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• and additional-hits) for a particular species by the total number of points taken (100). In addition, <br />all-layer relative cover was calculated using all hits for a particular species, divided by the total <br />hits accumulated during sampling of the transect. <br />Woody Plant Density Sampling <br />Woody plant density sampling was undertaken in all reclaimed areas sampled but not in the <br />reference areas. Samples were collected along 50 m transects. All shrubs and subshrubs with <br />root crowns located within the boundaries of 2 X 50 m quadrats (belt transects) were tallied <br />according to species and life stage as either seedling, mature, or dead. The presence of dead <br />individuals was recorded but did not contribute to woody plant density calculations. <br />Lifeforms Used in Data Presentation <br />To enhance understanding of collected data, all data and summary tables are organized by <br />lifeform. Lifeform categories used here reflect growth habit and provenance (place of origin). <br />Categories observed in 2009 were: native annual and biennial forbs, introduced annual and <br />biennial forbs, introduced annual grasses, native perennial forbs, introduced perennial forbs, <br />native perennial grasses and graminoids, introduced perennial grasses, native shrubs, native <br />trees, ferns (and fern allies), lichens, bryophytes (mosses) and mushrooms. <br />• Plant Species Frequency and Density Measurements <br />During the course of cover sampling, all plant species occurring within one meter of either side of <br />the cover sample transect were noted as present. Frequency for each plant species observed <br />during sampling was calculated by dividing the number of sample transects in which the species <br />was observed by the total number of samples (see cover sample distribution by area above). As <br />such, this value is probably more correctly known as constancy. <br />The total number of species within each lifeform observed in each 100 square meter sample <br />provides a measure of "species density", indicating the relative species richness of different <br />areas. These measures provide a means of examining progress toward the return of diverse <br />species composition in the reclaimed areas. <br />Plant Species Listing <br />Scientific names used follow Weber and Wittman (1996); common names cited are found in <br />Beetle (1970), Nickerson et al. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross-references <br />between older names and the revised scientific nomenclature for the flora of Western Colorado <br />used here can be made by reference to Appendix 2 of this report. <br />• 3