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and Savage agreed that there would not be a need to sample the oakbrush reference area <br />at the mine in order to compare the RPE area oakbrush community with the oakbrush <br />reference area, since the final revegetated community would more closely approximate a <br />grass dominated meadow community. Revegetation success at the reclaimed and <br />revegetated RPE area will be judged by the quantitative standards of the comparable grass <br />dominated reference area. <br />TINTING <br />Field investigation was undertaken during the period September 23-26, 1995. This time <br />period coincided with maximum biomass development of the majority of plant species and <br />occurred past anthesis of the majority of flowering species. Sampling occurred prior to <br />deciduous species leaf abscission and prior to significant drying of graminoid and forb <br />species. <br />SAMPLING DESIGN <br />Four vegetation parameters were sampled to evaluate the vegetative condition of the RPE <br />area. Vegetation cover, herbaceous production, species composition and woody plant <br />density were the parameters for which quantitative data were collected. <br />Prior to initiation of field work, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed <br />to evaluate topography, geology, soils, and large scale vegetation communities. A map of <br />• the mine site at 1:2400 scale (1"=200') was used to delineate the RPE area revegetated <br />area (Map 53). On a gridded overlay of the facilities map, a Cartesian coordinate grid <br />(50x50 feet) was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to <br />establish a pool of random x,y coordinates. Fifty random sample locations were <br />established within the RPE area. The main RPE area and the proposed topsoil storage <br />area were represented proportionally in the sampling according to their acreage. Sample <br />sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known <br />landmarks. Transect orientation was randomly determined by a spinner. Figure 1 <br />illustrates the 1995 RPE area sample point locations. <br />FIELD SAMPLING <br />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 12.5 meters in length, with two sample data <br />points collected at 0.5 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect <br />centerline, I.Sm apart. Transect direction was established randomly. In no event were <br />transects allowed to extend within ten feet of RPE area boundaries or disturbed areas <br />(e.g., roadcuts, powerline corridors) to minimize impacts from "edge effect." <br /> <br />-4- <br />