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<br />sampling methodology from that used in the baseline study to determine <br />revegetation success. As part of the Phase II bond release, planned for prior to the <br />fifth yeaz, the reclaimed areas will be sampled for absolute cover to determine if <br />the reclaimed community has achieved the 90 % cover success standard. <br />Quantitative sampling will take place in the ninth and tenth years after seeding <br />reclaimed surfaces if a Phase III bond release is warranted at that point. The <br />methods suggested reflect the methodology in the DMGBond Release Guideline <br />(guideline Regarding Selected Coal Mine Bond Release Issues, April 18, 1995. It <br />is understood that the operator may make changes to this suggested methodology <br />in coordination with DMG prior to the beginning of sampling. <br />The weighted average method outlined in Rule 4.15.7(4)(b) will be utilized to <br />compare the reference areas and the revegetated areas in evaluating cover and <br />production. Thus, three sampling units will be sampled when the reclaimed areas <br />aze mapped as both juniper woodland and mountain shrubland. The reclaimed area <br />will comprise a single unit, and each reference community will also be a sample <br />unit. Within each sample unit, sample placement will be either on a simple random <br />or a proportional allocation design. A minimum of 10 samples will be collected in <br />each reference area while at least 15 samples will betaken in the reclaimed area. <br />Samples will be collected in each sample unit until sample adequacy is reached. <br />Sample locations will be drawn randomly from a gridded map of the areas to be <br />sampled and then located in the field through the use of a compass and pacing. <br />Total Vegetative Cover: <br />Total vegetative cover will be estimated using either an optical point frame or a <br />mechanical point frame. Point sitings will be located at regular intervals along a 25 <br />meter (or smaller) transect stretched in a random direction from the sample <br />location. Because of the small sizes of the reclaimed areas, 25 meter or smaller <br />transects are recommended. Fifty data points will be sampled per transect, <br />comprising a single sample unit for the purposes of sample adequacy calculations. <br />Cover will be identified by species, or as rock, litter, or bare ground. For the <br />purposes of estimating total vegetative cover, only first hit data will be used. Only <br />hits 4 feet and lower will be collected in both the reclaimed and reference area as <br />allowed on page 7 of the DMG Vegetation Guidelines (Guidelines for Compliance <br />with Land Use and Vegetation Requirements of the Colorado Mined Land <br />Reclamation Board for Coal Mining; October, 1988.). Sample adequacy <br />calculations will be based on total vegetative cover. Compazisons between <br />reclaimed and reference areas will be based on total non-noxious, perennial cover. <br />Noxious weed, annual, and biennial species cover will not be included in the <br />comparison. <br />Page 2 <br />