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' V. SAMPLING METHODOLOGY <br /> <br /> AGENCY COORDINATION <br /> On July 2, 1996, Michael Savage met with Mr. Larry Routten of CDMG to discuss <br /> development of historic record revegetation success criteria at the West Elk Mine. <br />' Based on a review of the proposed historic record concept for the West Elk Mine, <br /> CDMG endorsed the historic record proposal in concept. CDMG suggested further <br /> discussion on selection of the historic record area (the selection process was detailed <br /> earlier), determination of specific average parameters, characterization of climatic data, <br /> and management of grazing at the study azea. On July 23, 1996, CDMG, MCC, and <br />' Savage and Savage representatives met at the West Elk Mine to further discuss the <br /> historic record concept. During this meeting, the available locations for the historic <br /> record vegetation community were evaluated, and the remaining issues were addressed. <br /> Sampling of the historic record vegetation community occurred in August 1996 as did <br /> sampling of the historic record study area soils. The historic record concept and plan <br />' for development of the historic record revegetation success criteria were approved by <br />CDMG in a permit revision (PR07) <br /> . <br /> MAPPING <br /> Prior to initiation of field work, the permit document, aerial photos, and applicable <br /> maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, geology, soils, and large scale vegetation <br />' communities. A map of the study area at 1:1200 scale (1"=100') was constructed <br /> from aerial photography to delineate the study area and establish random sample point <br />' locations. On a gridded overlay of the map, a Caztesian coordinate grid (10x10 feet) <br /> was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of <br /> random x,y coordinates. Fifty random sample locations were established within the <br /> study area. Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and <br /> pacing from known landmarks. Transect orientation was randomly determined by a <br /> spinner. Figure 1 illustrates the 1996 vegetation and soil sample point locations in the <br />' study azea. <br /> FIELD SAMPLING <br /> Tuning <br />' Vegetation sampling was conducted August 6 and 7, 1996. This time period coincided <br /> with maximum biomass development of the majority of plant species and occurred <br /> during or immediately after anthesis of the majority of herbaceous flowering species. <br /> Herbaceous production sampling occurred prior to significant drying of graminoid and <br /> fort species. Soil sampling of the study area was conducted on August 1, 1996. Light <br />' grazing by horses has historically occurred in the study area and other cleazed areas on <br />' -8 <br />