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2.0 SAMPLING METHODS <br /> 2.1 Sample Site Selection / Location <br /> A systematic procedure for sample location in the revegetated units occurred in the following stepwise <br /> manner. First, a fixed point of reference was selected for the unit to facilitate location of the systematic <br /> grid in the field. Second,a systematic grid of appropriate dimensions was selected to provide a reasonable <br /> number of coordinate intersections (e.g., 45) that could then be used for the set of sample sites. Third, a <br /> scaled representation of the grid was overlain on a computer-generated map of the target unit extending <br /> along north/south and east/west lines. Fourth, the initial placement of this grid was implemented by <br /> selection of two random numbers(an X and Y distance) used for locating the first coordinate from the fixed <br /> point of reference, thereby making the effort unbiased. Fifth, the sample points were located in the field <br /> utilizing a handheld GPS unit. <br /> Once a selected grid point was located in the field, ground cover sampling transects were always <br /> oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while <br /> facilitating sampling efficiency. This orientation protocol is indicated on Figure 1. Depending on logistics, <br /> timing, and access points to the target sampling area, the field crew would occasionally layout a set of <br /> points along coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse order. However, orientation <br /> protocol was always maintained (i.e., in the direction of the next point to be physically sampled). If the <br /> boundary of an area was encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the orientation of the <br /> transect was turned 900 in the appropriate direction so the transect could be completed. In this manner, <br /> boundary transects were retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the boundaries. <br /> Production quadrats were always oriented 900 to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect and <br /> placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation. <br /> 2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br /> Ground cover at each sample point was evaluated in accordance with Rule 4.15.11 (1) (a) (i) utilizing <br /> the point-intercept methodology as illustrated on Figure 1. As indicated on this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes <br /> state-of-the-art instrumentation it has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of <br /> data. A transect of 10 meters length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the <br /> flagged center of each systematically located sample point. At each one-meter interval along the transect, <br /> a "laser point bar"was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 to 5.0 feet vertically above the ground <br /> surface. A set of 10 readings was taken specifically to record hits on vegetation (by species), litter, <br /> (including standing dead), rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by <br /> activating a battery of 10 low-energy specialized lasers situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals <br /> CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. 6 Bowie #1 Mine-West Mine - 2021 <br /> Phase III Bond Release Evaluation <br />