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areas. These measures provide a means of examining progress toward the return of diverse • species composition in the reclaimed areas. Plant Species Listing Scientific names used follow Weber and Wittman (1996); common names cited are found in Beetle (1970), Nickerson et al. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross-references between older names and the revised scientific nomenclature for the flora of Western Colorado used here can be made by reference to Appendix 2 of this report. During the course of the fieldwork, a list of all plant species encountered (quantitative plus incidental observations) was compiled for each reclamation area and the three reference areas. These lists are summarized in Appendix 2, Species Presence for All Areas, which includes current nomenclature and cross references to older nomenclature. Note that all big sagebrush plants encountered were referred to as Seriphidium tridentatum. Photographic Record Within each reclamation and reference area, representative color photographs were taken to document the appearance of the vegetation in 2003 (Appendix 4). Within each reclaimed area • photograph, a placard identifies the particular area and sample. Statistical Methods Sampling was conducted at randomly located sites. Each reclamation antl reference unit identified in the SCC Scope of Work was gridded and numbered. Grid cell size was 100 ft x 100 ft in reclaimed areas, and 50 ft x 50 ft in reference areas. These grid cells were placed contiguously on maps of 1:4800 scale. Sample locations were selected from the numbered grid cells. The SCC-assigned numbers of samples for a given parameter in a given area reflected previously experienced sample variability or the level of precision required in a given area. Random numbers generated by computer were used to select grid cells, in the middle of which a sample point was placed, and recorded on the field maps. These sample points were located as accurately as possible in the field using aerial and topographic maps and pacing from known locations. Cover and woody plant density transects were located and oriented using a blind throw of a meter stick. Final location of each herbaceous production quadrat was accomplished with a blind throw of the sampling hoop made from the origin of the associated coverlwoody plant density transect. At each coverlwoody plant density sampling location, the slope, expressed as a percent, and aspect of the site, in degrees not corrected for magnetic declination, were determined and recorded, as was the orientation of the transect.