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" 'Weighted average lifeform species density using the Seneca II Reference Areas (weighted <br />based on 83% original extent of Mountain Brush /Aspen and 17% original extent of <br />Sag ebru sh/S n owberry). <br />Only species density by vascular plants will be included. Lifeforms to be used will include: <br />Annual/biennial forbs <br />Annual Grasses <br />Perennial forbs (and subshrubs) <br />Perennial cool season grasses <br />Alternative Test D): Assessment of the Presence of Native Species <br />The third alternative assessment of the species diversity of reclaimed lands makes direct <br />reference to the presence of native western North American plant species in reclaimed areas. <br />Total cumulative # of native species* _> avg. reference area native species density <br />(# species / 100 sq.m.) <br />*in the adequate sample of the reclaimed area and including alfalfa and / or cicer <br />milkvetch which have often been included in seed mixes as nitrogen -fixers in light of the lack of <br />suitable and available native nitrogen-fixers. <br />Shrub Evaluation <br />Lands in the Seneca II Mine 2005-2006 bond release testing in Bond Release Block 2 were all <br />reclaimed prior to September 23, 1981. Hence no performance standard for the presence of <br />woody plants is applicable. <br />The location of shrub patches in BRB-2 and BRB 3 sample areas were documented by field <br />mapping (in conjunction with mapping from stereo aerial photography) during Spring and Summer <br />2005. During the mapping, "High" density was reserved for those areas apparently (visually) <br />greater than or equal to 1000 shrubs per ac (one quarter shrub per sq.m.; 25 shrubs per 100 <br />sq.m.). All other portions of the BRB's were labeled as "background" density. <br />The mapping of High shrub density areas in BRB-2 was NOT to be followed up with separate <br />quantitative sampling since those areas were not subject to a shrub density standard. Shrub <br />density data associated with the randomly placed cover sampling transects was collected, but no <br />11 <br />