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RULE 4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS <br />(e.g., 5, 15, 20, etc.) that would then be used for the set of sample sites. Third, a scaled <br />representation of the grid will be overlain on a computer-generated map of the target unit extending <br />along north/south and east/west lines. Fourth, the initial placement of this grid will be <br />implemented by selection of two random numbers (an X and Y distance) to be used for locating a <br />systematic coordinate from the fixed point of reference, thereby making the effort unbiased. Fifth, <br />where an excess number of potential sample points (grid intersections) is indicated by overlain <br />maps, the excess may be randomly chosen for elimination. (If later determined that additional <br />samples are needed, the eliminated potential sample sites would be added back in reverse order <br />until enough samples can be collected.) Sixth, using a handheld compass and pacing techniques, <br />or a hand-held GPS, sample points will be located in the field. <br />Once a selected grid (sample) point is located in the field, sampling metrics will be utilized in a <br />consistent and uniform manner. In this regard, ground cover sampling transects will always be <br />oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias <br />while facilitating sampling efficiency. Depending on logistics, timing, and access points to a target <br />sampling area, the field crew may occasionally layout a set of points along coordinates in one <br />direction and then sample them in reverse order. However, orientation protocol will always be <br />maintained (i.e. in the direction of the next point to be physically sampled). If the boundary of an <br />area is encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the transect orientation will be <br />turned 900 in the appropriate direction so the transect will be completed within the target unit. In <br />this manner, edge transects will be retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the <br />boundaries. Production quadrats will always be oriented 900 to the right (clockwise) of the ground <br />cover transect and placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation. <br />Woody plant density belts (for monitoring efforts) will be extended parallel to the ground cover <br />transects for a distance of 50 meters and width of 2 meters. (If the grid distance is less than 50 <br />meters, density belts will be reconfigured to be 4 m X 25 m or similar configuration, but always <br />totaling 100 m2.) <br />Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at each sampling site will be determined utilizing the point -intercept methodology. <br />This methodology will be applied as follows: First, a transect 10 meters in length will be extended <br />from the starting point of each sample site toward the direction of the next site to be sampled. <br />Then, at each one -meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar", "optical point bar" or 10 - <br />point frame will be situated vertically above the ground surface, and a set of 10 readings recorded <br />as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits will be determined at <br />each meter interval as follows: <br />1. When a laser point bar is used, a battery of 10 specialized lasers situated along the bar at <br />10 -centimeter intervals will be activated and the variable intercepted by each of the narrow <br />(0.02") focused beams will be recorded; <br />2. If an optical point bar is used, intercepts will be recorded based on the item intercepted by <br />fine crosshairs situated within each of 10 optical scopes located at 10 -centimeter intervals. <br />Rule 4 Performance Standards 4-77 Revision Date: 5/25/18 <br />Revision No.: RN -07 <br />