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is 1000 stems/acre, averaged over the entire area. 6. In the concentrated shrub plots, shrub densities exceed or are near the 1,000 stem acre standard as reported in the Bitterroot Report. Overall in the 1995 and 1997 reclamation areas shrub densities are considerably lower. The competition from the herbaceous species is inhibiting greater shrub establishment in these areas. Smooth brome and intermediate wheatgrass were removed from the Seneca seed mix because they are aggressive, introduced cool season grasses. Despite the removal of these two species from the mix, they continue to appeaz. On page 12 of the report, the consultant suggests that, "the high frequency of these species in the reclaimed areas suggests that these species are entering the area in the seed mix. It is strongly recommended that seed lots be tested by an independent seed testing lab prior to purchase, or that the purchase be contingent on testing results." DMG encourages SCC to accept this recommendation and provide DMG with the test results. 8. SCC continues to monitor the Wadge pasture and has been for the past ten years. The continuous monitoring from one area is beneficial to see the development of reclamation trends, the response of reclaimed lands to grazing and provides a valuable historic database. Seneca II-W At Seneca II-W, SCC monitored reclamation areas that were seeded in 1995 and 1997 and the aspen, mountain brush and sagebrush extended reference areas. In the discussion of woody plant density it is stated that the woody plant density standard is 2,000 stems/acre. This is incorrect. It was changed by TR-26. The overall woody plant density standard is 450 stems/acre. In the concentrated shrub planting areas, the standard is 2,000 stems/acre. 2. According to the results of shrub planting areas presented in the Bitterroot Report, several of the shrub planting areas are meeting this standard. At Seneca II-W, all stem densities are greater that 1100 stems/acres which represents excellent shrub establishment. It will be interesting to see how these densities change with time. 3. As with Seneca No. 2, the presence of Smooth Brome and Intermediate wheatgrass in the reclaimed areas indicates there could be impurities with the seed mix. These species were not planted and are rarely present in the undisturbed areas and yet they are showing up on the reclamation. The conclusion from ESCO is that the seed purchased as a native species includes some introduced species. Please consider having a sample of the seed mix tested for species content at a seed testing laboratory, as recommended in the report. DMG would like to have a copy of the test results.