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• m2 (1985/1986 Wolf Creek, Area E). Native perennial forbs was the lifeform with the most <br /> distinct difference in species density between reclaimed and reference areas; the Mountain Brush <br /> and Sagebrush Reference Areas had 11.4 and 11.7 species per 100 m2, respectively. <br /> In all reclaimed areas, introduced species provided the bulk of vegetation cover. In four of the <br /> eight reclaimed areas evaluated, a single lifeform of introduced plant spcies (variably introduced <br /> perennial (orbs, introduced perennial grasses,or introduced annual forbs) provided 112 or <br /> more of the vegetation cover. In Area A, it was introduced perennial forbs (namely alfalfa), in <br /> Area B , it was introduced perennial grasses, in Area C, it was again introduced perennial forbs, <br /> and in Area F, it was introduced annual forbs. <br /> Total species density of perennial graminoids in the reference areas was 11.4 to 11.7 species <br /> per 100 m2. This total is equaled and exceeded in the younger reclaimed areas (Areas E,F,G and <br /> H), far exceeding the totals in the younger reclamation, where total perennial graminoid species <br /> density ranged from 2.4 to 7.1 species per 100 m2. Shrub species density in the reference <br /> areas was 3.3 to 4.5 species per 100 m2. In the older reclaimed areas (Areas A, B, C, and D), it <br /> • vaired from 0.1 to 1.8 species per 100 m2 , while in the younger reclaimed areas, it varied <br /> from 1.0 to 2.1 species per 100 m2. <br /> Native perennial species'contribution to vegetation cover is improved from 1.5 percent relative <br /> cover in pre-law areas (Area A) to 13.4 in the 1977 Wadge (Area B) and 19.8 in the <br /> 1980/1982 Wadge (Area C), and 12.9 percent in Wadge Pasture (Area D). <br /> DISCUSSION <br /> Cover <br /> As can be seen in Figure 1, 1989 cover was highest in the reference areas and the medium-age <br /> Wadge locations (Area C), the Wadge Pasture (Area D), and the younger Wolf Creek area (Area <br /> E). Cover values in general in 1989 are considerably lower than in either 1987 or 1988. This <br /> may reflect a delayed response to dry periods experienced within the past two years and the <br /> relatively dry months of April, May, and June 1989 prior to sampling (see discussion in the <br /> 1988 Revegetation Monitoring Report, Sencea II Mine). Areas C (1980,1982 Wadge), D <br /> 16 <br />