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Total vegetative cover was estimated using an optical point frame <br />developed by ESCO Associates. Point sitings were located along a 25 meter <br />transect stretched out either northwest, northeast, southwest, or southeast of the <br />sample location. The 50 points per transect (one point at each half meter interval) <br />comprised a single sample unit. Cover was identified by species, or as rock, litter, <br />or bare ground. For the purposes of estimating total vegetative cover, only first hit <br />data were used. Cover transects originated from sample locations. <br />Multiple hit data (first, second, third...) were used in calculating relative <br />vegetative cover. Species diversity success was evaluated using relative cover <br />values. <br />Production plots were located at the sample point. Production plots were <br />1/4 meter' in size (1/2 meter * 1/2 meter). This size was chosen due to the <br />predominantly herbaceous nature of the reclaimed community. All current annual <br />herbaceous production rooted within each quadrat was clipped, separated <br />according to life form, and bagged. The four life forms included perennial grasses, <br />perennial forbs, annual/biennial species, and noxious weeds. Production data was <br />not the basis of species diversity, and therefore sorting by species was unnecessary. <br />All production samples were initially air dried for three weeks or more and then <br />oven-dried at 110 degrees Fahrenheit to a constant weight. Production samples <br />will be retained until the review process is complete. <br />5