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areas. These measures provide a means of examining progress toward the return of diverse species composition in the reclaimed areas. Plant Species Listing Scientific names used follow Weber and Wittman (1996); common names cited are found in Beetle (1970), Nickerson et al. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross reference to the substantially revised scientific nomenclature for the flora of Eastern Colorado, as set forth by Weber and Wittman (1996), may be determined by reference to Weber and Wittman (1992). During the course of the fieldwork, a list of all encountered plant species (quantitative plus incidental observations) was compiled for each reclamation area and the three reference areas. These lists are summarized in Appendix 2, Table 20, Species Present, which includes current nomenclature and cross references to older nomenclature. It should be noted that all big sagebrush encountered were referred to as Serephidium tridentatum and all grasses commonly known as "crested" or "desert wheatgrasses" were referred to as Agropyron cristatum ssp. desertorum. Photographic Record Within each reclamation and reference area, representative color photographs were taken to document the appearance of the vegetation in 1999 (Appendix 4). Within each photograph, a placard identifies the particular reclamation area being illustrated. Statistical Methods Statistical Design COVER SAMPLING: Cover samples were collected using asingle-stage sample design. Each reclamation and reference unit identified in the KCC Scope of Work was gridded and numbered. Sample locations were selected from the numbered grid cells. Grid cell size was 250 feet x 250 feet. Random numbers were used to select grid cells. A sample point was placed in the middle of each selected grid cell and then recorded on the field maps. These sample points were located as accurately as possible in the field. The orientation of cover sample transects was selected in the field using a blind throw of a meter stick. No fewer than ten cover samples were taken in each area. Thereafter, sampling continued until the requirements of sample adequacy were met (see "Statistical Methods: Sample Adequacy Calculation"). The numbers of cover transects that were sampled in each reclaimed area or reference area were as follows: Area Number of Cover Transects Pre-1986 Reclamation 23 1995 Reclamation 17 1996 Reclamation 17 Alkali Sagebrush Reference Area 10 Sagebrush-Grass Reference Area 10 Sagebrush-Gravel Reference Area 10 Cover sample locations in the reclaimed areas are shown on Map 1, Sheets 2, 3, and 4. Cover sample locations in the reference areas are shown on Map 3, Sheet 1, Map 4, Sheet 1, and Map 5, Sheet 1, TOTAL ANNUAL PRODUCTION AND SHRUB DENSITY SAMPLING: All monitoring units were sampled for total annual production and shrub density using atwo-stage statistical design as set