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0 <br />2.0 METHODOLOGY FOR VEGETATION SAMPLING / COMPARISON METHODS <br />2.1 Sample Site Selection / Location <br />The systematic procedure for sample location in the revegetated units occurred in the following <br />stepwise manner. First, a fixed point of reference was selected for the unit to facilitate location of the <br />systematic grid in the field. Second, a systematic grid of appropriate dimensions was selected to provide <br />a reasonable number of coordinate intersections (e.g., 30 or 45) that could then be used for the set of <br />sample sites. Third, a scaled representation of the grid was overlain on a computer-generated map of <br />the target unit extending along north/south and east/west lines. Fourth, the initial placement of this grid <br />was implemented by selection of two random numbers (an X and Y distance) used for locating the first <br />coordinate from the fixed point of reference, thereby making the effort unbiased. Fifth, utilizing a GPS or <br />handheld compass and pacing techniques (or a hip -chain), the sample points were located in the field. <br />Once a selected grid point was located in the field, ground cover sampling transects were always <br />oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while <br />facilitating sampling efficiency. This orientation protocol is indicated on Figure 1. Depending on logistics, <br />timing, and access points to the target sampling area, the field crew would occasionally layout a set of <br />points along coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse order. However, orientation <br />protocol was always maintained (i.e., in the direction of the next point to be physically sampled). If the <br />boundary of an area was encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the orientation of the <br />transect was turned 900 in the appropriate direction so the transect could be completed. In this manner, <br />boundary transects were retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the boundaries. <br />Production quadrats were always oriented 900 to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect and <br />placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation. <br />A couple sample points were eliminated after evaluation because the fell within exclusion areas, <br />therefore, 43 sample points are presented for 2013 and 2014 in this analysis. <br />2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at each sample point was determined utilizing the point -intercept methodology as <br />illustrated on Figure 1. As indicated on this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes state-of-the-art instrumentation it <br />has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of data. A transect of 10 meters <br />length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the flagged center of each <br />systematically located sample point. At each one -meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar" <br />July 2015 Page 10 <br />