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.~ MUNGER CANYON Stipulation #9: Requirement for resampling of Big Sagebrush productivity during the 1903 growing season. MLRD was concerned taht the confidence level achieved in the original survey was not adequate (approx. 60% [alpha = 2]1. WRD suggested combining data from the baseline affected and reference areas since they are contiguous. Preliminary calculations indicated this was acceptable and yielded a confidence level greater than 90% (alpha = 21. WRD will subiit a summary of the calculations and statistics to MLRD. Response: The attached table includes the combined data from affected and reference areas. Plot numbers 1 Through 30 are from the reference area, while numbers 31 through 50 are from the affected area. Using the calculated mean of 44.6 g/m the variance of 504.0., a t value of 1.299 12 tailed, 49 degrees of freedom(, and a d value of 0.1 in the formula i s=t= n = _ ~z min x d the nmin calculated is 4.4. Thus, sample adequacy is attained. Stipulation #10: Demonstration of 'represehtativeness' of abiotic factors in baseline sampling year. WRD brought climatic data from Grand Junction, Colo- rado, to demonstrate that the sampling year was slightly above normal in terms of favorable precipitation. WRD will be resubmitting a written summary of ,' these findings. Response: This demonstration was provided to MLRD 16 March 1903. Stipulation #11: Requires the submittal of woody plant density data for Greasewood, Shadscale, and Juniper communities. During discussions WRD demonstrated that this information was present in the permit document in Tables 4.8-31 and 4.8-34. MLRD will evaluate the data to determine if it meets the requirements of the stipulation. Response: As stated, MLRD is taking care of this question. • Stipulation #12: Justification for proposed woody plant density level success criteria. MLRD is requesting a justification for the levels proposed. Optimally, this justification will include citations from pertinent literature. WRD will provide this discussion. Response: As a basic statement regarding the proposed woody plant density standards, we believe that the existing woody plant density has been artificially elevated by historic overgrazing which suppressed herbaceous competltlon and allowed more establishment of woody species than was the case prior to the onset of overgrazing (references upon request(. Because of }he widespread nature of overgrazing, it is difficult to determine what the level of woody plant density should be on a site, had overgrazing not unbalanced the life-form composition. As a basic concept, it seems reason- able that during the process of revegetation one should allow the ecosystem -1-