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encountered. Therefore, although the percent cover standard was met, these other <br />components of the standards were not achieved. <br />It is important to recognize a couple of points. First, the standard was set, based on a <br />reclamation goal, prior to documentation from many reclaimed sites that show what can <br />be expected. Over time, the Division has found that achieving two percent relative cover <br />for even one desirable forb can be challenging even at sites where the bond has not been <br />reclaimed. It is more beneficial to have a lazger number of native forbs represented at <br />lower cover percentages than a high cover of an introduced forb. Therefore, the Division <br />feels the species composition at Blue Flame is successful. <br />The vaziety and diversity of the dominant plant lifeforms and species indicates the <br />successful establishment of a permanent vegetation community. The lack of annual or <br />invader species dominating the cover illustrates the stable nature of the reclaimed azea. <br />Production <br />Production was calculated by clipping all of the present year's growth within two quarter- <br />meter quadrats positioned at the ends of a transect. All vegetation was placed into one <br />bag to be dried and weighed at a Colorado State University Laboratory facility. The <br />production results for each transect can be found in Table 3. The production standard <br />was to attain a minimum of 500 pounds per acre (or 28.0 grams per half meter squared) <br />of oven dried biomass. The average production at this site was 1182 pounds per acre (or <br />132.8 grams per meter squared). Using the reversal null hypothesis after 30 samples, it <br />was determined the production standard set for the Blue Flame Mine Site was met. <br />Woody Plant Stem Density <br />Woody plant stem density was evaluated by counting all shrubs within the reclaimed <br />area. This woody species data can be found in Table 4. The total stems found within the <br />reclaimed azea was 1193. When divided by the disturbed area acreage of 4.1, the woody <br />plant density is 243 stems/acre These shrubs aze planted primarily in several small <br />despressions created within the reclaimed azea. The establishment areas are depressions <br />in the land that collect water, where shrub plantings have been concentrated. These areas <br />aze efficient shrub producers, because of their dimensions, and their ability to hold water <br />for shrub roots. This part of the reclamation was completed by third party contractors in <br />a manner affording the best potential for shrub survival in harsh conditions. These dozer <br />basins provide increased deep-water storage to shrub roots, and cluster shrubs, thereby <br />decreasing the likelihood of predation. It is evident that the shrub establishment areas <br />have been successful. <br />Furthermore, it is apparent that shrubs aze volunteering on the edges of the reclaimed <br />land. A large number of invading oaks onto the reclaimed areas from existing stands. <br />8 <br />