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r~ <br />u <br />2.0 METHODS <br />2.1 Vegetation Mapping <br />A plant ecologist conducted a reconnaissance of the entire project <br />site end selected mapping units based upon vegetation structure end species <br />dominance. Black and white photography was used to precisely delineate the <br />boundaries of each vegetation type upon a photographic base map at a scale <br />of 1":400'. Extensive field reconnaissance was used to verify the boundaries <br />of the mapping units. <br />2.2 Affected Area Sampling Design <br />Cover, production, end density sampling was confined to areas of pro- <br />posed disturbance. See Figure 3.1-1. All sample sites were locatetl by a <br />random process. A grid system was constructed over a vegetation map of the <br />areas of proposed disturbance. Coordinates Ix, yl were determined Dy a <br />random number generator end used to locate a set number of sample points <br />within each sample unit. Thus, the required number of sample points was <br />generated. <br />Each sample point was located in the field Through the aid of a compass, <br />• USGS map, and pacing where necessary. Range cages were not usetl as there <br />was no potential for domestic livestock grazing. <br />2.3 Reference Area Selection <br />• <br />Reference area establishment was coortlinated with regulatory agencies. <br />See Section 2.9. A reference area was set up for the Pinyon-Juniper Wood- <br />land vegetation type. This reference Brea was selected following the <br />completion antl analysis of cover data for the affectetl vegetation types. <br />This procedure permitted the integration of cover data into the reference <br />area selection process. Factors considered in the location and selection of <br />representati-ve reference sites included similarity of vegetation antl habitat <br />of the reference area compared to the affected area. Important vegetation <br />factors evaluated were vegetation structure, composition, end species dominance <br />as expressed by cover, production, end density. Prominent abiotic habitat <br />factors included soil type, topography, slope, and aspect. <br />Following collection and analysis of data the comparability of reference <br />areas end analogous effected areas was evaluated statistically for cover <br />end production with the formula <br />x x <br />_ _ s, s= <br />- n, nx <br />-2- <br />