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VEGETATION SAMPLING FOR 2003 <br />METHODS <br />Vegetative sampling was conducted on June 17 through June 20, 2003. Two reclaimed area units (East Pit <br />and Barren Ridge/Revision 1) and one reference area (Dryland) were sampled separately. Sampling was <br />conducted for vegetative cover, herbaceous production, and species diversity. Transect locations for the <br />year 2003 sampling event are provided on Figm-e 1. <br />Vegetative cover on the Dryland Reference Area and the two reclaimed areas was sampled using 50- <br />meter point-intercept transects that were randomly located and oriented within each sampling area (see <br />Figure l). Transect locations or orientations that resulted in overlap of previous transects or the sampling <br />area boundary were randommly redirected prior to the point of overlap. Sample locations and orientation <br />were determined by overlaying a grid over a map of the sampling units, generating a random number <br />table for X and Y values and orientation, and plotting them onto the map. The distance and bearing from <br />known reference points, such as trees, fence corners, or road intersections, were then measured on the <br />map and paced-off while following a compass. At each transect location, a 50-meter tape was oriented <br />toward the randomly determined direction. Two sampling points, one meter apart, on both sides of the <br />transect were sampled at one meter intervals, resulting in 100 sample points per transect. Each <br />corresponding sample point was determined by projection of the ocular sight (Cover-Point Optical Point <br />Projection Device, Model 2) vertically downward and physically recording all mammer of "first hits". The <br />"first-hits" were recorded as rock, bare ground, litter, or live vegetation. Live vegetation was further <br />classified to genus and species. <br />The live vegetative "fast-hits" were used to calculate total vegetative cover for each transect according to <br />Equation 1. <br />(1) <br />Total Vegetative Cover = <br />Number of Hits on Vegetation <br />x 100 <br />Total Number of Points <br />Mean vegetative cover for each area was the mean value for all transects in that area. <br />The diversity of plant species in each area was evaluated using data acquired from the point-intercept <br />transects. Data from the transects was used to determine the relative cover of each species detected <br />(Equation 2). <br />(2) <br />Relative Cover of Species X = ~ Cover of Species X <br />Total Vegetative Cover <br />Production was determined by hand clipping BJree separate one-half square meter quadrats along each 50- <br />meter cover transect at meter-nmarks 13, 29, and 45. Quadrat placement was randomly selected prior to <br />submittal of the approved sampling protocol. Additionally, the first production quadrat on each transect <br />was not clipped until after the cover sample-point along that portion of the transect was taken Vegetation <br />was clipped and separated by life-fornm (peremnial grass, aJmua] grass, perennial forb, undesiJable <br />perennial forb, annual forb, and biennial forb). Clipped vegetation was initially separated and weighed to <br />053-Chimney Rock_PH3BOND_2003_(Jan.22.04)a A-1 <br />