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2.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br />2.2.1 Timing <br />Field investigation of the reclaimed areas was undertaken during the period between June 24 <br />and 28, 2015. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum presence of the <br />majority of plant species found in the reclaimed areas at the mine site and adjacent native <br />areas. Total precipitation at the mine in calendar year 2015 from January to May was 8.39 <br />inches, 30.4 percent above the average January -May cumulative precipitation amount of 6.43 <br />inches (Paonia 1 SW Station) (Colorado Climate Center, 2015). Cumulative precipitation <br />between October 2014 and May 2015 (growing season precipitation) was 11.77 inches, or <br />10.2 percent above the recorded average October -May accumulation of 10.68 inches (Paonia <br />1 SW Station). <br />2.2.2 Total Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point -intercept method. An ocular point <br />frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision <br />and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data <br />points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect <br />centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of <br />computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to <br />extend within ten feet of revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge <br />effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a sample <br />unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the <br />instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on <br />vegetation (prior to interception of the ground) were also recorded. Cover data were <br />recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first interception was used to <br />calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional interceptions were used to calculate <br />relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also <br />provided the basis for calculation of species composition and relative importance. <br />2.2.3 Total Herbaceous Production <br />Total herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous <br />production plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover transect. <br />Herbaceous production plots were 0.50 meter2 in area. All current year above ground live <br />herbaceous plant biomass was clipped within the 0.50 meter2 quadrat. Production material <br />was air dried until weights varied by no more than 0.1 g. <br />2.2.4 Species Composition <br />Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data. <br />Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of the importance of each <br />encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the final revegetation success <br />Mountain Coal Company, LLC West Elk Mine Page 5 <br />2015 Vegetation Report: Deep Creek, Long Draw, Long Draw Saddle, West Point Road Reclamation Areas <br />