Laserfiche WebLink
_ INTRODUCTION <br />• Original baseline vegetation inventories for the Orchard Valley Mine <br />(OVM) were conducted in 1916. The 1981 vegetation inventory was conducted to <br />satisfy current requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board <br />(MLRB) and the Office of Surface Mining (OSM). The study plan for the 1981 <br />vegetation inventory of two reference areas was reviewed and approved by the <br />MLRB and OSM in a letter dated August 8, 1980 (Appendix A). Reference areas <br />for the plant communities already disturbed by OVM activities were established <br />during the 1981 study. In addition, an inventory of approximately 5 acres <br />being considered for a waste disposal area was made. This report contains the <br />methods used and the results obtained from the current study. <br />METHODS <br />• Vegetation Type Delineation <br />Vegetation type delineations were made based on 1) the 1976 study, 2) <br />upon the physiogonomic character of the vegetation, and 3) the dominant species <br />present. Woodlands were distinguished from shrublands by the differences in <br />the physiognomic character between the two types. Names for the types were <br />derived from the species predominantly responsible for the physiogonomic <br />character of the vegetation. Acreages were determined with the use of a <br />planimeter. <br />Species List <br />A list of species was compiled from specimens collected in standard <br />herbarium manner during June, _981 and from species noted during other phases <br />of field work. Field identifications were made using a floral key by Harring- <br />• ton, 1964. Verifications of specimens were made by Cr. William Weber of the <br />-1- <br />