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Therefore either method appears to be suitable for reclamation evaluation, and <br />provides a good check of sampling adequacy. Results of the point intercept <br />method comfirm the increase in desirable perennial grass and forb species, little <br />change in shrub cover and a significant reduction in bare soil. See Table 5-4 for <br />summary of point intercept line transect data and noted site variability of percent <br />cover in 1991 compared to 1992. In 1992, percent cover was less variable <br />between the three topsoil sites, probably as a result of increased maturity of <br />perennial species. As perennial species mature and with limited resources i.e. <br />water and nutrients, dominant perennial species increase in production and cover. <br />Number of individual plants (especially weedsl and bare ground have decreased. <br />In conclusion, second year reclamation data indicates successful germination and <br />establishment of seeded species. A significant increase from 1991 to 1992 in <br />• desirable perennial species production and cover was noted. Weed species <br /> declined in number but rt~atured in size so that production and cover were similar <br />to 1991. Based on past historical results of reclamation in the Piceance Basin, <br />weed species will significantly decrease in 1993 and 1994. The decrease in bare <br />ground was significant. Preliminary results of reclamation evaluation indicates a <br />need to increase shrub cover and production. A change in the seeded species list <br />to include more shrub species and quantities of seed may be required to meet final <br />reclamation, species diversity goals. Also, the importance of timely reclamation <br />should be stressed to reduce weedy species. For example, laydown areas utilized <br />through construction pha:~e had extensive weed cover prior to seeding in the fall <br />of 1991. <br /> <br />40 <br /> <br />