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• 5.3.4 Monitoring <br />Per WRN's monitoring plan, reclaimed areas were sampled for herbaceous evaluation after <br />the third year of reclamation. Topsoil embankments were sampled in late July 2000, just <br />past the peak growth stage. <br />As a result of lower than average precipitation, before and during the growing season, <br />production was significantly lower than normal, with the maturity date in early July. Topsoil <br />production results were the lowest for WRNS period of record. Heavy grazing was noted <br />on many of the plots due to rabbits. The 2000 visual evaluation indicated seeded perennial <br />species were in fair condition with moderate plant vigor. Vegetative production from <br />perennial grass and forts was 473 Ib./acre (dry weight is the standard reporting unit) <br />• versus 782 lbs./ acre in 1999 and 1764 Ib./acre in 1998, (see Table 5-3). Production from <br />perennial grass and forts were significantly lower than normal. Alfalfa ~ sa) production <br />continued to decrease from 1997 to 2000. Even the cheatgrass production in 2000 <br />decreased. <br />In addition to vegetative production sampling, species percent cover data was also <br />obtained. Results indicate 2000 perennial grass cover decreased (-5%), perennial forts <br />decreased (-3%), weeds and shrubs were stable. Annual grass Bromus tectorum) <br />decreased (-2%) (see Table 5-4). The percent cover changes were similar to results for <br />production. <br />• <br />25 <br />