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• 2.0 SAMPLING METHODS <br />2.1 Sample Layout <br />The sample layout protocol Tor revegetation evaluations utilized at the Coal Ridge projed is a <br />procedure designed to better account for the heterogeneous expression of the revegetated area. By <br />design, the procedure is initiated randomly, and thereafter, samples are located in a systematic manner, <br />along grid coordinates spaced at fixed distances, e.g. 315 tt. x 158 ft. (see Fgure 1, lower left comer and <br />Map 1). In this manner, 'Ypresentation" from across the entire reclaimed area is 'Yorced" rather than <br />risking the chance that significant pockets are entirely missed, or overemphasized as often ocwrs with <br />simple random sampling. Sample site seledion within the extended reference area occurred in a similar <br />manner except grid dimensions were changed to 200 tt. x 200 tt. to compensate for the different area of <br />investigation. <br />The procedure for sample site location within the reclaimed area or reference area occurred as <br />foNows. Frst, a fixed point of reference that could be relocated from year to year was selected. This fixed <br />• reference point was the north side of the point where the main road exits the permit area to the east (See <br />Map 1). The fixed reference point for the reference azea was the southernmost curve in the two-track <br />road (See Map 2). Second, a systematic grid of appropriate dimensions was selected to provide <br />approximately 10 or 15 coordinate intersections within each sampling unit (as appropriate), that could <br />then be used for sample sites. Third, a scaled, computer generated representation of the selected grid <br />was overlain on a computer generated map of the area utilizing north-south and east-west compass <br />points which could be easily established in the field. The reference area orientation was 20° left of north- <br />south and east-west to approximately match the terrain. Initial placement of the grid for each sample unit <br />was controlled by the fourth step, selection of a pair of random numbers to fadlitate location of the initial <br />coordinate point. Frfth, utilizing a hand held surveying compass and hip-chain (or pacing techniques) all <br />sample points were located in the field and flagged. Where an excess number of grid coordinates <br />occurred, those over the initial minimum requirement were randomly selected for elimination, unless <br />added back in reverse order where additional samples were deemed necessary', The locations of all <br />sample sites for 2000 are indicated on Maps 1 and 2. <br />-Two sample points in the irrigated hayland were deemed untenable as they ocwrred within the main irrigation ditch <br />and were not representative of the overall type. These are the two sites immediately south of sample points 10 and <br />11 e#tibned on Map 1. <br />Qa>m~ ¢76'i7CS nom, ruc. Page 5 NCIG -Coal Rldys tr - Phase N Bond Release Eraluatlon <br />