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• without the use of reference areas with the exception of dryland pasture. Baseline sampling during the <br />1987 field season reconfirmed the great variation in management objectives of individuals and the highly <br />diverse nature of the soils, geology, and ground and surface water regimes. In many cases the <br />management plans of operators (bath within and adjacent to the study area) changed weekly. This <br />occurred even on lands where Peabody had a reasonable level of control. Crop rotations or pasture and <br />hayland renovation could easily eliminate or change the nature of a reference area at the time of bond <br />release evaluations. Personal management objectives and methods are highly variable for the various <br />landowners or lessees. Irrigation water management, fertilization programs (if any), harvest period, <br />hay/pasture management, cropping, and grazing management were different for nearly all landowners <br />contacted. The end result of the above is a situation of no guarantees. Guarantees of long term and <br />somewhat consistent management are a critical element that must be reasonably assured when using <br />reference areas. Therefore, Peabody has developed alternate reclamation standards as allowed for <br />under 4.15.7(d) of the Regulations. These standards are discussed in Section 2.05.4(2)(e), <br />Revegetation. <br />For the 1999 vegetation baseline studies, sampling procedures were used that corresponded with those <br />agreed upon in the 1987 permit for sampling sagebrush, Irrigated pasture, irrigated hay, and swale/ <br />drainage. In addition, three other plant communities occur in the proposed permit expansion boundary <br />• but are outside the area of disturbance. These areas were agreed to be described in a qualitative <br />narrative. These communities are the Flood plain of Tuttle draw, a small area of deciduous trees fed by <br />irrigation water on a north facing mesa side slope of the Martin Property and a small area of Pinon and <br />Juniper on a north facing mesa side slope of WFC property. <br />Table 2.04.10-3 summarizes sampling parameters and intensities for the various types in 1987. Table <br />2.04.10-3A summarizes sampling parameters and intensities for the various types in 1999. Details of <br />sampling methods are provided following this summary. Data Samplins Summary results are in <br />Attachment 2.04.10-2 Sampling Data Summary <br />• (REVISED B/15/00) 2.04.10 - 9 <br />