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determine whether enough samples were taken. This analysis graphs the number of quadrats against the running <br />average. Initially the peaks and valleys of the running average aze often dramatic, but as more samples are taken the <br />curve begins to flatten around the mean. Although there is no definite point when the curve is flat enough, it <br />becomes readily apparent in the graph when the variations aze no longer of any great significance. That point, plus <br />or minus a few quadrats, is the point at which additional sampling does not produce additional information that has <br />any particulaz value. Graphs for all sample transects are included in this partial bond release request so the Division <br />can see how the running average varied along the length of the transect. <br />Analytical methods for bottomland vegetation analysis: In conducting this portion of the reclamation <br />adequacy analysis, the wetland mitigation units were examined first along with adjacent non-mitigation wetland <br />vegetation. That provided a baseline for what should occur in the wetland development in other bottomland sites. <br />Cover is not very meaningful in welland analysis because more often than not the cover in wetlands is at least 80% <br />and very often 100%, not counting water surface. More important than cover aze the species present and their <br />distribution with respect to topographic variations as it influences hydrologic characteristics. Also important aze <br />other indicators such as the development of hydric soils as evidenced by the formation of blackish mucks and <br />sometimes a sulphurous odor to the muck or other soils. These all indicate the development of redox zones in the <br />soil which, when combined with the presence of obligate wetland species, indicates the development of at least an <br />immature wetland habitat. <br />Also important to bottomland reclamation is the rate of invasion of native woody species in appropriate <br />areas. Because this land is grazed, cottonwood will have a hard time becoming established as the cattle tend to eat <br />it. But other woody plants, particularly obligate wetland willows, often invade in considerable abundance and are <br />not eaten so often by cattle. <br />In conclusion, the bottomland reclamation sites need to be examined on a different basis than the more <br />typical upland revegetation where extent of cover is the primary parameter. A similar extent of cover in <br />bottomlands is comparatively easy to accomplish without actually sampling; the real question in bottomland <br />revegetation is whether the vegetation is developing into a typical streamside and streambed vegetation <br />chazacteristic of that drainage. <br />Upland Revegetation Unit: North Reclamation Area <br />The North Reclamation area is a rather large area and the oldest parcel of land that has been reclaimed. <br />The area forms a shallow Swale with its long dimension extending along a SSE to NNW heading. As shown on the <br />map, its length is about three to four times the width. The bottom slopes very gently to the north. The east and west <br />slopes average very neazly a 4: I with a few locations approaching 3:1 and a few others more gradual than 4:1. On <br />the whole the vegetation is quite uniform. Weed problems are very few. Some natives have invaded throughout the <br />azea from adjacent natural vegetation and locally the invasion is rather strong. <br />Reclamation Status -Coal Creek Resources M-1988-044 August 2002 Page 3 of 10 <br />