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INTRODUCTION <br /> Plant cover and production studies were completed <br /> for WYOMING FUEL COMPANY' S New Elk Mine tailings disposal area <br /> from 23-30 September, 1984 . Sampling was conducted within the <br /> two vegetation types previously described for the tailings <br /> disposal area (Conifer-Shrub ; Oak-Shrub) , and within a suitable <br /> reference area delimited about 4 miles east of the disposal <br /> area. <br /> Objectives of the study were to: <br /> 1 . Sample plant cover in each affected type at <br /> an intensity sufficient to attain 90% confidence <br /> and 10% accuracy (p=0 .10 ; d=0 .10 ) . <br /> 2 . Sample herbaceous plant production with affected <br /> shrubland communities at an intensity sufficient <br /> to attain 80% confidence and 10% accuracy (p=0 . 20 ; <br /> d=0 .10 ) . <br /> 3 . Select a Reference Area in proximity to the <br /> site which would tend to typify the topography <br /> and exposure of the tailings disposal terraces in <br /> the post-mining phase. <br /> 4 . Sample both cover and production within the <br /> Reference Area at an intensity sufficient to <br /> attain 90% confidence and 10% accuracy (p=0 .10 ; <br /> d=0 .10) . <br /> METHODS <br /> Cover Sampling <br /> Approximate centerlines were described within each <br /> type. Along each centerline 50-m transects were placed <br /> randomly. The point-frame method was used , with 10 points <br /> spaced at 15-cm intervals on the frame. Measurements were <br /> taken at 5-m intervals on each transect line , for a total of <br /> 100 points per transect . "Hits" were recorded by plant <br />