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2.0 METHODS <br /> 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN <br /> Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the approved permit document, revisions under Technical <br /> Revision 77, applicable permit document maps, and Google Earth® aerial photography were <br /> reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, <br /> management, and applicable revegetation standards. <br /> Map 2.05-MI (General Facilities and Gob Vent Boreholes sheets) of the mine site was used to <br /> identify,locate and delineate reclaimed areas and individual reclaimed sites. As the reclaimed <br /> sites are irregularly dispersed over the mine site, and the sites range in size, standard methods <br /> of gridding the reclaimed areas and generating random sample points were not practical. <br /> The reclaimed sites and their areal extent were entered into a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet. <br /> The area of each reclaimed site was calculated as a percentage of the total area of reclaimed <br /> areas. By selecting an initial number of total samples,locations for sampling by representative <br /> area were assigned. The extended reference area locations were quantitatively sampled <br /> immediately adjacent to reclaimed area sample sites. <br /> Sample locations within each sample site were randomly determined by use of a 50'x50' grid <br /> representing the reclaimed site. For example, where a reclaimed site was one acre in size, a <br /> 50'x50' grid yielded sixteen potential sample points. Where the reclaimed site was <br /> predominantly linear in nature(as was the case with reclaimed access roads),the overall length <br /> of the reclaimed site was determined, and sufficient random numbers generated to allow for <br /> sample points on a one hundred foot spacing. A sample point within the reclaimed site was <br /> then selected using a random numbers table. Sample point locations were located in the field <br /> through compass triangulation, GPS, and pacing from known landmarks. <br /> 2.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br /> 2.2.1 Timing <br /> Field investigation of the reclaimed areas was undertaken during the period between June 8 <br /> and 18,2021. 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 /> Oxbow Mining,LLC Elk Creek Mine Page 3 <br /> 2021 Phase III Bond Release(Year 2):Vegetation Report <br />