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<br />CONCLUSIONS <br />Permanent 1/4 m= plots were located and sampled in the Apex No. 2 Mine <br />• <br />r 1 <br />L_J <br />reclaimed areas. The purpose of the sampling is to determine whether reclaimed <br />vegetation is changing in its composition and diversity from year to year. 1994 data <br />represent the first year of sampling and will provide the benchmazk to which successive <br />years of sampling may be compared. Five perennial species were encountered in the <br />six plots placed in the Hillside reclaimed area. Four of these five species were found in <br />50% or more of the plots and had estimated relative cover values exceeding 8%. In the <br />larger Valley Bottom community, ten perennial species were encountered in the fifteen <br />plots sampled. Perennial species combined for 84.3% relative cover. In both cases, <br />the data seem to indicate that diverse, perennial-dominated communities are <br />developing. Although the connection between plot data and actual community values is <br />uncertain, there is value in examining the former in relation to the approved cover and <br />species diversity success standards. Estimated absolute plot cover falls short of the <br />success target for both areas. However, plot estimated relative cover values would <br />indicate that communities were successful or close to success. <br />~~~; sad ~ ~~o/p~ <br />8 <br />~ gy - -39 <br />[lEC 2 ' 1998 <br />