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the management of the orchids will be evaluated over time. Long term trends will <br /> need to be evaluated since orchid populations show marked annual fluctuations. <br /> The treatments set up in 1986 are variations of the historic agricultural <br /> practices used at Van Meet. It is likely that additional alternatives should address <br /> the many unanswered questions about Soiranthes diluvialis. Some questions to <br /> consider include the endomycorrhizal condition in relation to the orchid and the <br /> soils, whether the orchid is long-lived or more of an opportunist, and how to <br /> manage competing vegetation. Alternatives addressing these questions will be <br /> looked at in greater detail for next year. <br /> PLAN <br /> The orchid populations will be evaluated under 5 different treatment plans. <br /> These treatments include: <br /> 1) CONTROL: No winter grazing and no haying will occur in Unit A. All <br /> scientific experiments include a control for comparison to the various <br /> treatments. Units A and B will be fenced with a temporary electric <br /> fence to exclude cattle during the winter grazing season. <br /> 2) AUGUST HAYING/NO GRAZING: Unit B will be hayed at the <br /> traditional time, approximately August 20, but no winter grazing will <br /> occur. The electric fence will extend around this field during the winter <br /> grazing season. <br /> 3) AUGUST HAYING/WINTER GRAZING: Unit C will be hayed at the <br /> historic haying time, approximately August 20. Hay aftermath will be <br />