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species density 2) assessment of the distribution of species density among life - <br />forms in comparison to the reference areas and 3) assessment of the presence <br />of native species; <br />4. Shrub density will be evaluated using a belt transect method with transects 2 <br />meters X 50 meters in dimension and randomly oriented from the sample point <br />origin. <br />For the Fish Creek Tipple area, the methodologies will be: <br />1. Cover will be determined using fifty meter transects with ten points every five <br />meters for 100 "hits"; <br />2. Production will be determined from the clipping of three meter squared <br />quadrants placed randomly along the cover transect; <br />3. Woody stem density will be determined by counting rooted shrubs along a 2 - <br />meter by 50 -meter transect; <br />4. Diversity success will require two perennial grasses to exceed 5% composition <br />and one perennial forb to exceed 3% composition with no one species <br />exceeding 40% composition. <br />Specific details for Fish Creek Tipple area concerning revegetation success and <br />sampling methodologies can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Volume II of <br />the PAP. <br />B. Comparisons between reclaimed and undisturbed areas, in order to demonstrate <br />that success criteria of 4.15.8, 4.15.9, or 4.15. 10 have been met, will be based upon <br />weighted means and variances relative to their respective acreages and reference <br />areas. Specific details concerning revegetation comparisons can be found <br />beginning on page 2.05-114 of the PAP. This excludes the Fish Creek Tipple, <br />which was disturbed prior to implementation of the regulations. No topsoil was <br />salvaged for this area. Stockpiled topsoil not used at Energy Mine No. 3 has been <br />transferred to the Foidel Creek Permit for distribution at the Fish Creek Tipple. <br />Cover and production requirements are based on standards. Woody stem density is <br />1000 stems/acre for this area. Details related to determination of revegetation <br />success at the Fish Creek Tipple can be found beginning on page 2.05-48 of Vol. <br />VII of the PAP. The Division proposes to approve the basis for this comparison. <br />C. The Division approves use of the reference areas which the applicant has selected <br />based on the requirements of Rule 4.15.7(3). <br />D. The reference areas will be utilized to determine revegetation success in a manner <br />which the Division finds acceptable. The Fish Creek Tipple will not be compared <br />to a reference area. Standards will be used to determine revegetation success at the <br />Fish Creek Tipple and also for those small disturbed areas associated with outlying <br />Foidel Creek Mine 34 February 25, 2016 <br />