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has been used to establish pre-mine use within the proposed mine plan area and adjacent areas <br /> according to vegetation type and will also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of forage improvement <br /> techniques. Transect sampling may be done in the spring and fall to obtain summer and winter use <br /> estimates. <br /> In the first fall following treatment, sample plots may be randomly established on the treated rangeland <br /> areas to measure big game use. Untreated adjacent areas may be evaluated for comparison. Com- <br /> parisons may also be made to pre-mine baseline data. Methods as outlined in Appendix E. Pellet Group <br /> Census, may be used in data collection and evaluation. These comparisons will allow a determination of <br /> whether or not there has been a relative increase in use of improved areas as well as quantification of <br /> that increase. <br /> Revegetated Areas <br /> Pellet group census techniques may also be used to analyze big game use of revegetated rangelands. <br /> After the first growing season following the seeding of perennial species, and after fairly large blocks, 200 <br /> to 300 acres in size, are seeded to perennials, transects may be established and monitored to evaluate <br /> use of these areas. The use of revegetated areas may be compared to pre-mine use, use of browse <br /> improvement (treated) areas, and use on control areas (undisturbed areas). The methods described in <br /> Appendix E, Pellet Group Census, will be used. The same plots used to census pellet groups may be <br /> inspected for evidence of excessive use by wildlife. <br /> PR-3 <br /> 4-168 VIS10IN r `_)'rZ <br /> .�r E <br />