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Sampling Design Before fieldwork commenced, the permit document, amendments to the permit, baseline data, any prior sampling data, applicable maps, and aerial photographs were reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, and applicable revegetation standards. A 1:2400 scale (1" = 200') map of the reclaimed mine site was used to delineate the sampling area within the former permit area. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of x,y coordinates for a Cartesian grid that was overlain upon the reclaimed area. From these points sample sites were randomly established. Thirty random sample locations were initially established for the reclaimed area. Of these 30 locations, 20 were utilized to ensure representative sampling over the entire reclaimed area. Sample sites were located in the field through pacing from known landmarks depicted on aerial photographs. Field Sampling Vegetation Cover and Species Composition Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. A laser (ten) point frame was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with ten sample data points collected at 5.0 meter intervals along the transect on both sides of the transect centerline, for a total of 50 points per transect. Transect orientation was randomly determined by spinning a pencil. Additionally, transects were established so there would be no overlap between transects. In no event were transects allowed to extend within ten feet of revegetated area boundaries, to minimize impacts from "edge effect" For statistical purposes, each cover transect served as a sample unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (as determined by the laser point frame), soil (bare ground), rock, or litter. The data were summarized by computing mean cover, relative cover (percent of total vegetation cover attributed to each species), and species composition. Species composition information was computed from vegetation cover data using a ratio of individual species cover to total vegetation cover. Production Biomass production data were obtained using a harvest method. All of the current year's growth included within aone-half square meter quadrat was clipped at both ends of each transect. Succulents, noxious weeds, and cushion plants were not clipped. Clipped biomass was placed in paper bags, and dried in Colorado State University's Rangeland Ecosystem Science Laboratory forced air ovens for 24 hours at 105°C. Samples were weighed on an appropriate scale to the nearest tenth of a gram and reported in g/mZ and 3