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2.3 SAMPLE NUMBERS/SAMPLE ADEQUACY <br />• For the purposes of this monitoring, set numbers of samples were established for the <br />parameters to be sampled by Savage and Savage and Coors Energy Company. The number of <br />samples taken for each reclamation year was consistent with numbers agreed to in the past by <br />CDMG. In each revegetated azea, the size and number of parcels dictated the total number of <br />samples taken, as described above. <br />Since the purpose of this sampling was the monitoring of the vegetative condition at the <br />revegetated azeas of the mine and Osgood sand reference area, sampling need not meet <br />sample adequacy requirements. Minimum sample sizes and standard deviation aze reported as <br />an indication of variability of the sampled parameters. Comparisons between sample mean <br />pazameter values assume that the sample mean value accurately represents the population <br />mean in all cases. <br />In the 1995 and 1997 revegetated areas this yeaz, sufficient cover samples were taken to <br />assure sample adequacy for those azeas identified as potentially eligible for Phase II bond <br />release. Therefore, the numbers of samples in the 1995 and 1997 reclamation areas exceed <br />those normally sampled during the course of annual monitoring. <br />2.4 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION <br />~ Species identification was accomplished in the field through the use of plant identification keys <br />• (Harrington, 1954, Weber, 1990; Whitson, 1987; Zimdahl, 1990, Stubbendieck, et al, 1995). <br />In cases where plant identification was inconclusive in the field, voucher specimens were <br />pressed for lab identification. <br />3.0 RESULTS <br />3.1 QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION: REFERENCE & RECLAMATION AREAS <br />3.1.1 OSGOOD SAND REFERENCE AREA <br />The Osgood sand reference azea represents approximately 3.4 acres of undisturbed native <br />vegetation within the Keenesburg Mine permit azea. The reference area is sited immediately <br />west of the mine access road and has been fenced to prevent grazing by domesticated <br />livestock. The reference area is flat and exhibits sheet flow drainage to the east-southeast. <br />Soils aze generally sandy in texture, with little incorporated organic matter. <br />The vegetation community was visually dominated by the woody shrub Artemisia filifolia <br />(sand sage) and cool season graminoid Stipa viridula (green needlegrass). Two warm <br />season and four cool season grasses were present within the reference area. Bromus tectorum <br />(cheatgrass), an annual introduced undesirable grass was present in significant numbers within <br />the reference azea this growing season. Three fort species were encountered during cover <br />• sampling this growing season. The number of species represented in cover sampling <br />Coors Energy Compargr Page 5 <br />2004 Revegetation Monitoring Report <br />