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2.0 METHODOLOGY FOR VEGETATION SAMPLING / COMPARISON METHODS <br />2.1 Sample Site Selection / Location <br />The sample layout protocol for revegetation evaluations in 2014 and 2015 followed procedures <br />described in permit section 2.05.4(2)(e). A total of 15 cover or 30 production sample sites for each Bond <br />Release Block or Reference Area were randomly determined using computer software. The generated <br />coordinates were then loaded into the GPS unit to facilitate sample site location in the field. At each <br />sample site, the transect orientation was determined by a random number generator based on the <br />degrees of the compass (1 to 360 degrees). Once the transect orientation was determined, a 50 -meter <br />long tape was then laid out across the site. All transects were kept within the designated sample unit <br />boundaries. When a transect alignment would require crossing a sample unit boundary, the transect line <br />was backed up until it was completely within the sample unit boundary. <br />2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover was evaluated in accordance with Rule 4.15.11 (1) (a) (i) by sampling along a 50 - <br />meter transect tape on the Bond Release Block and Irrigated Pasture Reference Area. A 50 -meter <br />transect is the standard length, however, a 10 -meter transect may be used when evaluating small areas <br />to limit overlapping transects. Along the transect, a total of ten randomly selected intervals were used as <br />the setup locations for sampling plant cover. In 2014, an inclined metal ten -point frame, one meter in <br />height, was positioned perpendicular to the tape at each designated setup location. In 2015, a laser bar <br />was used in lieu of the metal ten -point frame. Random even numbered setup locations were sampled on <br />the right-hand side of the tape and odd numbered setup locations were sampled on the left-hand side of <br />the tape. A sharpened metal rod was dropped, or laser pointer used, at ten -centimeter intervals along <br />the ten -point frame, one meter in width. Each time the rod was dropped or laser pointed, the plant <br />species encountered by the rod or laser was recorded. In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per <br />transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. If no plant cover was encountered, <br />then the observation was recorded as to the presence of plant litter, rock, bare ground, lichens or <br />cryptogams. Plant material produced in each respective growing season which was still attached to the <br />plant was considered as living plant material whereas all plant material produced in prior years, which <br />was dead or which had fallen to the ground was considered to be litter. <br />Page 8 <br />