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<br />2.0 METHODS <br />2.1 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN <br />Cover, production, shrub density and height, and tree density data were <br />recorded for each vegetation type in the permit area. A grid scaled to 200 ft <br />by 200 ft was established on the vegetation map in the affected areas of each <br />vegetation type. Pairs of random numbers were used as Cartesian coordinates <br />to locate sample points in each vegetation type. Sample points were located <br />in the field by use of a USGS map and pacing where necessary. <br />2.2 VEGETATION TYPE DELINEATION AND MAPPING <br />A plant ecologist conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the study area <br />fo identify map units. Vegetation types were segregated according to species <br />dominance, vegetation structure, and prominent geologic features. Areas culti- <br />vated to wheat were mapped accordingly. Color aerial photographs were used <br />to precisely delineate the boundaries of each mapping unit on a topographic <br />base map at a scale of 1" = 500'. Extensive field reconnaissance was employed <br />to verify boundaries of the map units. <br />The vegetation map illustrates the permit area, the affected area, and <br />• vegetation map unit boundaries )see Figure 11. Acreages of each map unit in <br />the permit and affected areas were measured with a polar planimeter. <br />2.3 COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PLANT SPECIES <br />Plant species were collected and pressed during field activities in <br />September 1982 and July and August of 1983. Specimens were identified by <br />field ecologists conducting the study and confirmed by Dr. William A. Weber, <br />Curator of the Herbarium, University of Colorado. Taxonomic nomenclature <br />and statements of origin follow Weber and Johnston 119791. Nickerson et al. <br />119761 and Beetle 11970) were consulted in an attempt to apply the most widely <br />used common names. Noxious weed designators follow Thornton et al. 119741. <br />Voucher specimens have been prepared in a reference collection. <br />2.4 SELECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF REFERENCE AREAS <br />Representative reference areas were selected for each vegetation type, <br />except the Caprock phase of Pinyon-Juniper Woodland. Criteria used in <br />selecting representative reference areas included species composition, cover, <br />production, woody plant density, slope, aspect, and previous management prac- <br />tices. <br />No reference area was chosen for the Caprock phase of Pinyon-Juniper <br />Woodland because of 111 the lack of a comparable unaffected area and l21 the <br />• similarity to other areas of Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, except for substrate. <br />-2- <br />