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First hit interceptions will be used to calculate absolute top layer foliar cover (see <br />COVER column in data tables) by dividing the number of interceptions for a particular <br />species, or ground cover type by the total number of points taken (50). First hit relative <br />vegetation cover will be calculated by dividing first hit absolute cover for each species by <br />the total first hit vegetation cover. All-layer absolute cover (COVER-ALL column in data <br />tables) will be calculated by dividing all hits {first-hits and additional-hits) for particular <br />species by the total number of points taken (50). In addition, all-layer relative cover will <br />be calculated using all hits for particular species divided by the total hits accumulated <br />during sampling of the transect. <br />Herbaceous Production Sampling <br />Herbaceous production sampling will be accomplished using one-half square meter (0.5 <br />mZ) circular plots within which all herbaceous growth in a vertical production was <br />removed by clipping, and placed in labeled paper bags. When alfalfa (Medicago sativa) <br />occurred, it was placed in separate, labeled bags. Lichens and mosses present in the <br />sample plot were not collected. Clipped material will be returned to the ESCO laboratory <br />and dried at 105 °C for 24 hours, then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gm. <br />Woody Plant Density Sampling <br />Woody plant density assessment will be undertaken in all sampled reclaimed areas. <br />Woody plant density samples will be collected along 50 m transeds. All shrubs and <br />subshrubs with root crowns located within the boundaries of 2 X 50 m quadrats ("belt <br />transects") will be tallied according to species and life stages as follows: Seedling, <br />Mature, or Dead. The presence of dead individuals will be recorded but will not <br />contribute to woody plant density calculations. <br />Lifeforms Used in Data Presentation <br />As a tool to enhance understanding of the collected data, the contents of all data and <br />summary tables will be organized by lifeform. Lifeform categories to be used reflect <br />growth habit and provenance (place of origin). Lifeform categories to be used include <br />the following: native annual and biennial forbs, introduced annual and biennial forbs, <br />native annual grasses, introduced annual grasses, native perennial forbs, introduced <br />6/27/04 2 ESCO Associates Inc. <br />