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1 <br /> <br />2.0 METHODS <br />' 2.1 VEGETATION TYPE DELINEATION AND MAPPING <br />' A plant ecologist conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the permit <br />area to identify vegetation mapping units. Vegetation types were <br />segregated according to species dominance and vegetation structure. <br />t Map unit boundaries were delineated cn a topographic base map of a <br />1" = 200' scale through on-the-ground visual observations. <br /> The vegetation map illustrates the permit area, the affected area, <br /> and vegetation map unit boundaries )see Figure 11. Acreages of each <br /> map unit in the permit and affected areas were measured with a polar <br /> planimeter. <br />' <br /> 2.2 SAMPLE DESIGN <br />' Two vegetation types are affected by mining operations. However, <br /> because extensive mining has already occurred, the areas of each vege- <br />' Cation type within the permit area )exclusive of those ;•ites yet To be <br />mined) was sam <br />led as reference areas <br /> p <br />. <br /> Cover, production, and woody stem density data were recorded for <br /> both vegetation types in the perrt~it area. Cover, production, and <br /> density sample sites were all at the same randomly located point. <br /> A grid scaled to 200 ft by 200 ft was established on The vegetation <br /> map in the sample areas of each vegetation type. Pairs of random <br /> numbers were used as Cartesian coordinates to locate Sample points <br /> in each vegetation type. Sample points were located in the field by <br /> use of a contour map and pacing where necessary. All sampling parameters <br />were located at the same point. <br /> <br />t 2.3 COVER SAMPLING <br /> Vegetation cover was estimated using a point-intercept method <br />~ along randomly located and oriented transects )Mueller-Dombois and <br />, Ellenberg 1974). fifty data points were sampled along a 50 m transect. <br /> Paired points were located en opposite sides of the transect, at 2 m <br /> intervals and 0.5 m from the the transect line. For purposes of evaluat- <br /> ing statistical adequacy, each transect li.e., fifty data points) <br /> comprised one "sample." <br />' A~siting device was rigidly mounted on an adjustable tripod to <br />assist in vertical orientation and point stabilization. The siting <br />device was equipped with fine cross-hairs to facilitate precise point <br />' definition. At each sample point, the first hit or interception along <br />a vertical projection (upward first if over story vegetation was present) <br />was recorded as vegetation Iby species), rock, soil, or litter. Vegetation <br />_2_ <br />1 <br />