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some extent. The number of perennial species with relative cover greater than three <br />• percent in the Ycest Mine permit area sagebrush type is ten: three forbs, four grasses, <br />end three shrubs (1991 monitoring date). Representative Seneca II Mine reclaimed area <br />monitoring data from 1993 (Wedge Pasture) shows ten perennial species occur with greeter <br />than one percent relative cover: four forbs, five grasses, and one shrub. Although three <br />percent relative cover was selected for the sagebrush type, a one percent relative cover <br />value for the reclaimed area is more representative of this community~s early <br />successional status. The above comparison represents a general pattern of similarity. A <br />comparison between date for the other major types end the reclaimed area did not reflect a <br />similar pattern due to the strong influence of the woody component and, to a lesser <br />degree, perennial forb component. <br />The diversity standard for the Yoast Mine area and haul road corridor is es follows. <br />- Five perennial forbs will each have greater than 50 percent frequency; one perennial <br />forb will have greater than 3 percent relative cover and two perennial forbs will <br />each have relative cover greater than 1 percent. These forbs will not have greater <br />than 40 percent relative cover each. <br />- Six perennial grasses will each have greater than 50 percent frequency; two perennial <br />• grasses will each have greater than 3 percent relative cover end two grasses will <br />each have relative cover greater than 1 percent. These grasses will not have greater <br />then 40 percent relative cover each. <br />- Three shrubs will each have greater than 5 percent frequency; one shrub will have <br />relative cover greater than 1 percent. <br />- Combined relative cover of the three forbs and four grasses will not exceed 80 <br />percent. <br />NOTE: Frequency is defined as the number of samples in which the species was present <br />divided by the total number of samples. <br />Additionally, species density, or the total number of species per 100 mz plot, in the <br />reclaimed areas will be greater than or equal to 20. Species density data will be <br />collected during cover sampling with the 100 mz plot oriented on the cover transact. <br />A comprehensive species list will be prepared for the reclaimed and reference areas. Both <br />• cover and frequency date will be used in discussions on species distribution and evenness. <br />Vhile many perennial species in reclaimed areas have low relative cover values, their <br />45 <br />