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rigors of statistical testing due to the inherently high variability of the data set (which is common to the <br />variable of woody plant density). To bypass statistical testing, it is recommended that a total count of <br />the community (12.6 acres) be preformed during 2005 and 2006 to facilitate a direct mathematical <br />comparison involving the population. Noxious weeds (Canada thistle and bindweed) appear to be well <br />controlled in this unit and should be no more problematic than in surrounding undisturbed areas. <br />Similarly, there are a few patches of annual bromes scattered throughout the unit, and again, this is <br />typ"ICaI for this part of Colorado. <br />At present, the grassland community is a reasonably good example of an improved pasture <br />grassland community that would contribute to the local system as foraging habitat for wildlife (especially <br />elk), as well as provide a variety of management opportunities for livestock grazing. <br />3.2.2 Riparian Community <br />The revegetated riparian community is comprised of approximately 4.3 acres of level to gently <br />sloping revegetation that has a predominately southerly aspect. An additional 0.2 acres will likely be <br />transferred to the Oxbow permit, and therefore, samples taken in this area were eliminated from the data <br />set (see Map 1). Based on file information, it is assumed that this unit was seeded in 1986 as well. A <br />total of 59 plant taxa were observed in this community (see Table 1). Current annual herbaceous <br />production across the unit averaged 556 pounds per acre in 2004 (see Chart 1). Ground rover in the <br />riparian community consisted of 57.8% live vegetation, 1.9% rock, 31.9°k litter, and bare soil exposure <br />of 8.4%. Herbaceous cover across the unit averaged 47.3% with noxious weed and shrub cover <br />averaging 10.5°~ combined. Dominant taxa were streambank wheatgrass (Agropyron riparium), red-top <br />(Agrostis gigantea), coyote willow (Salix exigua), Kentucky bluegrass, cheatglass, and orchard grass <br />(Dactylis glomerate) with 12.3%, 9.3°~, 8.4°k, 4.5%, 3.9%, and 3.7% average cover, respectively. <br />Woody plant density was determined from 24 beR transects. Density (Table 13) totaled 5,807 young and <br />mature plants per acre with coyote wilbw the dominant woody plant <br />With regard to diversity, the riparian community exhibited seven perennial, cool-season grasses with <br />between 3% and 50% relative cover, which currently passes the bond release diversity standard (four <br />perennial cool-season grasses). The total relative cover of perennial, non-noxious forts was 3.14%, <br />which passes the proposed success standard (3%), but not the present standard (5%). In addition, 18 <br />shrub species were observed in the riparian community easily passing the success standard of three <br />species. This community also passes both the present standard (44.3%) and proposed (reference area <br />comparison) herbaceous rover bond release comparisons. On the other hand, this community does not <br />pass the present production standard (1,784 Its/acre) and will likely never meet this standard. However, <br />~~~ ~~~ mss®caav~s~ rnc. Page 13 Blue Ribbon Mfne - Revegetation Evaluation <br />