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Reclaimed Areas <br />As the reclaimed areas within the mine site are irregularly dispersed and the sites vary in size, <br />standard methods of gridding the reclaimed areas and generating random sample points are <br />not practical. <br />The area of each reclaimed site will be calculated as a percentage of the total area of all <br />reclaimed areas to be sampled at a given time, as well as the total area of eligible reclaimed <br />locations. By selecting an initial number of total samples, locations for sampling by <br />representative area and reclamation year were assigned. <br />Sample locations within each eligible reclaimed area will be randomly determined by use of a <br />100'x100' grid for sites larger than two acres and a 50'x50' grid for reclaimed areas less than <br />two acres in areal extent. For example, where a reclaimed site is one acre in size, a 50'x50' <br />grid will yield sixteen potential sample points. Where the reclaimed site is predominantly <br />linear in nature (as is the case with reclaimed access roads), the overall length of the <br />reclaimed site will be determined, and sufficient random numbers generated to allow for <br />generation of sample points on a one hundred foot spacing. A sample point within the <br />reclaimed area will be selected using a random numbers table. Sample point locations will be <br />located in the field through compass triangulation, GPS, and pacing from known landmarks. <br />2.9.7.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br />Timing <br />Field investigation of reference and reclaimed areas will be undertaken during the period of <br />maximum plant growth. This time period generally coincides with anthesis/seed set and <br />maximum presence of the majority of plant species found in reference areas, reclamation <br />areas, and adjacent native areas at the mine site. <br />Total Vegetation Cover <br />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), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on <br />vegetation (prior to interception of the ground) will be recorded. Cover data are recorded <br />and reported by individual plant species. The first interception is used to calculate total <br />vegetation cover values. Additional interceptions area used to calculate relative cover of <br />individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also provides the basis for <br />calculation of species composition and relative importance. <br />TR -77 H-20 Revised March 2019 <br />