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was below average in December 2004 (when no precipitation was recorded), January through <br />Mazch 2005, May 2005, and from July through September 2005. During the period between <br />• October 2004 and July 2005, April and June 2005 were the only months during which <br />precipitation was significantly above average. Cumulative precipitation between September <br />2004 and July 2005 was slightly below average with a 6.4 percent deviation below the mean. <br />Overall average precipitation amounts between April and June provided adequate moisture <br />for cool season species to germinate and grow, while below normal precipitation from July <br />through September provided less than optimal conditions for overall warm season species <br />growth and development. <br />2.2.2 Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An ocular point <br />frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision <br />and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data <br />points collected at L0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect <br />centerline, I.Sm apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of <br />computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to <br />extend within ten feet of reference or revegetated azea boundaries to minimize impacts from <br />"edge effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising SO data points) served as a sample <br />unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the <br />instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on <br />. vegetation were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant <br />species. The fast interception was used to calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional <br />interceptions were used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. <br />The quantitative cover data also provided the basis for calculation of species composition and <br />relative importance. <br />2.23 Herbaceous Production <br />Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous production <br />plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover traasect. Additional <br />production plots were randomly located. Herbaceous production plots were O.SO square <br />meters in azea. All current year above ground live herbaceous plant biomass was clipped <br />within the 0.50 square meter quadrat. Perennial grasses, annual grasses, and annual, biennial, <br />and perennial forbs were separated and reported by lifefonn. Succulents, suffrutescent, and <br />woody plants were not sampled. Production material was air dried until weights varied by no <br />more than 0.1 g. <br />2.2.4 Species Composition <br />Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data. <br />Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of the importance of each <br />encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the final revegetation success <br />criterion. The tables presenting data summaries for total vegetation cover for each azea <br />Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 9 <br />2005 Revegetation Monitoring Report <br />