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a~~ o~c <br />rmnonmmral mrmisrs arNenginrrrs <br />Variances relative to the means were larger for production than for cover, as is <br />typically the case with this type of sampling. As a result, additional production <br />quadrats were sampled in each reclaimed area. (Initial adequacy calculations were <br />based on wet weights; drying tends to reduce variance.) Production sampling in <br />the Eilts' reclaimed area was discontinued after 50 quadrats without achieving <br />sample adequacy. <br />The Grassy Creek reclaimed azea had herbaceous production greater than the <br />sagebrush/grassreference area. Utilization of both reclaimed azeas by elk was <br />quite evident. It was estimated that forage utilization was between 10 and 15 <br />percent. Because the utilization was uniformly light, no adjustments to the <br />production data were made. Annual species were not segregated for production <br />sampling. IMS estimates that annual fortis would comprise less than two percent <br />of total forb production. No signi£cant occurrences of annual grasses were <br />observed anywhere within the reclaimed areas. <br />Vegetation cover of both reclaimed azeas was greater than or equal to the reference <br />area. <br />Various shrub species were observed in the reclaimed area outside of the transects. <br />Transplanted shrub clusters were noted in several areas and the survival rate of <br />these transplants is good. In addition, scattered areas of volunteer shrub seedlings <br />were observed, including several hundred specimens of bitterbrush, rose, <br />snowbeny, and serviceberry. These were very young plants well hidden among <br />the grasses. <br />The revegetation success criterion for species diversity is a technical standazd. The <br />technical standazd is expressed in temts of relative importance of species and life <br />forms based on cover data. Both reclaimed azeas meet this standard. <br />D't~atssion <br />Overall the revegetation at the Meadows No. 1 mine continues to look very good. <br />The reclaimed stand is relatively weed free. Vigor of seeded and invading species <br />is generally good. The invasion of a number of perennial species is an <br />encouraging sign of the benefits of topsoiling. Soil loss does not appeaz to be <br />excessive. It is very evident that wildlife-particulazly elk-favor this area. <br />The sagebrush/grass reference azea was identified and fast sampled in 1991. The <br />rationale for selecting this area includes a closer representation of a true climax type <br />for the reclaimed azea, a lack of grazing pressure, and a better estimation of <br />vegetation cover and production by approximating the slope and aspect of the <br />-3- <br />