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2.0 METHODS <br />2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN <br />Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to <br />evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, management, <br />and applicable revegetation standards. <br />The MCC Reclamation Photograph Project 2010 map of the mine site at 1:14,400 scale <br />(1"=1200') was used to identify, locate and delineate the reclaimed areas. As the reclaimed <br />areas are spread out over approximately 10,000 acres and the sites range from 0.2 to 8.5 acres <br />in size, standard methods of gridding the reclaimed areas and generating random sample <br />points were not practical. Further, as the reclaimed areas ranged in age from eleven (11) to <br />thirteen (13) years in age, it was desirable to obtain a representative sampling of the age <br />structure in the sampling. <br />From the map it was determined that the reclaimed areas were located in twenty-two (22) <br />distinct parcels within the Dry Fork drainage parcel. The reclaimed sites, their areal extent, <br />and age were entered into a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet. <br />The area of each reclaimed site was calculated as a percentage of the total area of reclaimed <br />sites, as was the total area of reclaimed sites by reclamation year. By selecting an initial <br />number of total samples, locations for sampling by representative area and reclamation year <br />were assigned. <br />Sample locations within each sample site were randomly determined by use of a 50'x50' grid <br />representing the reclaimed site. For example, where a reclaimed site was one acre in size, a <br />50'x50' grid yielded sixteen potential sample points. Where the reclaimed area was <br />predominantly linear in nature (as was the case with reclaimed access roads), the overall <br />length of the reclaimed area was determined, and sufficient random numbers generated to <br />allow for sample points on a one hundred foot spacing. A sample point within the reclaimed <br />site was then selected using a random numbers table. Sample sites were located in the field <br />through compass triangulation, GPS, and pacing from known landmarks. Appendix figures <br />illustrate the reclaimed areas and sample locations. <br />The following table identifies the grouped reclaimed sites, their area, date of reclamation, and <br />percentage of the total reclaimed area. <br />Mountain Coal Comparry, LLC West Elk Mine Page 3 <br />2015 Vegetation Report: Deep Creek, Long Draw, Long Draw Saddle, West Point Road Reclamation Areas <br />