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The distribution of species density by lifeform (Figure 4) shows that the 2003 and 2005 <br />Reclaimed Areas are more similar to the reference areas than would appear to be the case from <br />the lifeform distribution of relative cover (Figure 5). This is important in that it shows that the <br />basic components of the original ecosystem have indeed been returned and that it is a matter of <br />relative proportions and successional status that separates the reclaimed from the native <br />vegetation. Perhaps the largest difference with regard to species density is in the native <br />perennial (orbs category, where native areas (at least the most extensive native types of <br />Mountain Brush and Sagebrush) tend to have more species of native perennial forbs per 100 <br />sq.m. Note however that the 2003 reclamation area has about as many native perennial forbs as <br />the Sagebrush and Mountain Brush extended reference areas. Also note that the 2003 <br />reclamation area exceeds the Sagebrush and Mountain Brush extended reference areas in total <br />species density and even approaches the Aspen Woodland extended reference area level. <br />With regard to Mandatory Test A, that no single species comprise greater than 60% relative <br />cover, reference to Tables 1 and 4 shows that in both the 2003 and 2005 Reclamation, the most <br />abundant single species (slender wheatgrass) varies from 17 to 21% relative first hit cover, far <br />below the 60% threshold of concern. Hence Mandatory Test A) is passed. <br />With regard to Alternative Test B), the Total Species Density test the following is calculated: <br />Aspen (AS) reference mean species density: 38.8 species per 100 sq.m. <br />mean-1.15*s=38.8-1.15(6.6)=31.2 <br />Mountain Brush (MB) reference mean species density: 25.6 species per 100 sq.m. <br />mean-1.15*s=25.6-1.15(3.8)=21.2 <br />Sagebrush (SB) reference mean species density: 24.4 species per 100 sq.m. <br />mean-1.15*s=24.4-1.15(4.0)=19.8 <br />Alkali Sagebrush (ASB) reference mean species density (2006): <br />20.0 species per 100 sq.m. <br />mean -1.15*s = 20.0 -1.15 (3.0) = 16.6 <br />Steep Mountain Brush (SMB) reference mean species density (2006): <br />18.5 species per 100 sq.m. <br />mean-1.15"s=18.5-1.15(4.5)=13.3 <br />Area wei hted reference mean species density: <br />9 <br />14 <br />