2015-10-06_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS old or older reclamation unit that is smaller than about 3 acres, the number of samples (for monitoring) shall be limited to five. The systematic procedure for sample location in revegetated units shall occur in the following stepwise manner. First, a fixed point of reference (e.g., fence corner) will be selected for the target unit to facilitate location of the systematic grid in the field. Second, a systematic grid of appropriate dimensions will be selected to provide a reasonable number of coordinate intersections (e.g., 5, 15, 20, etc.) that would then be used for the set of sample sites. Third, a scaled representation of the grid will be overlain on a computer-generated map of the target unit extending along north/south and east/west lines. Fourth, the initial placement of this grid will be implemented by selection of two random numbers (an X and Y distance) to be used for locating a systematic coordinate from the fixed point of reference, thereby making the effort unbiased. Fifth, where an excess number of potential sample points (grid intersections) is indicated by overlain maps, the excess may be randomly chosen for elimination. (If later determined that additional samples are needed, the eliminated potential sample sites would be added back in reverse order until enough samples can be collected.) Sixth, using a handheld compass and pacing techniques, or a hand-held GPS, sample points will be located in the field. Once a selected grid (sample) point is located in the field, sampling metrics will be utilized in a consistent and uniform manner. In this regard, ground cover sampling transects will always be oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while facilitating sampling efficiency. Depending on logistics, timing, and access points to a target sampling area, the field crew may occasionally layout a set of points along coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse order. However, orientation protocol will always be maintained (i.e. in the direction of the next point to be physically sampled). If the boundary of an area is encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the transect orientation will be turned 900 in the appropriate direction so the transect will be completed within the target unit. In this manner, edge transects will be retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the boundaries. Production quadrats will always be oriented 900 to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect and placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation. Woody plant density belts (for monitoring efforts) will be extended parallel to the ground cover transects for a distance of 50 meters and width of 2 meters. (If the grid distance is less than 50 meters, density belts will be reconfigured to be 4 m X 25 m or similar configuration, but always totaling 100 m2.) Determination of Ground Cover Ground cover at each sampling site will be determined utilizing the point -intercept methodology. This methodology will be applied as follows: First, a transect 10 meters in length will be extended from the starting point of each sample site toward the direction of the next site to be sampled. Then, at each one - meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar", "optical point bar" or 10 -point frame will be situated vertically above the ground surface, and a set of 10 readings recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits will be determined at each meter interval as follows: 1. When a laser point bar is used, a battery of 10 specialized lasers situated along the bar at 10 - centimeter intervals will be activated and the variable intercepted by each of the narrow (0.02") focused beams will be recorded; 2. If an optical point bar is used, intercepts will be recorded oased on the item intercepted by fine crosshairs situated within each of i 0 optical scopes located at 10 -centimeter intervals. Collom — Rule 4, Page 45 Revision Date: 9/28/11 Revision No.: PR -03