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by the total number of samples (see cover sample distribution by area above). As such, this value is <br />probably more correctly known as constancy. <br />The total number of species within each lifeform observed in each 100 square meter sample provides a <br />measure of "species density ", indicating the relative species richness of different areas. This measure <br />provides a means of examining progress toward the return of diverse species composition in the <br />reclaimed areas. <br />Plant Species Listing <br />Scientific names used follow Weber and Wittmann (2001); common names cited are found in Beetle <br />(1970), Nickerson et al. (1976), or Soil Conservation Service (1979). Cross - reference between older <br />names and revised names used here can be made by referring to Appendix D of this report. <br />During the course of fieldwork, a list of all plant species encountered (quantitative plus incidental <br />observations) was compiled for each potentially affected vegetation type and for the three reference <br />areas. These lists are tabulated in Appendix D, "Species Presence for All Areas." Note that all big <br />sagebrush plants encountered were referred to as Seriphidium tridentatum. Plants referred to here as <br />Poa secunda are the plants formerly known as big bluegrass (Poa ampla) a species commonly included <br />in reclamation seed mixes. The taxonomic treatment of Weber and Wittmann (1996) places Poa ampla <br />(as well as Poa sandbergil) with Poa secunda. Despite this merger, the distinctness of Poa ampla is worth <br />noting. Mountain bromegrass encountered during sampling is referred to as Ceratochloa polyantha in <br />recognition of its perennial habit compared to the C. carinatus taxon described in Weber and Wittmann <br />(2001) which is an annual. <br />Photographic Record <br />Within each area, representative color photographs were taken to document the appearance of the <br />vegetation in 2011 and 2012 (Appendix F). Where appropriate, a placard identifies the particular area and <br />sample. <br />Statistical Methods <br />Sampling was conducted at randomly located sites. Random sampling locations were generated using <br />ESRI ArcMap 9.3 software and Hawth's Analysis Tools for ArcGIS (Beyer 2004). Garmin GPS60 units <br />(accuracy to 3 m) and topographic maps were used in the field to locate random points. Cover and <br />woody plant transects were randomly oriented; production samples were located randomly behind the <br />transect origin. At each cover /woody plant density sampling location, the slope, expressed as a percent, <br />and aspect of the site, in degrees not corrected for magnetic declination, were determined and recorded, <br />as was the orientation of the transect. <br />4 <br />