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• SPECIES MEAN DENSITY (STEMS/SOM21 Artemisia tridentate ssp. tridentate 17.00 Atriplex canescens 0.20 Juniperus osteosperma 0.03 s #/ac #/ha Total 17.23 2.34 2,517 6,292 Minimum sample size required (nm;~)= 2 (based on total density) The sagebrush vegetation type as identified within the study area occurs on shallow soil that occurred predominantly in map units 98C and 98D. The native vegetation on these soils is typically apinyon-juniper dominated woodland or a shrub dominated rangeland. As evidenced by the cover data, and verified by field observations, the pinyon-juniper woodland overstory has been essentially removed. The removal of this overstory plus fhe level of disturbance associated with livestock use and man's impact has completely altered the composition of the site. Impacts include occasional chaining, and chemical spraying to reduce sagebrush plus poor cattle management practices that has led to most desirable plant species being removed. In evaluating the Guide for Determining Forage Condition attached to the Pinyon-Juniper • Woodland Site Description, it is apparent that the sites would only warrant a poor forage condition rating. Note that no woodland site index information has been provided in the Site Description. The stocking rate for the sagebrush type is estimated at a low 0.09 AUM's/ac or 12 acres/AUM assuming use of all grasses and the more palatable fortis. As stated earlier, the sagebrush-1 type represents a remnant native community that has been severely altered because of intensive agricultural land use and associated support activities. Though these sites normally have apinyon-juniper tree overstory (previously discussed), these have most likely been removed for fencing materials, firewood, land clearing, and from the impacts of high concentrations of grazing animals. Most of the type occurs where it is impractical to irrigate. The pastures are usually heavily stacked at least during part of the year, resulting in a high level of animal pressure from grazing and trampling. The sites are also periodically used as equipment parking, storage, or boneyard areas and winter livestock feeding areas. The shallow soils, rock outcrops, and low natural precipitation, further reduce the potential productivity of the site, while increasing the potential for further deterioration and decreasing the opportunity for any recovery. The majority of species encountered during cover • (REVISED 9/99) 2.04.10 - 74