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MR-117 H-31 Revised June 2025 <br /> <br />Based on the location of reclaimed areas to be evaluated for bond release, the approved <br />extended reference area location adjacent to the reclaimed area sampled will be quantitatively <br />sampled during the same season as the reclaimed areas. <br /> <br />Reclaimed Areas <br /> <br />As the reclaimed areas within the mine site are irregularly dispersed and the sites vary in size, <br />standard methods of gridding the reclaimed areas and generating random sample points are <br />not practical. <br /> <br />The area of each reclaimed site will be calculated as a percentage of the total area of all <br />reclaimed areas to be sampled at a given time, as well as the total area of eligible reclaimed <br />locations. By selecting an initial number of total samples, locations for sampling by <br />representative area and reclamation year were assigned. <br /> <br />Sample locations within each eligible reclaimed area will be randomly determined by use of a <br />100’x100’ grid for sites larger than five acres and a 50’x50’ grid for reclaimed areas less than <br />five acres in areal extent. For example, where a reclaimed site was one acre in size, a 50’x50’ <br />grid will yield sixteen potential sample points. Where the reclaimed site is predominantly <br />linear in nature (as is the case with reclaimed access roads), the overall length of the <br />reclaimed site will be determined, and sufficient random numbers generated to allow for <br />generation of sample points on a one hundred foot spacing. A sample point within the <br />reclaimed site will be selected using a random numbers table. Sample point locations will be <br />located in the field through compass triangulation, GPS, and pacing from known landmarks. <br /> <br />2.9.7.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br /> <br />Timing <br /> <br />Field investigation of reference and reclaimed areas will be undertaken during the period of <br />maximum plant growth. This time period generally coincides with anthesis/seed set and <br />maximum presence of the majority of plant species found in reference areas, reclamation <br />areas, and adjacent native areas at the mine site. <br /> <br />Total Vegetation Cover <br /> <br />The use of the point-intercept or line point-intercept methodologies will be used to estimate <br />vegetation cover. If the point-intercept method is employed, an ocular frame (e.g. ESCO <br />Associates or other manufacturer) will be used to minimize instrument error and maximize <br />precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects will be 25 meters in length, with two <br />sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the <br />transect centerline, 1.5m apart. Transect direction will be established randomly through the <br />use of computer generated random directions (0-360q). In no event will transects be allowed <br />to extend within ten feet of reference area or revegetated area boundaries to minimize <br />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), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" on <br />vegetation (prior to interception of the ground) will be recorded.