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<br />The calculations listed as part of Table 22 show that the reference <br />areas also match their respective main community areas in total <br />perennial production. Woody plant means are included in the <br />Appendix in Table 24 and were contrasted even though it is expected <br />that a standard of 1000 stems per acre or lower will be applied to <br />the mine site as a reclamation goal. The landowner has indicated a <br />preference for no woody stems to be reestablished. In any event, <br />the native grassland community and its reference area almost <br />statistically matched. The sagebrush areas did match even though <br />the sagebrush reference area has a higher avaerage woody stem <br />density. However, this increase in woody stems did not show itself <br />to be statistically important, nor did it interfere with the cover <br />and herbaceous production comparison. <br />• CONCLUSIONS <br />Three major communities exist on the permit area and will be <br />disturbed. Two reference areas were selected, one each for the <br />sagebrush rangeland and native grassland communities. A reference <br />area was not necessary for the juniper-pinyon woodland. One minor <br />community was also identified. Samples were collected to adequacy <br />or to the maximum number agreed upon with MLRD for total vegetative <br />cover, total herbaceous production, and total woody stem density. <br />The reference areas matched their respective disturbed area <br />communities in total perennial vegetative cover and total perennial <br />herbaceous production. The reference areas meet the requirements <br />of Rule 4.15.7(3)(b). <br />- 17 - <br />• <br /> <br />