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• 2.05.4(2)(e)(vi) The 1963 vegetation study employed the line intercept method to measure the cover on the mine reference areas. Since 1983, the use of an optical point frame has become more widespread and preferred in reclaimed communities such as that which exists at the mine site. Rule 4.15.7(1) states that "Consistency in sampling methodology shall be required in comparisons between the reclaimed area and undisturbed areas". It is unlikely that the operator will sample the reclaimed area during the Phase III process using the line intercept method. Instead, the .point intercept method will most likely be employed. As the similarity in their names implies, the two methods are conceptually consistent. Both are more objective than ocular estimation techniques, and both are based on counting or measuring how often a span or series of points intercept vegetation on the ground when viewed from above (and perpendicular to the ground). Both methods are acceptable as far as the DMG's Guidelines for Compliance with Land Use and Vegetation Requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board for Coal Mining, October, 1988 is concerned. When done properly, both methods are expected to give similar results, though the optical point frame can be expected to be more precise and, therefore more desirable. Thus, either method should be able to be employed • during Phase III bond release procedures to determine if the reclaimed areas have a non-noxious perennial vegetative cover exceeding 908 of the accepted technical standard of 238. Should the optical point intercept technique be employed during cover sampling, methods will be as follows. Point sitings will be made using an optical point frame and will be located along a 25 meter transect stretched out either northwest, northeast, southwest, or southeast of the sample location (the direction will be randomly selected from the four possibilities). The 50 points per transect (one point at each half meter interval) will comprise a single sample unit. Cover will be identified by species, or as rock, litter, or bare ground. For the purposes of estimating total vegetative cover, only first hit data will be used. If the operator opts to use the line intercept technique, methods will follow those described in the Appendix F. • 133a (Rev. 6-28-96)