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<br /> <br />surface. A set of 10 readings was taken specifically to record hits on vegetation (by species), litter, <br />(including standing dead), rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by <br />activating a battery of 10 low-energy specialized lasers situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals <br />and recording the variable intercepted by each of the narrowly focused (0.02”) beams (Figure 1). In this <br />manner, a total of 100 intercepts per transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. <br />This methodology and instrumentation facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and <br />precise ground cover data possible. To facilitate diversity calculations, second hits were recorded when an <br />overstory shrub stratum was present. However, these second hits were not included in the determination <br />of ground cover. <br />2.3 Determination of Current Annual Production <br />At all sample sites in the reference and reclamation areas, current annual herbaceous production was <br />collected from a 0.5 m2 quadrat frame placed one meter and 90o to the right (clockwise) of the ground <br />cover transect to facilitate avoidance of vegetation trampled by investigators during sample site location <br />(Figure 1). From within each quadrat, all above ground current annual vegetation within the vertical <br />boundaries of the frame was clipped and bagged separately by lifeform as follows: <br />Perennial Grasses Perennial Forbs <br />Annual Grasses Annual & Biennial Forbs <br />Sub-Shrubs Noxious Weeds – Cheatgrass <br />Noxious Weeds - Other <br />All production samples were returned to the lab for drying and weighing. Drying occurred at 105o C <br />until a stable weight was achieved (24 hours). Samples were then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. Total <br />weights for each sample were compiled and converted to pounds per acre prior to success determination. <br />2.4 Determination of Woody Plant Density <br />Belt transects were co-located with the ground cover points to obtain a reasonable estimate of the <br />woody plant density of the revegetation areas. At each of the sample sites, a 4-meter by 25-meter long <br />belt transect was established in the direction of the next sampling point (typically in a cardinal compass <br />direction). Then within each belt, all woody plants (shrubs, trees, sub-shrubs, and succulents) were <br />enumerated by species. Determination of whether or not a plant could be counted was dependent upon <br />the location of its main stem or root collar where it exited the ground surface with regard to belt limits. <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc.9 Munger Canyon Mine - 2016 <br />Phase III Bond Release Report