2019-07-10_PERMIT FILE - C2009087

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RULE 2 - PERMITS Quantitative Sampling Procedures • Quantitative sampling (cover and production data) was conducted at randomly selected sites within the aforementioned vegetation types and the corresponding vegetation reference areas (Tables 2.04.10-T3 and 2.04.1044). Random map points for sampling locations were generated using ESRI ArcMap 9.3 software and Hawth's Analysis Tools for ArcGIS (Beyer 2004). These sample points were located in the field using topographic maps and Garmin III GPS units with accuracy to 10 meters. The sample point locations are illustrated on maps included in the ESCO report in Exhibit 2.0410-E1, Vegetation Information. Cover transects were randomly oriented; production samples were located randomly behind the transect origin. At each cover sampling location, the slope, expressed as a percent, and aspect of the site (uncorrected for magnetic declination) were determined and recorded, as was the orientation of the transect. Grazing exclosures were not used in the sampling of standing crop biomass as commencement of study occurred after cages would have needed to be placed. It was possible in many cases to locate clip plots in small, peripheral areas protected by fences. This was a trade-off between full random statistical design and the need to obtain data reflective of true standing crop. No significant effects of grazing were observed within any portion of the permit area. Cover Sampling Procedures Cover data were collected along 50 meter (m) transects using a point -intercept method in which data were recorded at interceptions of a point (referred to as a "hit") with plant species, litter, standing dead plant material, soil, or rock. Plant material produced during 2008 and still standing was recorded by species. Standing dead was any dead plant material that was produced in previous • years but which was still standing and had not lodged or broken off to become litter. Litter was considered to be any organic material that had fallen, or had begun to fall to the soil surface. Inorganic materials greater than one centimeter (cm) in diameter were considered rock. The cover sampling points were optically projected using a Cover -Point Optical Point Projection Device developed by ESCO. The 50 m transects were randomly located and oriented in the reclaimed and reference areas. One hundred points were collected along each transect (50 points on each transect side). The sampling area along each transect side was one meter in width. A pair of points was collected every meter with points sampled on opposite sides of each 50 m transect at a distance of 0.5 m from the transect (100 total points per transect). To enhance understanding of collected data, all data and summary tables are organized by vegetation life form. Life form categories used here reflect both plant growth habit and provenance (place of origin). Categories observed in 2008 were native annual .and biennial forbs, introduced annual and biennial forbs, introduced annual grasses, native perennial forbs, introduced perennial forbs, native perennial grasses and graminoids, introduced perennial grasses, native shrubs, native trees, ferns (and fern allies), lichens, and bryophytes (mosses). First hit interceptions were used to calculate absolute top layer foliar cover (COVER column in data tables in Exhibit 2.04.10-E1, Vegetation Information) by dividing the number of interceptions for a particular species or ground cover type by the total number of points taken (100) per transect. First hit relative vegetation cover was calculated by dividing first hit absolute cover for each species by the total first hit vegetation cover. All -layer absolute cover (COVER -ALL column in data tables in • Exhibit 2.04.10-E1, Vegetation Information) was calculated by dividing all hits (first -hits and additional -hits) for a particular species by the total number of points taken (100) along each PSCM Permit App. 2.04-142 6/15/09