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RULE 2 PERMITS <br /> yew ,. .x`a, -\:. .„u• . vEa\'Avv`'.-a.., ,.< _ lr, _, .._ 4_,a a S "..,\ak., ..a'...+. <br /> Methodology <br /> Eight intensive browse transects were established in fall 1974, and two extensive browse transects <br /> were established in spring 1975. Three additional extensive transects were run in 1976. Both <br /> intensive and extensive browse transects were used also as pellet group transects in addition to the <br /> pellet group plot transects established in the habitat improvement areas in summer 1975 and 1976. <br /> Transect locations are shown on the Big Game Use Information Map (Map 13). (See CDM report <br /> for additional information) <br /> Each intensive transect was comprised of ten stations along a 1000 ft. transect line. Each station <br /> consisted of a plant of the species which the transect was sampling. A major stem of that plant <br /> with 10 to 20 young shoots was designated for measurement and identified by a metal tag. All <br /> shoots above the metal tag were measured in centimeters and converted to inches. Measurements <br /> were made in the fall (October) after the growing season had ended, but before the deer and elk <br /> moved into the range, and again in the spring(late April - early May)after the deer and elk moved <br /> off the range but prior to the start of the growing season. <br /> Sampling consisted of measuring and recording the length of all the current year's growth above <br /> the metal tag on the designated stem in the fall. The same shoot(stem)was measured again in the <br /> spring. By comparing the fall and subsequent spring measurement the amount of growth consumed <br /> during the winter was determined, expressed as percent utilization. comparison of fall <br /> measurements and winter utilization values over a period of years indicate the average amount of <br /> annual growth and use, respectively, and the trends (increase or decrease) in both parameters. <br /> Data from the intensive browse transects are shown in Table 2.04.11-1, Intensive Browse <br /> Transects. <br /> Extensive browse transects were placed in known high-use areas on the site to supplement the <br /> intensive transect data on deer and elk winter use. By sampling the known high-use areas over a <br /> number of years, the browse utilization in these key wintering areas could be more accurately <br /> estimated. Each extensive transect consisted of 50 stations. Since these were randomly selected <br /> each spring,the same plants were usually not evaluated from year to year. <br /> Data from the extensive browse transects are set forth in Table 2.04.11-2, Extensive Browse <br /> Transects. <br /> The investigator would walk ten paces, select the plant nearest his left or right foot and determine: <br /> first the condition of the plant (vigorous down to decadent) and second the amount of the current <br /> available growth (estimated) has been utilized to the nearest 10%. After 50 shrubs have been <br /> evaluated, the average percent utilization of each recorded species is calculated. <br /> The pellet group studies were conducted to determine the average daily use of browse species by <br /> season (expressed as days use per acre) and the percentage breakdown of utilization by deer, elk <br /> and cattle. Pellet group counts were conducted at each station on the intensive transects on lines <br /> paralleling the extensive transects,and in addition at two separate locations in the habitat improve- <br /> ment Weds.TlieiG weie tell pellet gioup plots of stations in each intellsive transect.The pellet group <br /> Rule 2 Permits 2.04-59 Revision Date: 12/20/19 <br /> Revision No.: TR-135 <br />