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New Horizon Mine <br />Vegetation Sampling Methodology <br />Sample Site Selection I Location <br />The sample layout protocol for revegetation evaluations in 2015 generally followed <br />procedures described in Permit Section 2.05.4(2)(e). A total of 10 sample sites used on <br />reclaimed units and 30 the reference area. The generated coordinates were then <br />loaded into the GPS unit to facilitate sample site location in the field. All transects were <br />kept within the designated sample unit boundaries. <br />Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover was evaluated in accordance with Rule 4.15.11 (1) (a) (i) by <br />sampling along a 10 -meter transect tape on all evaluated units. A 10 -meter transect <br />is the standard length, however, a 10 -meter transect may be used when evaluating <br />small areas to limit overlapping transects. In 2015, a laser bar was used to collect <br />ground cover. At ten -centimeter intervals along the laser bar, one meter in width, the <br />plant species encountered by the laser was recorded. In this manner, a total of 100 <br />intercepts per transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. If no <br />plant cover was encountered, then the observation was recorded as to the presence of <br />plant litter, rock, bare ground, lichen or cryptogams. Plant material produced in each <br />respective growing season which was still attached to the plant was considered as living <br />plant material whereas all plant material produced in prior years, which was dead or <br />which had fallen to the ground was considered to be litter. <br />Sample Adequacy Determination <br />Sampling within each unit was conducted to a minimum of 10 or 30 samples. From <br />these preliminary efforts, sample means and standard deviations for total non - <br />overlapping vegetation ground cover were calculated. The Cochran formula (below) for <br />determining sample adequacy was used to calculate n.,,,, whereby the population is <br />estimated to within 10% of the true mean (p) with 90% confidence. <br />When the inequality (nm,. 5 n) is true, sampling is deemed adequate; and nm,,, is <br />determined as follows: <br />2015 Annual Reclamation Report Page 34 <br />