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<br />2.0 METHODS <br />2.1 VEGETATION MAPPING <br />A plant ecologist conqucted a reconnaissance of the permit areas and <br />adjacent locations and selected mapping units based upon vegetation struc- <br />ture and species dominance. The vegetation boundaries were delineated <br />upon a USGS base map at a scale of 1":500' and verified through field <br />excursions. See Exhibits 49 and 50, Vegetation Map. <br />2.2 LOCATION OF STUDY AREAS <br />Powderhorn Coal Company personnel worked with <br />Reclamation specialists in determining the general <br />study areas. Factors considered in this selection <br />of vegetation, soil, topography, slope, and aspect <br />the pre-disturbance habitat as determined through <br />photography. <br />Colorado Mined Land <br />location of three <br />included Similarity <br />of the study area to <br />~eview of pre-disturbance <br />The vegetation consultant through field reconnaissance and additional <br />review of pre-disturbance photography delineated specific boundaries for <br />the study areas. <br />• <br />2.3 SAMPLING DESIGN <br />1 Cover, production, anq density data were collected within three <br />separate study areas. See Exhibit 49. All sample sites were located by a <br />random process. A 10 meter unit grid system was constructed over a map <br />on which each study area was delineated. Coordinates lx,yl were taken <br />from a random number table and used to locate a set number of sample <br />points within each study area. Thus, the required number of sample <br />points was generated. Each sample point was located in the field through <br />the aid of a USGS base map and pacing. Vegetation cover, production, <br />and density sample sites were the same. <br /> <br />2.4 MEASUREMENTS <br />2.4.1 Collection and Analysis of Cover Data <br />Cover was estimated using a point-intercept method along <br />randomly located and oriented transects (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg <br />1 19741. Fifty points were sampled along the 25-meter length transect. <br />One point was sampled at each 0.5 meter interval along the transect. <br />• The sighting device was mounted on an adjustable tripod to <br />facilitate vertical orientation and point stabilization. Fine Cross <br />' hairs were used in The sighting device to provide optimum point definition. <br />-2- <br />