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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 plarn species and lifeform and for comparison to the final revegetation <br />success criterion. <br />2.3 SAMPLE NUMBERS/SAMPLE ADEQUACY <br />For the purposes of this monitoring, set numbers of samples were established for the <br />parameters to be sampled by Savage and Savage and Coors Energy Comparry. The <br />number of samples taken for each reclamation yeaz was consistem with numbers agreed to <br />in the past by CDMG. In each revegetated area, the size and number of parcels dictated <br />the total number of samples taken, as described above. <br />Since the purpose of this sampling was the monitoring of the vegetative condition at the <br />revegetated azeas of the mine and Osgood sand reference azea, sampling need not meet <br />sample adequacy requirements. Minimum sample sizes and standazd deviation aze <br />reported as an indication of variability of the sampled parameters. Comparisons between <br />sample mean parameter values assume that the sample mean value accurately represents <br />the population mean in all cases. <br />2.4 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION <br />• Species identification was accomplished in the field through the use of plant identification <br />keys (Harrington, 1954, Weber, 1990; Whitson, 1987; Zimdahl, 1990, Stubbendieck, et a1, <br />1995). In cases where plain identification was inconclusive in the field, voucher specimens <br />were pressed for lab idettification. <br />3.0 RESULTS <br />3.1 QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION: REFERENCE & RECLAMATION AREAS <br />3.1.1 OSGOOD SAND REFERENCE AREA <br />The Osgood sand reference area represents approximately 3.4 acres of undisturbed native <br />vegetation within the Keenesburg lbfine permit area. The reference area is sited <br />immediately west of the mine access road and has been fenced to prevent grazing by <br />domesticated livestock. The reference azea is flat and exhibits sheet flow drainage to the <br />east-southeast. Soils are generally sandy in texture, with little incorporated organic <br />matter. <br />The vegetation community was visually dominated by the woody shnrb Artemisia frlifolia <br />• (sand sage), and cool season graminoid Stipa viridula (green needlegrass). Three warm <br />Cooro Energy Company Page 5 <br />1A03 ReregeEatbn Monkoring Report <br />