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If the calculated index of similarity by lifeform equals or exceeds 90 percent of the standard (0.9 x <br />75% = 67.5 1 /6), then Alternative Test C has been passed. <br />Alternative Test D.• Assessment of the Presence ofNative Species <br />Finally, the assessment of the species diversity of reclaimed lands needs to make reference to the <br />presence in reclaimed areas of native western North American plant species. <br />Alternative Test D is conducted as a direct test of the presence of native species in the reclaimed area <br />as reflected in the cumulative presence of reclaimed area native species within the (usually 10 to 20) 2 <br />in x 50 m plots associated with the species density determination that accompanies cover sampling <br />(see above). The comparison of this cumulative list of species found at the cover sample locations <br />would be compared to the av��e number of native species found in a sampled stand of the <br />Reference Area (i.e. the average Reference Area density): <br />Total cumulative # of native species* > avg. Reference Area native species density (# species / <br />100 sq.m) <br />*in the cumulative presence data from 2m x 50m samples associated with the collection of a <br />statistically adequate cover sample of the reclaimed area (and including alfalfa and /or ricer milkvetch <br />which have often been included in seed mixes as nitrogen -fixers in light of the lack of suitable and <br />available native nitrogen fixers). <br />CSpe'cies diversity in the reclaimed - areas along g the Tie= Acro § Haul-Road corridor will be" concentrated <br />on the herbaceous_ component. The shrub -component will rapidly reestablish - naturally from the <br />surrounding undisturbed vegetation. - The average - density in the low sagebrush type is 17,820 stems <br />per acre Add to -thisa maximum disturbance width of 200 feet and it becomes apparent that, <br />rapid shrub regeneration liy invasion is- highly likely, <br />-In= _the - low sagebrush type baseline studies identified -three grasses with relative cover.greater than <br />three -percent. - No - forbs" with relative cover values of three percent or more were found.. Thus, a ' <br />minim - of dire grasses will established and each - will - contribute relative cover values of three <br />percent-or- greater. - Each species will not exceed 40 percent relative -cover and the total" of the - three <br />species will- not exceed 75 - percent relative :cover: - -In - addition, two forbs and one shrub. will be <br />established, but no relative cover values are specified-.- It -is felt that a herbaceous dominated reclaimed- - <br />MR -66 54 Revised 10/09 <br />