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MR-117 H-28 Revised June 2025 <br />instrument error and maximize precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects will be 25 <br />meters in length, with two sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the <br />transect on opposite sides of the transect centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction will be <br />established randomly through the use of computer generated random directions (0-360 q). In <br />no event will transects be allowed to extend within ten feet of reference area or revegetated <br />area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge effect." <br /> <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) serves as a sample <br />unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below the <br />instrument), and any cryptogamic crust. Cover data are recorded and reported by individual <br />plant species. The first interception is used to calculate total vegetation cover values. <br /> <br />Revegetation will be deemed successful for the success criterion of total vegetation cover if <br />the value of the sample mean from the reclaimed area is equal to or greater than 90 percent <br />of the value of the final revegetation success criterion for total vegetation cover (19.3%) with <br />90% statistical confidence. <br /> <br />2.9.6 METHOD FOR SAMPLING MIXED PRE- & POST-SMCRA INDUSTRIAL <br /> COMMERCIAL RECLAIMED AREAS (CATEGORY F) <br /> <br />In re-disturbed pre-SMCRA reclaimed areas that have an industrial/commercial post-mining <br />land use, revegetation sampling to determine reclamation success will not be necessary as <br />these areas will not be revegetated per the surface landowner’s request. <br /> <br />2.9.7 METHODS FOR SAMPLING POST-SMCRA, UNDEVELOPED LAND RECLAIMED <br /> AREAS, USING A REFERENCE AREA (CATEGORY G) <br /> <br />Sampling methods described below apply to both reference area(s) (where employed) and <br />reclaimed areas. <br /> <br />2.9.7.1 SAMPLING DESIGN <br /> <br />EXTENDED REFERENCE AREA <br /> <br />Conceptual Framework for Establishing Revegetation Success Criteria <br /> <br />The Elk Creek Mine (formerly the Somerset Mine) has been in operation since 1901. <br />Disturbance of the natural vegetation communities have taken place since that time and the <br />characterization of the vegetation community to be re-established during reclamation was <br />based on studies of the undisturbed native vegetation communities adjacent to the mining <br />operations and facilities (WRDC, 1982,1982a). Initially, a vegetation reference area, a linear <br />powerline corridor adjacent to the mine disturbance areas, was established between <br />approximately 6000 and 74000 feet in elevation. This linear corridor was comprised of the <br />two native vegetation communities (mountain shrubland and juniper woodland) that <br />represented those vegetation types originally, and subsequently, disturbed by mining <br />operations. Quantitative sampling of the two vegetation types within the reference area <br />would provide the data to establish final reclamation success criteria for the mine. <br /> <br />Subsequent to the initial permitting of the mining operation by CDRMS, additional <br />vegetation types or communities have been disturbed during the conduct and expansion of