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Mr. Douglas W. Bowman <br /> May 25, 1981 <br /> Page Two <br /> area shall be "at least equal to" the parameter in the reference <br /> area. This means that if the reclaimed area is higher than the <br /> reference area, it is no liability. Thus, the attention is <br /> directed to the question of whether the reclaimed area is less <br /> than the reference area and the test is directional . A direc- <br /> tional test using the t-statistic is the one-tailed test. A two- <br /> tailed test is inappropriate because it is non-directional . The <br /> above example discusses reference and reclaimed areas ; however, in <br /> the pre-mining data collection the same situation exists. That is, <br /> if a reference area exceeds an affected area for cover or production, <br /> no liability is incurred so long as the developer agrees to the <br /> higher standards of the reference area. Thus, again attention is <br /> directed toward the question of whether the reference area is at <br /> least as high as the affected area, implying a directional or <br /> one-tailed t-statistic is appropriate. The use of the one-tailed <br /> statistic for this purpose has long been accepted by agencies such <br /> as WDEQ who have been in the business of sample adequacy evaluation <br /> for longer than MLRB. <br /> Question 2. Collection of vegetation data in 1979 and 1980 was done <br /> per the request and under the guidance of both OSM and MLRB. We <br /> suggest these agencies check their files for memos on the meetings <br /> during which the precise procedure we followed was detailed. <br /> Question 3. We will provide. <br /> _ Question 4. We do not concur with the philosophy of calculating <br /> sample adequacy on herbaceous cover only contrasted to total <br /> vegetation cover. Such an approach is inconsistent with sound <br /> ecological principles relating to community description. Further- <br /> more, this new approach by the agencies was at no time mentioned <br /> during two years of meetings and coordination on this project. We <br /> consider it a breach of contract to now interject this new emerging <br /> sample philosophy. <br /> Question 5. We will calculate reference area size. <br /> Question 6. This reference area was located per the direction of <br /> OSM and CMLR. Please read past memos on agreement relating to this <br /> program. <br /> Question 7. Revegetation success will be determined using the same <br /> quantitative sample procedures as employed in the baseline inventory. <br /> See Methods section of vegetation study. <br />