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Sample adequacy was achieved for the vegetation cover parameter. Fifteen cover transects were initially sampled. Minimum sample size was 54.24 as reported on Table 2. Statistical Analysis Evaluation of revegetation establishment and success was accomplished through a comparison of the reclaimed azea mean total vegetative cover with the reclamation success standard set forth in the CDMG findings document. A "T" test was used for the statistical comparison. This is consistent with the recommendations of the Division of Minerals and Geology in their 1988 Guidelines for Compliance with Land Use and Vegetation Requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal inin .Analysis of quantitative relative cover data derived from quantitative total cover information provided the basis for assessment of species composition. III. Results and Discussion Reclaimed Area Description The 35-acre permit area's vegetation consists mainly of three types: Grassland and Piiion- Juniper. The Piiion-Juniper vegetation type has a reduced understory of herbaceous vegetation, and lower general species diversity. There are three soil types found in the permit area: Louviers-Travessilla Rock Outcrop Complex (LT), Manzano Loam (TM.), and the Louviers-Travessilla Complex (LTE). However, 95 percent of the area disturbed fall within the LTE complex. Soil samples were analyzed and no limiting factors were identified. The average annual precipitation in this azea is approximately 15 inches. However, during the 2001-2002 growing season there has been a statewide drought in effect. This drastic reduction in precipitation has limited the growth potential of many areas of the state, including all reclaimed azeas. Therefore, declines in production, species diversity, woody plant stem density, and cover aze to be expected. Additionally, the type and amount of vegetation varies with differences in slope, exposure, and soil depth. Statistical Comparison of Reclaimed and Reference Areas The collection of statistically adequate data for the pazameter of vegetation cover allows the statistical evaluation for compliance with the revegetation success criteria of the mining and reclamation permit. The revegetation success criterion for cover was established by CDMG in the permit approval findings document. The revised cover standard is 22.8 percent cover. In 1981, the total vegetation cover within the grassland- designated portion of the permit area was measured at 35.5 percent, and the total vegetation cover within the Pinon-Juniper designated portion of the permit area was measured at 10.1 percent. In 2002, the total vegetation cover of the reclaimed area was measured at 8.93 percent. The total ground cover of the reclaimed area was measured at 46.26 percent (this includes vegetation, litter, and rock). 5