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2.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br />2.2.1 Timing <br />Field investigation of the reclaimed areas was undertaken during the period between June 15 <br />and 28, 2020. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum presence of the majority <br />of plant species found in the reclaimed areas and the extended reference area at the mine and <br />adjacent native areas. <br />2.2.2 Total Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point -intercept method. An ocular point <br />frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize precision <br />and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data points <br />collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect centerline, <br />1.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of computer <br />generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to extend within ten <br />feet of reclaimed area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a sample <br />unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the instrument), <br />soil (bare ground), rock, or organic litter. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation (prior to interception <br />of the ground) were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant <br />species. The first interception was used to calculate total vegetation cover values. Additional <br />interceptions were used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms for <br />the reclaimed areas. The quantitative cover data provided the basis for calculation of species <br />composition and relative importance. <br />2.2.3 Species Composition <br />Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data from the <br />reclaimed areas. Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of the importance <br />of each encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the applicable final <br />revegetation success criterion. Table 3 presents data summaries for reclaimed area total <br />vegetation cover for each area sampled and contains the relative cover by species and a column <br />depicting the numerical ranking of each species by relative cover for the reclaimed areas. <br />Oxbow Mining, LLC Elk Creek Mine Page 4 <br />2020 Phase 11 Bond Release Vegetation Report <br />