2013-11-04_PERMIT FILE - C1981022A (6)

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Reveeetated Area Sampling Desizn It is not anticipated that the sampling methods used during the baseline study will be repeated when the operator determines whether revegetation has been successful. The following methods are proposed. The methodology in coordination with DMG prior to the beginning of sampling. Disturbed areas are mapped as juniper woodland, mountain shrubland, or riparian. Comparison of the General Facilities Map, (Map 2.05 — Ml) and the Regional Vegetation Map (Map 2.04 -M8) indicates how the disturbed areas correspond to the preceding natural communities. One deviation is noted from the map. Because of their close similarity in slope and exposure, the disturbances at Bear Creek and at Lower Hubbard Creek are both considered to have had a juniper woodland community. Thus, the Lower Hubbard Creek area should be sampled and compared as a complete unit (with other JW areas) to the juniper woodland reference area data. The weighted average method outlined in Rule 3.15.7 (4)(b) will be utilized to compare the reference areas sampling data and the revegetated areas in evaluating cover and production. Thus, three sampling units will be sampled when the reclaimed areas are mapped as both juniper woodland and mountain shrubland. The reclaimed area will comprise a single unit, and each reference community will also be a sample unit. Within each sample unit, sample placement will be either on a simple random or a proportional allocation design. A minimum of 10 samples will be collected in each reference area while at least 15 samples will be taken in the reclaimed area. Samples will be collected in each sample unit until sample adequacy is reached. Sample locations will be drawn randomly from a gridded map of the areas to be samples and then located in the field through the use of a compass and pacing. Total Vegetative Cover. Total vegetative cover will be estimated using either an optical point frame or a mechanical point frame. Point sitings will be located at regular intervals along a 25 meter (or smaller) transect stretched in a random direction from the sample location. Because of the small sizes of the reclaimed areas, 25 meter or smaller transects are recommended. Fifty data points will be sampled per transect, comprising a single sample unit for the purposes of sample adequacy calculations. Cover will be identified by species, or as rock, litter, or bare ground. For the purposes of estimating total vegetative cover, only first hit data will be used. Only hits 4 feet and lower will be collected in both the reclaimed and reference area as allowed on page 7 of the DMG Vegetation Guidelines (Guidelines for Compliance with Land Use and Vegetation Requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining; October, 1988.). Sample adequacy _calculations will be based on total vegetative cover. Comparisons between reclaimed and xe rence_ areas ' be based on total non - noxious, perennial cover. Noxious weed and annual species cover will not be included in the comparison. Species Diversi For a Phase III bond release request, multiple hit data (fast, second, third... ) will be used to evaluate species diversity success. However, for the purposes of a Phase II bond release request, species diversity will be evaluated using only first -hit data since fast hits generally far exceed all other vegetative hits combined (especially with a herbaceous dominated vegetation). The diversity is checked in accordance with the Division's Bond Release Guidelines, to assess the progress of revegetation to determine if sufficient number of species are being established. Herbaceous Productivity: Production plots will be a 1/ meter by' /z meter in size unless otherwise agreed upon with DMG. All current herbaceous production inside the production plots will be clipped, separated according to life form, and bagged. The four life forms will include perennial grasses, perennial forbs, annual species, and noxious weeds. Production data will not be the basis of species diversity, and therefore sorting by PR04 H-8 Revised May 2001