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grassland community is dominated by atlatta (Medicago saliva), thickspike wheatgrass (Agropyron <br />dasystachyum), and slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycautum). <br />3.3 Produetlon <br />Evaluation of the produdion variable in accordance with Rule 3.03 utilizing the approved comparison <br />protocols detailed above result in a positive finding regarding the 2000 sampling data. In this regard, <br />review of the second portion of Table RS 1 indicates that the mean annual perennial produdion of the <br />irrigated hayland (160.3 g/0.5 m*) exceeds 90% of the analogous value for the reference area (151.3 <br />g/0.5 rm') in 2000. No hypothesis testing is required because the produdion mean of the irrigated hayland <br />is equal to or greater than 90% of the standard and the areas were sampled to the required level of <br />adequacy (whereby: n > n,,,,). This positive finding is further emphasized when considering that the <br />reclaimed irrigated hayland had been heavily grazed by livestock during the eady and mid-summer <br />periods (effectively a "first cutting'. Had such uliliza6on not occurred, measured produdion would have <br />been substantially greater. <br />3.4 Diveral <br />Evaluation of diversity in accordance with Rule 3.03 utilizing the comparison protocols detailed <br />above result in a positive finding regarding the 2000 data. In this regard, perusal of the third portion of <br />Table RS 1 indicates that the diversity of perennial spades which contribute between 3 and 60 percent of <br />the relative cover (composition) for the reclaimed sagebrush /grassland community substantially exceeds <br />the eventual standard. This standard is 4 perennial spades with at least 3 of those being perennial, cool- <br />season grasses. The reclaimed sagebrush /grassland exhibited 5 perennial, cool-season grasses, 2 <br />perennial forts and 1 shrub for a total of 8 spades within the appropriate limits. Therefore. the <br />performance standard has been met with absolute confidence. <br />3.5 U131i1v <br />Although a determination of utility is not mandated by permitting requirements, IitUe argument can be <br />generated regarding the revegetated area's utility for the primary intended post~nining land use (cropland <br />and livestock grazing) as well as the inadental use by wildlNe. The increased utility of these revegetated <br />areas is evident from an analysis of the various data collected for cover, production, and diversity. <br />Wth regard to the measured variables, the increase in utility of the reclaimed areas is selt~vident. <br />The overall average perennial herbaceous cover of the reclaimed sagebrush !grassland in 2000 exhibited <br />aa®om 6.1H~ awocrou~, rr+c. Page 12 NCIG -Coal Ridge t1 - Phaae II Bond Raloas Ewluatlon <br />