"The focal concept underlying the design of the biological baseline studies on the research site is that of carrying capacity. Carrying capacity is an ecosystem component that brings together those elements which are structurally and functionally related to the system's overall operation. Understanding the interface between various ecosystem components that comprise carrying capacity provides the greatest basis for defining potential impacts, their ramifications to the functioning system, and the mitigation of those impacts. The objective of the vegetation studies conducted on the research site is to produce a descriptive data base that can be applied to determinations of carrying capacity of the site and surrounding area. Vegetation, the primary producer in the ecosystem, is the fundamental unit of carrying capacity. Identification of extent, internal composition, and productivity of major vegetation groupings provides information on the amount and kinds of vegetation potentially available to herbivores. Additional information obtained about parameters that influence vegetation growth and maintenance of soil nutrients, and moisture and temperature regimes help define dynamic relationships that must be understood to effect successful revegetation and habitat rehabilitation."