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• 2.0 SAMPLING METHODS <br />2.1 Community Tyce Maooina <br />As indicated above, original baseline mapping included the current vegetation study area. This <br />previous mapping identified two communities, Juniper Woodland and Mixed Shrubland. Field verification <br />of this original mapping indixated that a portion of the area previously classfied as Juniper Woodland, <br />should be classed as Mixed Shrubland (see Map Vi). <br />2.2 Sample lavout <br />The sample layout protocol for 2003 vegetation evaluations is a procedure designed to better <br />account for the heterogeneous expression of vegetation cover within the two community types while <br />preduding bias in the sample site selection process. BY design, the procedure is initiated randomly, and <br />thereafter, samples are located in a systematic manner, along grid coordinates spaced at fixed distances, <br />e.g. 100 ft. (see the lower left comer of Figure V-1 and Map Vl). In this manner, "representation" from <br />• across each cemmunity type is "forced" rather than risking the chance that signficant pockets are entirely <br />missed, or overemphasized as often occurs with simple random sampling. <br />The procedure for sample kxation within the vegetation study area occurred as follows. First, a <br />systematic grid (e.g. 75 R. x 75 R.) was selected to provide approximately 50 coordinate intersections <br />that could be used for sample sites within each wmmunity type or refererxe area. Second, a scaled, <br />computer generated representation of the selected grid was overlain on a computer generated map of <br />the area utilizing north-south and east-west compass points which could be easily established in the field <br />(see Map VS). Third, utlzing a hand held surveying compass and hip-chain (or pacing techniques) all <br />sample points were located in the field and flagged. L.ootions of all sample sRes used in 2003 sampling <br />efforts are indicated on Map Vi. <br />Once a selected grid point was located in the field, ground cover sampling transacts were always <br />oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while <br />facilitating sampling effidency. This orientation protocol folows that which is indicated on Figure V-1. <br />Depending on logistics, timing, and access points to the target sampling area, the field crew would <br />ocpsionally layout a set of points akxrg coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse <br />• order. However, orientation protocol was always maintained (i.e. in the direction of the next point to be <br />physically sampled). If the boundary of an area was encountered before reaching the full length of a <br />Ceorut Creeerc Assocut~, Irre Page 3 F~dritd[ s - aok+rie WRDA vegetation survey <br />