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9-40 <br />however, was collected in the Juniper Woodland and Gardner <br />• Saltbush vegetation types for purposes of providing a descrip- <br />tion. There was no intent, however, to meet sample adequacy <br />requirements for either the cover or density data. It was <br />also agreed at the time that 80 production samples (2 m~) <br />- would be sufficient for determining the vegetation success <br />standards for the Shadscale Cheatgrass and Shadscale Wildrye <br />vegetation types. <br />On September 3, 1981, a WRD ecologist met with CMLR personnel <br />to discuss sample adequacy of woody plant density at the pro- <br />posed refuse disposal facility. It was agreed that 50 quadrats <br />per vegetation type would be sufficient to establish a baseline <br />standard. <br />4.5.2 Results and Discussion <br />9.5.2.1 Regional Ecological Characteristics <br />• The climate of the proposed project site is similar to that of <br />Grand Junction. However, the site is about 1000 feet higher in <br />elevation and hence may be expected to be cooler, more moist, <br />and have a shorter growing season. <br />Table 4.5-15 presents data on the monthly temperatures and <br />precipitation for Grand Junction for 1980 and 1981. Tempera- <br />tures at Grand Junction have ranged from 105°F to -23°F, but <br />readings of 100°F or higher are infrequent, and about one-third <br />of the winters have no readings below zero. Summer days with <br />maximum temperatures in the middle and low 90's and minima <br />in the low 60's are common. The frost free season in Grand <br />Junction may be 191 days in length but is expected to be <br />considerably shorter at the project site. <br />The interior, continental location results in quite low precipi- <br />tation in all seasons. The yearly average is 8.41 inches. Summer <br />• <br />