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• The total number of species (within each lifeform) observed in each 100 mZ sample provides a measure of "species density", indicating the relative species richness of different 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 eta/. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross reference ~o 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) or by reference to Appendix 2 of this report (Table 20). 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 in All Areas, which includes current nomenclature and cross-references to older nomenclature. It should be noted that all big sagebrush encountered were referred to Seriphidium tridentatum. Photographic Record • Within each reclamation and reference area, representative color photographs were taken to document the appearance of the vegetation in 2001 (Appendix 4). Within each photograph, a placard identifies the particular area being illustrated. Statistical Methods Statistical Design Cover and herbaceous production data were collected in all areas. Woody plant density samples were collected in the 1995, 1996, and 1998 Reclaimed Areas but were not collected in any of the reference areas. Sampling proceeded using a single stage statistical design. Sample locations in reclaimed areas were randomly plotted by use of an internal script routine within ArcView software. Minimum spacing between sample points was 170 feet (one 50 m transect length). The SCC-assigned the number of samples for a given parameter in a given area reflected previously experienced sample variability or the level of precision required in a given area. In the extended reference areas, each reference unit was gridded and numbered. Grid cell size was 200 feet X 200 feet. These grid cells were placed contiguously by hand on maps of 1:4,800 scale. Sample locations were selected as the center points grid cells selected using random numbers generated by computer.