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• adjusted to the extent feasible for photo-distortion when transferred to a topographic base map. <br />Photographic diagnostic information for each vegetation community or land use type (unique community <br />signatures) was identified during field work at ground verification points and then utilized to adjust final <br />community boundary delineations. <br />Sufficient surrounding buffer zone was mapped in a similar, though less intensive manner to facilitate <br />two functions in addition to fulfilling the mandates of Colorado Regulations. Frst, the distribution and <br />areal extent of habitats outside the study area can be used to assess and quantify potential impacts to <br />wildlife or other resources dependent upon plant communities. Second, buffer zone mapping provides <br />the necessary documentation and background to justify use of an "extended reference area" concept for <br />eventual bond release evaluations. (Areas under Bowie's management or control and adequate to serve <br />as conventional reference areas are not available insufficient proximity to the vegetation study area) <br />2.2 Sample Lavout <br />The sample layout protocol for the 2000 vegetation evaluations is a procedure designed to better <br />account for the heterogeneous expression of vegetation cover within the various community types while <br />preGuding bias in the sample site selection process. By design, the procedure is initiated randomly, and <br />thereatter, samples are located in a systematic manner, along grid coordinates spaced at fixed distances, <br />e.g. 200 ft. (see Figure V-1, lower left corner and Map V-2). In this manner, "representation" from across <br />each community type is 'Yorced" rather than risking the chance that significant pockets are entirely <br />missed, or overemphasized as often occurs with simple random sampling. <br />The procedure for sample location within the vegetation study area occurred as follows. Frst, a <br />systematic grid (200 ft. x 200 tt.) was selected to provide 15 to 30 coordinate intersections that could be <br />used for sample sites within each community type. Second, a scaled, computer generated representation <br />of the selected grid was overlain on a computer generated map of the area utilizing north-south and east- <br />west compass points which could be easily established in the field (sse Map V-2). This overlain grid also <br />allowed identification of the community type for each potential sample point. Third, utilizing a hand held <br />surveying compass and hip-chain (or paring techniques) all sample points were located in the field and <br />flagged. Locations of all sample sites used in 2000 sampling efforts are indicated on Map V-2'. <br />It can be noted on this map that several samples for the pasture type were collected from portions of pastures immediately <br />adjacent, but external to, the study area. This exception to the aforementioned methodology was determined necessary to avoid <br />pastures thaz were excessively grazed at the time of sampling, and therefore. provide representation of true baseline conditions. <br />~R®~@ ~~!ffi ADO®QA~1pB0, iNC. Page 5 Exhibd 5 - Bovne Baseline Vegetation Survey <br />