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herbaceous production estimates, and quadrat stem counts for woody plant density <br />estimates. The Division proposes to approve of these techniques (4.15.7(1)). The <br />sampling techniques and statistical methods to be used in demonstrations of <br />revegetation success are in conformance with Rule 4.15.11. <br />D. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate that <br />success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15.10 have been met, will be based on the <br />following: <br />Reference areas have been established for each designated vegetation type, and were <br />originally proposed to be used for comparisons of both vegetation cover and <br />herbaceous production for the affected types (juniper woodland, shadscale shrubland, <br />and greasewood shrubland). The reference areas have been approved for vegetation <br />cover success comparisons. However, because sample adequacy requirements were <br />not met for production within either the reference areas or affected areas for these <br />types, use of reference areas for production comparisons was not approved. Because <br />the combined affected area herbaceous production data for McClane Canyon and the <br />adjacent Munger Canyon permit areas did meet sample adequacy, within each <br />vegetation type, it was determined that the combined affected area production data <br />would be used as the success standard for each of the affected vegetation types, <br />pursuant to Rule 4.15.7(2)(d)(vi) [April 16, 1985 Findings Document]. The <br />herbaceous production success standards based on combining of the data within <br />vegetation types for both mines are as follows: <br />Greasewood Shrubland sample mean: 766 lb/ac. <br />Standard (90% of mean): 690 lb/ac. <br />Shadscale Shrubland sample mean: 661 lb/ac. <br />Standard (90% of mean): 5951b/ac. <br />Juniper Woodland sample mean: 3891b/ac. <br />Standard (90% of mean): 350 lb/ac. <br />The diversity standard is specified on page 3-17, and requires that a minimum of <br />three perennial species shall each provide a minimum of 3% relative cover. At least <br />two of these species shall be cool season perennial grasses. No individual species <br />shall represent more than 60% relative cover. This standard was amended by RN-04, <br />from the previous standard which mentioned perennial forbs and warm season <br />grasses as counting toward the diversity standard, but identified no minimum relative <br />cover level for any particular life form. Neither warm season grasses nor perennial <br />forbs were significant components of the affected vegetation types. The relatively <br />small number of species required to meet the diversity standard reflects the fact that <br />the total disturbance is only 9.2 acres, and the largest disturbance in any one <br />vegetation type is less than 5 acres. The 60% upper limit is also reflective of the <br />small disturbance area, and the fact that relative cover of the dominant species in the <br />three affected vegetation types ranged from 40% to 58%. <br />26