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• Woody plant density measurements in 1999 differed from 1987 as suffruticose species were not <br />measured consistent with Guidelines for Compliance with Land Use and Vegetation Requirements <br />for Coal Mining. Succulents were also not included in the density calculations. Mean density for <br />the type was 0.42 stemsl50m2 or 34 stemslacre (Table 2.04.10-32). Sagebrush dominated with <br />an average density of 0.24 stems/50m2 or (19 stems/acre). Mormon tea was the next dominant <br />shrub with .18 stems/50m2 or (15 stems per acre). <br />The dryland pasture vegetation type as identified occurs on soils similar to soil map unit 98C in the <br />study area. Sagebrush, Mormon tea, blue grams, and cheatgrass have invaded the site since it <br />was planted to amono-culture of crested wheatgrass. This invasion over the last 25 years has <br />been low however as evidenced by shrub woody stem density of 34 stems/acre and shrub <br />production of only 22 pounds/acre. This data is consistent with field observations which show that <br />the invaders are small and scattered. Production of 447 pound/acre is also consistent for this type <br />within this precipitationlelevation zone over shallow soil. <br />The dryland pasture reference area was originally a pinon-juniper/ sagebrush range site consisting <br />of scattered pinon and juniper. Under story consisted primarily of sagebrush, four-wing saltbush, <br />. blue grams and galleta. <br />Farmsteads. Orchards, Facilities and Other Tyaes. The remainder of the study area includes <br />farmsteads, orchards, support facilities, roads, ponds, irrigation ditches, and disturbed areas. <br />Because of the intensity of activity in the area, the number of operators within the study area, and <br />the length of time that these activities have been ongoing in the area, a portion of the study area is <br />included within this category (approximately 5.7 percent of the study area and 5.3 percent of the <br />disturbance area). <br />There are three active farmsteads or homesites within the study area and four inactive or <br />abandoned farmsteads or homesites. Only Morgan, Johnson and Martin currently live within the <br />permit boundary. Johnson has actually sold his proprerty to WFC and will leave once mine <br />operations begin. The size of these farmsteads range from over three acres downy to less than <br />one acre and include buildings, yards, corrals and other support facilities. Only the Johnson <br />property occurs on the better soil and more gentle topography of the study area. The remainder <br />are located on poorer soils that tend to be rocky and moderately deep to shallow, though the <br />• (REVISED 8115100) 2.04.1 ~ - 8t) <br />