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<br />C~ <br />r1 <br />LJ <br />area at 64.4 percent was also noticeably lower than the type in the main Expansion Area where the <br />figure was 89.6 percent. This doubtless reflects the historicalheavygvazing pressure endured by the <br />Pond 009 stands, as well as some of the late-season withering effect discussed above. <br />In the Mixed Brush type, the distribution of cover among lifeforms (Table 25, Figure 10) is very <br />similar to the Mixed Brush in the main Expansion Area, except for increased presence of native <br />perennial graminoids and decreased native perennial (orbs, as was observed in the Aspen Woodland type <br />discussed above. It is again suspected that the late-season withering of certain common perennial torbs <br />may have been responsible for some part of this difference. <br />Distribution of Vegetation~oes <br />Distribution of the Tive vegetation types across the landscape is strongly related to soils and <br />aspect-controlled moisture conditions. Western Wheatgrass /Alkali Sagebrush ecosystems are tied <br />directly to clay-rich soils derived from shales on convex sites, usually along ridges. Sagebrush <br />ecosystems are found on usually deep soils of more moderate texture; similar soils of <br />moderate texture on north- and south-facing aspects are likely to support Mixed Brush and Sagebrush <br />ecosystems, respectively. Mixed Brush ecosystems occurring on south- or west-facing slopes <br />probably have a shallower and/or rockier soil than Sagebrush ecosystems on <br />similar exposures. It is clear that mountain snowberry has a relatively wide ecological amplitude <br />compared to other shrubs in the area (see Figures 11 and 12). Mesic Drainage vegetation is highly <br />variable, depending on microsite conditions, flood history, and geomorphic status (eg. recent terrace <br />material, long-stable channel banks, recently cut channel banks). <br />Throughout the study area, and the region in general, the detailed composition of the identified <br />vegetation types at a particular location has been strongly affected by the land use and management <br />history. <br />Seneca II-W Expansion Area /Permit Area Comparabili(y <br />Cover data from the Expansion Area and the existing Seneca II-W Permit Area were compared using the <br />procedure set forth in METHODS above. The levels of confidence in comparability are as follows: <br />Vegetation Tvoe <br />Aspen Woodland <br />Western Wheatgrass /Alkali Sagebrush <br />Mixed Brush <br />Level of Confidence <br />(95%) <br />(9B%) <br />(98%) <br />24 <br />