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• <br />2.0 METHODS <br />2.1 VEGETATION MAPPING <br />A plant ecologist conducted a reconnaissance of the entire project <br />site and selected mapping units based upon vegetation structure and <br />species dominance. The vegetation boundaries were delineated upon a <br />USGS base map at a scale of 1":500' and verified through field excursions. <br />The precise area fo map was determined by Colorado Mined Land Reclamation <br />personnel. See Figure 1, vegetation Map. <br />2.2 AFFECTED AREA SAMPLING DESIGN <br />Cover, production, and density sampling were confined to a zone <br />surrounding existing disturbances. This area was defined as the <br />reference area. See Figure 1. All sample sites were located by a <br />random process. A grid system was constructed over a vegetation map <br />on which the sample area was delineated. Coordinates Ix,yl were taken <br />from a random number table and used to locate a set number of sample <br />points within the sample unit. Thus, The required number of sample <br />points was generated, <br />Each sample point was located in the field through the aid of a <br />compass, USGS base map, and pacing where necessary. Range cages were <br />not used in this study area as there was no grazing at this elevation <br />during the 19(31 growing season. <br />2.3 MEASUREMENTS <br />2.3.1 Collection end Analysis of Cover Data <br />Cover was estimated using a point-intercept method along <br />randomly located and oriented transacts (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg <br />19741. Fifty points were sampled along~fhe 50-meter length transacts. <br />One point was sampled at each meter interval along the transact. Each <br />point was 0.5 meter From the transact and perpentlicular to the <br />transact. <br />The sighting device was mounted on an atljusteDle tripod to <br />facilitate vertical orientation and point Stabilization. Fine cross <br />hairs were used in the sighting tlevice to provide optimum point defini- <br />tion. At each sample point the sighting device was tlirectetl vertically <br />upward if over story vegetation was present and then downwartl into the <br />under story community. The first hit along a vertical line was recorded <br />as vegetal ion IDy species!, rock, litter, or soil. When vegetation was <br />intercepted on the first hit additional hits were taken until soil, <br />lifter, or rock was intercepted. First hits were used in calculating <br />• the absolute percent cover. <br />-2- <br />