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weeds) contributed 61.3% of the composition (31.6% average cover) while annual species <br />contributed 37.44% of the composition. Perusal of Table E5-8 indicates that a total of 6 <br />perennial species contributed at least 3% relative cover or composition (3% is a common lower <br />limit for plant diversity bond release evaluations). Two of those species were grasses, one of the <br />species was a forb, and the remaining three were shrubs. <br />Review of Table E5-15 and Chart E5-3 indicates that the average herbaceous production of <br />this area in 2006 was 238.6 pounds per acre, oven-dry weight. Forty-five percent (107.0 pounds <br />per acre) of the total herbaceous production is attributable to perennials, with grasses <br />contributing 45.4 lbs./acre, forbs 35.9 lbs./acre, and sub-shrubs providing 25.8 lbs./acre. Fifty- <br />five percent (131.6 pounds per acre) of the total production is attributable to annuals (mostly <br />grasses). <br />3.1.2 New Juniper Woodland Reference Area <br />The new Juniper Woodland reference area is located along the southeastern border of the <br />vegetation study area boundary (see Map E5-1) on a relatively steep, southeasterly-facing slope <br />that is unsuitable for use as mine waste storage. This small area was selected for reference <br />because of its location outside the disturbance boundary but primarily because it is the last <br />remaining Juniper Woodland stand on mine-controlled lands within adequate proximity and <br />similar environmental circumstances to mine-related disturbances. This last point is particularly <br />important when considering the formal comparisons between the old and new reference areas as <br />well as against the study area. <br />i~ <br />Review of Table E5-li and Chart E5-1 indicates that the average vegetation cover of the <br />new Juniper Woodland reference area was 36.15%. Bare ground exposure and rock provided an <br />average of 14.3% and 7.95% of the ground cover, respectively, while litter covered a significant <br />41.6%. The dominant plant species were cheatgrass, prairie pepperweed (Lepidium <br />densiflorum), and milkvetch (Astragalus sp.) with 14.75%, 9.35% and 4.65% of the ground <br />cover, respectively. Perennial plants contributed 32% of the composition (11.55% average <br />cover) while annual species contributed 68% of the composition. Perusal of Table E5-8 indicates <br />that a total of 3 perennial species contributed at least 3% relative cover or composition. Two of <br />these species were forbs and one was a shrub. <br />Review of Table E5-16 and Chart E5-3 indicates that the average herbaceous production of <br />this area in 2006 was 247 pounds per acre, oven-dry weight. Seventeen percent (42.6 pounds <br />per acre) of the total herbaceous production is attributable to perennials, with grasses <br />contributing 1 Ib/acre, forbs 27 Ibs/acre, and sub-shrubs providing 14.6 Ibs/acre. Eighty-three <br />c~~~,~ ~~~~ Ass®~nA~~, INC. 8 Exhibit 5 -Vegetation Resources <br />