2011-03-30_REPORT - C1980005 (2)

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• absolute cover (COVER -ALL column in data tables) was calculated by dividing all hits (first -hits and additional -hits) for a particular species by the total number of points taken (100). In addition, all -layer relative cover was calculated using all hits for a particular species, divided by the total hits accumulated during sampling of the transect. Lifeforms Used in Data Presentation To enhance understanding of collected data, all data and summary tables are organized by lifeform. Lifeform categories used here reflect growth habit and provenance (place of origin). Categories observed in 2010 were: native annual and biennial (orbs, introduced annual and biennial forbs, introduced annual grasses, native perennial forbs, introduced perennial forbs, native perennial cool season grasses and graminoids, introduced perennial grasses, native shrubs, native trees, ferns (and fern allies), and bryophytes. Plant Species Frequency and Density Measurements During the course of cover sampling, all plant species occurring within one meter of either side of the cover sample transect were noted as present. Frequency for each plant species observed during sampling was calculated by dividing the number of sample transects in which the species was observed by the total number of samples (see cover sample distribution by area above). As • such, this value is probably more correctly known as constancy. The total number of species within each lifeform observed in each 100 square meter sample provides a measure of "species density ", indicating the relative species richness of different areas. These measures provide a means of examining progress toward the return of diverse species composition in the reclaimed areas. Plant Species Listing Scientific names used follow Weber and Wittmann (1996); common names cited are found in Beetle (1970), Nickerson et al. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross - references between older names and the revised scientific nomenclature for the flora of Western Colorado used here can be made by reference to Appendix 2 of this report. During the course of the fieldwork, a list of all plant species encountered (quantitative plus incidental observations) was compiled for the reclamation area and the two reference areas. These lists are summarized in Appendix 2, Species Presence for All Areas, which includes current nomenclature and cross - references to older nomenclature. Note that all big sagebrush plants encountered were referred to as Seriphidium tridentatum. Plants referred to here as Poa secunda are the plants formerly known as big bluegrass (Poa ampla) that were included in the 0 3