Ground cover sampling identified species composition within each habi- 

 tat and provided an estimate of percent surface coverage for each taxon. 

 Percent surface coverage was visually estimated in systematically located, 

 0.0004-ha plots. Percent surface coverage was estimated as follows: if 

 only one plant of a given taxon was present and its coverage was very 

 sparse, it was rated at I percent coverage; if more than one plant of a 

 given taxon was present, but its coverage was less than 10 percent of the 

 plot's surface area it was rated at 5 percent coverage; the percent coverage 

 of al I other taxa was estimated in increments of 10. 



Wildlife. Evidence of wildlife use of disturbed and undisturbed areas 

 was recorded at each site. Direct observations and evidence of use (tracks, 

 trails, nests, dens, runways, food caches, and scats) were keyed to their 

 presence in specific serai stages. Historical use of a cover type was noted 

 (i.e., hedged growth form of preferred browse species) and serai stages 

 critical to certain life history stages of wildlife were inspected. The 

 disturbed area was examined for the presence of special attractants or deter- 

 rents to wildlife use of the site. 



An avian census was conducted in disturbed and undisturbed habitats 

 at al I study sites; attempts were made to visit the five intensive study 

 sites during the peak avian activity period. The census in homogeneous 

 habitats employed a Modified Strip Plot technique for three consecutive morn- 

 ings (five mornings at the intensive sites) to obtain data on the species 

 present and habitat utilized. Sma II, isolated habitatswere qualitatively 

 surveyed to ascertain avian species occurrence. Waterfowl, shorebirds, and 

 game birds were inventoried by total counts when areas of concentration were 

 clearly visible. 



Sma I I mammals (shrews, voles, and lemmings) were inventoried at al I 

 sites in disturbed and undisturbed habitats using a trap and removal tech- 

 nique. A "line" or "spot" trapping configuration was used in all cover 

 types. Trapping was conducted for two nights at nonintensive sites and four 

 nights at regional representative sites with the traps checked, baited, 

 and reset each day. The species, sex, age, and weight of captured specimens 

 were recorded to assess occurrence and characteristics by habitat. 



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