br />project. <br />2.6 SOIL ANALYSIS <br />As part of the sampling program, soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine their <br />agronomic potential. Soi] sample collection locations were determined using a grid system overlain <br />on a map of the Survey Area. Sample collection locations within the grid were selected using a <br />random number table. <br />Attempts were made to collect two soil samples at each location. The first sample was to be <br />collected between 0 to 12 inches, and the second sample was to be collected between 12 and 24 <br />inches. In all but one case, refusal (a gravel or rocky substrate) was encountered between 0 and 12 <br />inches. In these cases, only one sample was collected at that location. A total of 6 samples were <br />collected from five separate locations. Topsoil depths did not appeaz to exceed 16 inches at any of <br />the locations sampled, and was less than 12 inches at 4 out of the 5 locations sampled. <br />Following sample collection, soil samples were sent to the Colorado State University Soil, Water, <br />and Plant Testing Laboratory for agronomic analysis. Soil samples were analyzed for a standazd <br />suite of parameters to document their agronomic potential. Soil analyses included soil pH, soluble <br />RevegetatlonSurveyReport-RPr(626)Revl.dac/Sepmmber b, 2001 <br />