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For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) serves as a sample <br />unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the <br />instrument), and any cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation (prior to <br />interception of the ground) will be recorded. Cover data are recorded and reported by <br />individual plant species. The first interception is used to calculate total vegetation cover <br />values. Additional interceptions area used to calculate relative cover of individual plant <br />species and lifeforms. <br />Revegetation will be deemed successful for the success criterion of total vegetation cover if <br />the value of the sample mean from the reclaimed area is equal to or greater than 90 percent <br />of the value of the final revegetation success criterion for total vegetation cover with 90% <br />statistical confidence. <br />2.9.2 METHOD FOR SAMPLING PRE-SMCRA, INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL <br />RECLAIMED AREAS (CATEGORY B) <br />In pre-SMCRA reclaimed areas that have an industrial/commercial post -mining land use, <br />revegetation sampling to determine reclamation success will be necessary only where <br />determined by the surface landowner and where necessary for surface erosion control. <br />These areas are identified in Table TR -A. <br />The applicable revegetation standard for such areas will be a technical standard for total <br />vegetation cover adequate to control erosion as specified in Section 2.8.2. <br />Quantitative sampling will employ the applicable methods for sampling design, tithing, <br />sample numbers/sample adequacy, and statistical analysis as described in Methods for <br />Sampling Post-SMCRA, Undeveloped Land Reclaimed Areas Using a Reference Area. <br />Total Vegetation Cover <br />Total vegetation cover will be estimated by the use of the point -intercept method. An ocular <br />point frame (e.g. ESCO Associates or other manufacturer) will be used to minimize <br />instrument error and maximize precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects will be a <br />minimum of 25 meters in length, with two sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals <br />along the transect on opposite sides of the transect centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction <br />will be established randomly through the use of computer generated random directions (0- <br />360°). In no event will transects be allowed to extend within ten feet of reference area or <br />revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) serves as a sample <br />unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the <br />instrument), and any cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation (prior to <br />interception of the ground) will be recorded. Cover data are recorded and reported by <br />individual plant species. The first interception is used to calculate total vegetation cover <br />values. Additional interceptions area used to calculate relative cover of individual plant <br />species and lifeforms. <br />Revegetation will be deemed successful for the success criterion of total vegetation cover if <br />the value of the sample mean from the reclaimed area is equal to or greater than 90 percent <br />TR -77 H-16 Revised March 2019 <br />