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page-2 INTRODUCTION Bird and vegetation surveys were conducted on the Little Middle Creek Tract to determine numbers and species of birds inhabiting the aspen stand which is scheduled for mining and to compare with numbers and species of birds foun3 on reclaimed sites. Bird and vegetation surveys were conducted on two replicates in each of four habitat types, (1) aspen forest, (2) aspen adjacent to reclaimed mine sites, (3) reclaimed mine sites, (4) reclaimed mine sites adjacent to aspen forest in 1985. The edge habitats were included to determine edge effect on bird densities and diversity. In 1986 the edge habitats were replaced by interior aspen and mountain shrub sites. Surveys were conducted for two years on aspen and reclaimed sites and for one year on the other four sites. This report includes the results of surveys for 1985 and 1986. Data are presented by year for each vegetative class, and means of 1985-86 bird densities on aspen and reclaimed vegetation are presented. VEGETATION METHODS Shrub cover was measured at each bird survey plot by line intercept for 50 feet at each cardinal direction from the plot center. Total percent shrub cover was calculated for each shrub species using total inches intercept shrub A x 1 ft. x 1 x 100 12 in. 200 _ ~ shrub cover (shrub A). Tree density (no. of trees/ac.) was determined by counting all trees over 6 feet tall in a 6 foot belt on each side of the east-west tape used for the line intercept. Tree density was calculated for each survey plot using total stems x 43,560 sg. 1200 sq.ft. 1 acre ft.= total stems/ac. A modified point center quarter technique was used to determine mine average dbh, height and age of trees (aspen, serviceberry, chokecherry, oak, and maple) in the aspen habitats. Three trees of each species nearest to each bird observation were recorded (dbh was measured, height was estimated, and age was categorized as sapling, mature, decadent, or dead). Canopy was determined using a spherical densiometer (Lemmon 1956, 1957). Within the reclamation habitats, the distance to the nearest tree pad in each of four quadrants was measured if within 150 feet of the bird observation point and estimated if beyond 150 feet. The dimensions (length, width, and height) of each tree pad was recorded and the dominant tree/shrub species specified. The status of each tree pad (sprouting, dead, or decadent) was noted. A dominance rating defined.by Poulton was used to evaluate the understory plant communities at each bird survey plot. Dominance ratings of 1 to 5 were given to plants based on the following factors: 5: Species which dominate the aspect of the layer. It is dominant in the sense of its impact on the