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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 13 <br />and July 2, 2019. This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum presence of the <br />majority of plant species found in the reclaimed areas and the extended reference area at the <br />mine and adjacent native areas. An initial reconnaissance of vegetation progress and <br />development was undertaken on June 4, 2019. <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 post-SMCRA reclaimed areas. The quantitative cover data provided the basis for <br />calculation of species composition and relative importance. <br />2.2.3 Total Herbaceous Production <br />Total herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous production <br />plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover transect. Herbaceous <br />production plots were 0.50 square meters (m2) in area. All current year above ground live <br />herbaceous plant biomass was clipped within the 0.50 m2 quadrat. Production material was air <br />dried until weights varied by no more than 0.1g. <br />2.2.4 Species Composition <br />Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data from the <br />post-SMCRA reclaimed areas. Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of <br />the importance of each encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the <br />applicable final revegetation success criterion. <br />Oxbow Mining, LLC Elk Creek Mine Page 4 <br />2019 Phase III Bond Kelease Po5t-5MCKA Vegetation Report <br />