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sample transects in which the species was observed by the total number of samples. As such, <br />this value is probably more correctly known as "constancy". <br />• <br />The total number of species (within each lifeform) observed in each 100 m2 sample provides a <br />measure of species density, indicating the relative species richness of different areas. These <br />measures provide a means of examining progress toward the return of diverse species <br />composition in the reclaimed areas. <br />Plant Species Listing <br />Scientific names used follow Weber and Wittmann (1996), common names cited are found in <br />Beetle (1970), Nickerson et al. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross reference to <br />the substantially revised scientific nomenclature for the flora of Western Colorado, as set forth by <br />Weber and Wittmann (2001), may be determined by reference to Weber and Wittmann (1992) or <br />by reference to Appendix 2 of this report (Table 22). <br />During the course of the fieldwork, a list of all encountered plant species (quantitative plus <br />incidental observations) was compiled for each reclamation area and the three reference areas. <br />These lists are summarized in Appendix 2, Table 22, Species Present - Reclaimed and <br />Reference Areas, which includes current nomenclature and cross references to older <br />nomenclature. It should be noted that all big sagebrush encountered were referred to as <br />• Seriphidium tridentatum, without attempt to distinguish between basin big sagebrush (Seriphidium <br />tridentatum) and mountain big sagebrush (Seriphidium vaseyanum or S. tridentatum ssp. <br />vaseyanum). <br />Photographic Record <br />Within each reclamation and reference area, representative color photographs were taken to <br />document the appearance of the vegetation in 2009 (Appendix 4). Within each photograph, a <br />placard identifies the particular area being illustrated. <br />Statistical Methods <br />STATISTICAL DESIGN <br />Cover and herbaceous production data were collected in the interim sampling areas (2002, 2005 <br />and 2007 reclaimed areas) as were woody plant density data. Woody Plant Concentration Areas <br />were sampled to assess the status of plantings, but no woody plant samples were placed in any <br />of the reference areas. Sampling proceeded using a single stage statistical design. <br />Sample locations in reclaimed areas were randomly plotted by use of an internal script routine <br />• within ArcView 9.3 software. Minimum spacing between sample points was 170 feet (one 50 m <br />3