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5. A random number generator will be used to select the coordinates for each sample site. If the coordinate falls outside of the sampling area, a new coordinate will be generated. Reclamation Area 41 will have 50 random coordinate intersections and the reference area will have 30 (Figure 2). Transact Location Each 50 meter transect will start at a given coordinate intersection and travel in a randomly generated compass direction. In Area 41, transect direction will be randomly selected from one of 4 compass points to cross the shrub strips at 45 degrees. In the reference azea, transect direction will be randomly selected from one of 8 compass points, N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and NE (Figure 2). Ground Cover Ground cover will be collected at five-meter intervals along each 50 meter transect. Ground cover at each sample point will be determined using the point-intercept methodology utilizing a 1 meter `9aser point bar" as illustrated on Figure 1. This methodology is identical to a standazd `din-type" 10-point frame. However, the use of the "laser point bar" facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable and precise ground cover data possible. At each ve-meter interval, a laser 10-point frame will be set perpendicular to the transect. The `9aser point bar" will be situated horizontally above the ground surface and a set of 10 readings recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock or bare soil. Beam angle will be set at an angle previously established by TMCC. Hits will be determined at each meter interval by activating a series of 10 low-energy (0.5mW), 635nM-wavelength lasers situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable intercepted by each of the narrow (0.020' focused beams (Figure 1). In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per transect will be recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per point intercept. page Z Habitat Management, Inc. June 16, 1998