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z = the mean of the estimate as calculated from the initial samples. <br />If the initial samples did not provide a suitable estimate of the mean (i.e., the inequality was <br />false), a reverse null success evaluation which does not require adequacy was employed (Rule <br />4.15.11 (2)(c)). <br />2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Cover sampling was systematic and consisted of 10 placements of a 10 -point sampling frame at <br />1 -meter intervals along a 10 -meter transect (Figure 1). Cedar Creek utilized proprietary state-of-the- <br />art laser instrumentation to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of data. A "laser point <br />bar" was situated vertically above the ground surface, and a set of 10 readings recorded hits on <br />vegetation (by species), litter, rock (>lcm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at every 5 -meter <br />interval by activating a battery of 10 specialized lasers situated along the bar at 10 centimeter <br />intervals and recording the variable intercepted by each of the narrow (0.02x, tightly collimated <br />beams. In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per transect were recorded, resulting in 1 percent <br />cover per intercept. Each transect serves as one data point (i.e. n = 1). This methodology and <br />instrumentation facilitated the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and precise ground cover <br />data possible. To facilitate measurement of foliar cover, additional hits (beyond the 100 maximum) <br />were recorded when an overstory shrub or tree stratum was present. In this instance, the primary <br />overstory hit was moved to the side and any intercepts on underlying live herbaceous vegetation <br />were recorded separately as "2nd hits". Second hit data were used only for ecological interpretations, <br />not total ground cover estimates. <br />0 <br />