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' i • • Memo to H.B. Humphries from W. Agnew POSTMINE VEGETATION ANALYSIS NO-SEED PLOTS (1988 INVENTORY) 12/15/88, page 2 reclamation plots than on undisturbed pre-mine sites previously sampled in 1980-85. Plant biomass decreased on both reclaim treatments in 1988 compared to 1987 data. Woody stem densities were higher on non-seeded plots than on seeded plots (Table 3). The survival of woody species on both treatments (seeded and non-seeded) has declined since our initial survey in 1988, with higher mortality rates occurring on seeded plots. The higher density of shrubs on non-seeded areas could be attributed to fewer farming operations resulting in less disturbance to live hauled seedling shrubs. The actual number of plant species encountered during sampling on no-seed plots was lower (47) (Table 4) than on adjacent seeded plots (50) (Table 5). Perennial species comprised 70°.G of the vegetation on no-seed and seeded plots. Summary 1) Herbaceous canopy cover was similar on seeded and non-seeded plots. Herbaceous canopy cover on both reclaim treatments was similar to cover values estimated on pre- mine plots sampled during 1985. 2) Herbaceous yearly perennial plant production was higher on seeded plots than on non-seeded plots. However, no-seed perennial production exceeded that of premine sites inventories in 1985. 3) Woody stem densities were higher on non-seeded than on seeded plots. Woody stem densities have decreased from 1986 to 1988, however they still exceed the 400 stem/acre regulation requirement. 4) Perennial plant species comprised 70°~ of the species composition on both reclamation treatments (seeded and non-seeded). Fifty species were identified on seeded plots and 47 on non-seeded plots. During 1985 premine inventory, 89 plant species were identified of which 80 were perennial species (90%). WA/jb [ED\VEGOB] Att.