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VEGETATION SAMPLING FOR 1998 <br />METHODS <br />Vegetative sampling was conducted on June 18, 19,and 20, 1998, and July 22 and 23, 1999. The <br />reclaimed area and the reference area were sampled separately. The reclaimed area was sampled <br />again on September 16, 1998. Sampling was conducted for vegetative cover, species diversity, <br />and herbaceous production. Transect locations for all areas sampled are provided on Figures A-2, <br />A-3, A-4, A-5 and A-6. <br />Vegetative cover was sampled using 25-meter point-intercept transects that were randomly located <br />and oriented within each sampling area. Transect locations or orientations that resulted in overlap <br />of previous transects or the sampling area boundary were randomly redirected prior to the point <br />of overlap. Sample locations and orientation were determined by overlaying a grid over a map <br />of the sample areas, generating a random number table for X and Y values, and plotting them onto <br />the map. The distance and bearing from known reference points, such as trees or fence corners, <br />were then measured on the map and paced-off while following a compass. At each transect <br />location, a 25-meter tape was oriented toward the randomly determined direction. Two sampling <br />points, one meter apart, on both sides of the transect were sampled at one meter intervals, <br />resulting in 50 sample points per transect. Each corresponding sample point was determined by <br />projection of the ocular sight (Cover-Point Optical Point Projection Device, Mode12) vertically <br />downward and physically recording all manner of "first hits". The "first-hits" were recorded as <br />rock, bare ground, litter, or live vegetation. Live vegetation was further classified to genus and <br />species. <br />The live vegetative "first-hits" were used to calculate total vegetative cover for each transect <br />according to Equation 1. <br />(1) <br />Total Veg. Cover = No. Hits on Vege[atron x 100 <br />Total No. of Points <br />Mean vegetative cover for each area was the mean value for all transects in that area. <br />I The diversity of plant species in each area was evaluated using data acquired from the point- <br />intercept transects. Data from the transects was used to determine the relative cover of each <br />species detected (Equation 2). <br />1 (Z) <br />' % Relative Cover of Species X = % Cover of Species X <br />Tota! Veg. Cover <br />bond.053~°5).1996\Sep~emhr 17, 1999 A-1 <br />