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f ~ -~ ,~~ lII~111 nT(IIIJI S~ If I111S114M f/IPI II11 Rockcastle Coal Company Grassy Creek Mines Sampling for Revegetation Success The permit application states that revegetation success will be determined by reference area comparison. A single reference area in the sagebrush vegetation type (sagebrush Site #17), which was established as par[ of the original vegetation baseline study, has been designated to be used for comparison to reclaimed areas. The application provides for revegetation success criteria for tots] vegetation cover, herbaceous production, and species diversity. The species diversity criterion is based on a technical standard using relative importance values derived from vegetation cover data, and does not involve a reference area comparison. Five reclaimed pits (Pit nos. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6) and the reference area will be sampled. Herbaceous vegetation production will be determined by harvesting meter-square quadrats as described in the vegetation baseline section of the permit application. It is proposed, however, to employ line-point transects for determining to[a] vegetaoon cover instead of using quadrats as was done in the original vegetation baseline survey. The line-point method is preferred by the Division and is generally thought to be more objective and repeatable. Each transect will be comprised of 50 points or "hits." A minimum of ten cover transects and production quadrats will be sampled in each azea. All sample sites will be randomly located using a suitable map or aerial photograph. A grid will be overlain on each sampled area and random numbers used to select coordinates of sites to be sampled. In addition, ttansect directions will be randomly determined. Sample adequacy for production and cover will be determined separately for each area using the sample adequacy formula given in the Division's vegetarion guideline. In no instance, however, will more than fifty quadrats or trartsects be sampled in any one area. Separate statistical comparisons of total vegetation cover and herbaceous production will be made between the reference area and each pit. A double-tail t-test will be used in accordance with the Division's guideline. In addition, relative importance calculations will be made based on vegetation cover data for each pit to de[ermine u the species diversity criterion has been met. Field data will be tabulated and summarized in a written report. The report will also include a table showing which revegetation success criteria have been met or not met for each pit.