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<br />Area 41 was sampled in 1998 for determination of Phase I[I reclamation success. Thirty transects <br />were distributed throughout the 224.4 acre Area 41. Both vegetative cover and production and <br />species diversity data were collected from these transect locations. Both cover and productivity <br />were sampled to adequacy. <br />Herbaceous vegetative cover measured 59.3% on the reclaimed Area 41. Herbaceous cover on the <br />pastureland reference area measured 39.69%. Cover on the reclaimed Area 41 significantly <br />exceeded that of the reference azea. Area 41 successfully achieved herbaceous cover requirements <br />in 1998. Successful achievement of herbaceous cover for 1997 was discussed in the preceding <br />Phase 11 section. <br />Production <br />CYCC collected herbaceous production data on Area 41. In 1997, fifty-three'/< mr quadrats were <br />collected throughout Area 41 by life form, dried, and weighed to determine herbaceous <br />productivity. 1997 sampling data measured the productivity from the reclaimed area 41 as <br />57.24 g/% m2 of herbaceous biomass. This value calculates to 2044 lbs./acre. The pastureland <br />reference area produced 53.05 g/''/a m' of herbaceous biomass. This value is equivalent to 1312 <br />lbs./acre. The productivity of the reclaimed Area 41 exceeded that of the pastureland reference <br />area for the 1997 sampling period. <br />Herbaceous productivity data collected on the reclaimed Area 41 in July 1998 was 53.08 g/%< m'' <br />(1896 lbs./acre). Sample adequacy was met. Herbaceous productivity measured in 1998 on the <br />pastureland reference area was 40.33 g/'/< m'' (1440 lbs./acre). Productivity on the reclaimed area <br />significantly exceeded the productivity of the reference area. <br />Diversity: <br />CYCC's diversity standard is based on productivity data (Permit page 780-136-3). The Eckman <br />Park and Energy Mine No. 1 diversity standard states, "The species diversity standards for <br />pastureland states that alfalfa shall not exceed 75% relative production and perennial grasses shall <br />provide at least 25 % relative production. Also, no single species shall exceed 75% relative <br />percent cover." Productivity sample data was separated by life form prior to weighing and drying. <br />This productivity data forms the basis for species diversity evaluation. <br />Productivity data collected in 1997 in Area 41 demonstrated that perennial grasses composed <br />80.56% of the relative production. Although the perennial grasses were dominated by Smooth <br />brome grass (Bromus inermrs), the perennial grass component was composed of 13 different <br />species of grasses. Smooth brome grass contributed 26.28% relative cover. Alfalfa (Medicago <br />saliva) contributed 9.38% relative production, and the remaining perennial forbs contributed <br />9.87% relative production. Annual, biennial and noxious species accounted for 2.42% relative <br />herbaceous production. <br />Colorado Yampa Coal Company: SL07 Findings I I/00 page 8 c:yhb\COBI071\SL07fnd.doc <br />