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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 June 13-15 and <br />June 19-26, 2019. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum presence of the <br />majority of plant species found in the pre-SMCRA reclaimed areas at the mine and adjacent <br />native areas. An initial reconnaissance of vegetation progress and development was <br />undertaken on June 4, 2019 to assess vegetation community growth. <br />2.2.2 Total Live Vegetation Cover <br />Live 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. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual <br />plant species. <br />2.3 SAMPLE NUMBERS/SAMPLE ADEQUACY <br />For the purposes of this study, total live vegetation cover sampling was undertaken to sample <br />adequacy with a minimum of fifteen (15) samples. <br />Parameter sample adequacy testing occurred at the one-sided 90% confidence level. <br />Comparisons between sample mean parameter values and the revegetation success standard <br />assume that the sample mean value accurately represents the population mean in all cases. <br />Oxbow Mining, LLC Elk Creek Mine Page 4 <br />2019 Phase III Bond Kelease Pre-5MCKA Vegetation Report <br />