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A gross herbaceous evaluation will be conducted in conjunction with visual observations for <br />the first two years after final reclamation activities on a site, because identification is <br />difficult and weedy species are numerous. In the third year, the sampling program will be <br />initiated. Reclaimed areas of adequate size for monitoring will be enclosed with four strand <br />barbed wire fence conforming to BLM specifications in order to eliminate domestic livestock <br />grazing. Reclaimed areas will remain fenced for a minimum of three complete growing <br />seasons following final reclamation work and until bond release is approved by the <br />Authorized Officer. <br />5.1.1 Scope <br />Reclaimed sites and control locations will be sampled each year during the growing season <br />near the time of peak growth. Monitoring will include inventory measurements of the <br />herbaceous biomass production, percent crown cover (herbaceous, shrub and tree), and <br />species diversity or composition. At the time of the sampling, visual inspection for <br />vegetation condition, vigor, reproduction and phenology will be made. Additional sampling <br />may be required in control locations to evaluate early forb growth, i.e. during the May to <br />June timeframe. <br />5.1.2 Objectives <br />The objective of the revegetation program is not to recreate original plant communities, but <br />rather to establish a vegetation type which is similar in structure and diversity, and is <br />comparable to productivity of the pre -disturbance vegetation. The monitoring of <br />revegetated areas, in conjunction with baseline studies and terrestrial vegetation, will <br />determine if that objective is met. <br />5.1.3 Sampling Design <br />Sampling for species diversity, percent cover and production will be conducted using a <br />quadrate method. In revegetation areas at least 20 (9.6 ft2) quadrates will be randomly <br />located for sampling. A visual estimate of cover will be made for individual species, rock, <br />bare ground, litter, lichens and moss. The number of species per 9.6 square foot quadrate <br />will be used to determine the diversity of the vegetation. Also, a visual evaluation of soil <br />erosion will be noted, based on evidence of sheet, rill or gully erosion and deposition of soil <br />particles. <br />A double sampling technique will be used in order to determine herbaceous production. At <br />least five of the 20 quadrates, per sample unit (i.e. revegetation area or control), will be <br />clipped and individual species will be bagged. The clipped vegetation will be returned to the <br />lab, oven dried and weighed to the nearest 0.01 gram. A correlation between oven dry <br />weights and ocular estimates will be made, and all ocular estimates will be adjusted <br />accordingly. Control vegetation sites will be similarly sampled for comparison. <br />Daub & Associates, Inc. <br />Page 18 Natural Soda LLC 2015 EMP <br />