Laserfiche WebLink
• growth in 1992 than in 1991. Interestingly, although there was a large increase in total <br />production from 1991 to 1992, total herbaceous cover increased only slightly in the <br />same time period. <br />Perennial, non-noxious plant species composed the bulk of the herbaceous <br />production total (95.0%), with 2294 pounds per acre. Yellow sweetcluver contributed <br />66 pounds per acre, or 2.7% of the total value. <br />Comparison of Reclaimed Areas with Success Standards: <br />As noted in the 1991 report, standards apply to the Bear No 1 and 2 mine sites <br />rather than reference areas. Determination of reclamation success involves showing <br />that reclaimed community parameter means are not less than 90% of the herbaceous <br />cover and production standards at the 90% statistical level and that the terms of the <br />• species diversity standard are met. Success standards are as follows: <br />Parameter Standard 90% of Standard <br />Total herb. cover <br />40.0 <br />36.0% <br />Total herb. production <br />1600 Ibs/acre <br />1440 Ibs/acre <br />No success standard exists for woody plant density as noted on page 51 of the <br />]987 Findings Document. A species diversity standard was delineated and is as <br />follows: "The reclaimed vegetation surface shall include at least three herbaceous <br />species with relative cover equal to or greater than 3%, two of which are caul season <br />grasses, and one forb. The combined relative cover of these species should not exceed <br />80%, and no one species should comprise greater than 60%." <br />It is somewhat unclear as'to what parameter value is to be compared to the <br />• applicable success standards, the choice being between total herbaceous cover (or <br />production) and total perennial herbaceous cover (or production). Regardless of the <br />6 <br />