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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 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 (m) 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.Ig. <br /> 2.2.4 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. <br /> Oxbow Mining,LLC Elk Creek Mine Page 4 <br /> 2020 Phase III Bond Release(Year 1):Vegetation Report <br />