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gumhelii, S~mphoricarpor oreophilus, and Pious edulis. Thus, 6 species were found in the affected area that exceeded 3% relative cover; five were shrub species and one was a tree species. The highest relative cover was that of Quercus gambelii at 44.5%. Based on these results, the following changes are in order: 1. The maximum allowable species diversity allowed for a species to apply toward the standard should he raised from 40% to 44.5% which was the highest relative cover measured for a species in the affected area. 2. A maximum of six species, rather than eight, should he required to have a relative cover between 3% and 44.5%. Rea~mmended species diversity standard: Taking into consideration that: ]) the reclaimed area was planted with an emphasis on herbaceous species rather than shrubs (shrub standard = 1500 stems/acre, far below the actual affected area stem density of 7801 -see p. 32); and, 2) that the approved postmining land use is rangeland/wildlife habitat, the present diversity standard on page 4-64 should be changed to the following: "Species diversity will he considered acceptable if sampling demonstrates that six perennial, non-noxious plant species have been established and are contributing between 3 and 44.5% relative cover. At least two species should he cool season grasses and at least two should he perennial fortis and/or shrubs. This standard will he acceptable for all areas (i,e., refuse pile, truck dump, etc.)." Baseline reference area and 1992 extended reference area multiple hit data for the Mountain Shrubland Dry Phase community closely mirror the affected area results (see enclosed charts 2 and 3). In each case, 6 species (mostly shrubs) contributed more than 3% relative cover. Additionally, Quercus gamhelii averages 45.130 over those two studies. Thus, additional data from similar areas of the same community are consistent with the conclusions that are based on the affected area.