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2.0 METHODS <br />2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN <br />Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the pemut document and applicable maps were reviewed <br />to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, and <br />applicable revegetation standards. Figures 2 and 3 depict the reclaimed azea at the <br />Eastside Mine that was sampled in 2006. <br />Map HGP-12 ("Surface Disturbance and Facilities") was used to delineate the area to be <br />sampled. On a gridded overlay of the map, a Cartesian coordinate grid 50x50 feet in <br />dimension was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish <br />a pool of random x,y coordinates. Fifteen initial random sample locations were <br />established within the reclaimed area. Sample locations were located in the field through <br />compass triangulation and pacing from known landmarks. Transect orientation was <br />deternvned by computer generated random compass directions (numbers from 0 to 360). <br />Figure 4 illustrates the 2006 vegetation sample transect locations at the mine site. <br />2.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br />' 2.2.1 Timing <br />Quantitative field investigations for vegetation cover and species composition were <br />undertaken during the period June 12-13, 2006. This time period coincided with anthesis <br />and maximum development of the majority of plant species found in the reclaimed area to <br />be evaluated. It was noted that while the azea received good moisture during the spring of <br />2006, current conditions are particulazly dry, resulting in few flowering structures present <br />in the cool season grass species. Forb species were noted to be producing both significant <br />foliage and flowering stmctures. Shrub species, while producing significant new shoot <br />growth, had not yet produced flower buds. <br />' 2.2.2 Vegetation Sampling <br />Within the reclaimed azea, total vegetation cover data by species were collected. As the <br />Eastside Mine was previously disturbed and not reclaimed to the current statutory <br />requirements, a final revegetation success standazd was established for the Eastside Mine, <br />' based on the authority in Rule 4.15.10. This final revegetation success criterion was <br />established at 35 percent vegetation cover. The value of the revegetation standazd was <br />based on the levels of vegetation cover of the two adjacent vegetation communities, <br />' pinyon juniper, with 37 percent vegetation cover, and the big sagebrush community, with <br />33 percent vegetation cover. The species comprising the reclamation seed mix for the <br />mine (Table 1) were lazgely derived from the herbaceous grass and forb species identified <br />' in the adjacent vegetation communities during baseline vegetation inventories. <br />Eastside Goal Comparry Eastside Mine Page 2 <br />2006 Vegetation Sampling Report <br />