2008-03-27_REPORT - C1994082 (5)

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13, and data on species density by lifeform are summarized in Table 14. Data for relative cover • by lifeform are in Table 15. Statistical adequacy of sampling is tabulated in Table 16. A complete species list, including reclaimed and reference areas, is in Table 17 of Appendix 2. Data from sampling of shrub concentration area blocks are included in Tables 18 through 24 (See Appendix 3). Seed mixes used in the reclamation areas are included, for reference, in Appendix 4. Photographs of representative locations within the reclaimed areas sampled in 2007, as well as photographs of the Haul Road, Mountain Brush, and Sagebrush reference areas, are included in Appendix 5. Graphic depiction of vegetation and climate data are presented in Figures 1-10. In the cover tables, columns labeled "Average Cover" and "Relative Vegetation Cover" include only data from first hits. "Frequency", "Average Cover-All", and "Relative Vegetation Cover-All" columns contain data from both first and second hits. In this section of the report, we will only discuss absolute cover for all hits (from the "Average Cover-All" column), unless otherwise stated. In the production tables, data are expressed as oven-dry pounds per acre (Ibs/acre). These figures were extrapolated from the average weights for the 0.5 square meter samples. For woody plant density, data collected in each 100 square meter plot were extrapolated to estimate the number of individuals expected per acre. • Interim Monitoring 2003 RECLAIMED AREA (Photographs 1-8) Cover (Table 1) Native perennial cool season grasses were the predominant lifeform observed in the 2003 Reclaimed Area, contributing 19.5 percent toward total all-hit vegetation cover. Within this group, mountain brome (Ceratochloa po/yantha), thickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus fm. dasystachya), and western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithi~) were most common, having 6.0, 3.8 and 2.0 percent cover, respectively. Introduced annual and biennial forbs were the second most abundant lifeform contributing 7.6 percent toward total all-hit vegetation cover. Of this, twolobe speedwell (Pocilla biloba) and Jim Hill mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) contributed 3.2 and 2.3 percent toward total all-hit vegetation cover, respectively. Native perennial forbs were the third most abundant lifeform contributing 6.0 percent toward total all-hit vegetation cover. Western yarrow (Achillea lanulosa) and blue flax (Adenolinum lewisir) contributed 2.6 and 1.7 percent toward total all-hit vegetation cover, respectively. 6