2008-03-27_REPORT - C1980005 (3)

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Where c = the smaller of the paired species density values (for each lifeform) of the reclaimed and reference areas'' a =total of species density values for lifeforms of the reclaimed areas b = tot~~l of species density values for the lifeforms of the reference area` * 'Weighted average lifeform species density using the Seneca II Reference Areas (weighted based on 83% original extent of Mountain Brush /Aspen and 17% original extent of Sagebrush). Only species density by vascular plants are included. Lifeforms used include: Annual/biennial forbs Perennial forbs Perennial cool season grasses Shrubs If the index of similarity between the species density within the specified lifeforms of the reclaimed and reference ~creas exceeds 63%, then Test C is passed. Alternative Teat D): Assessment of the Presence of Native Species The third alternative assessment of the species diversity of reclaimed lands makes direct reference to the' presence of native western North American plant species in reclaimed areas. Total cumulative # of native species* _> avg. reference area native species density (# species / 100 ;:q.m.) *in the adequate sample of the reclaimed area and including alfalfa and / or cicer milkvetch which have often been included in seed mixes as nitrogen -fixers in light of the lack of suitable and available native nitrogen-fixers. If the total cumulative number of native species in the reclamation sampling exceeds the average number of native species per 100 sq.m. in the weighted average of the reference area sampling, then Test D is Massed. Climatic Date SCC provided precipitation data for the Seneca II Mine for the period of January 1982 through October 2007. Since the long-term average for the mine exists for only 25 years, the long-term average monthly precipitation data from the Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC) for the 7