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2.2.2.1 Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An oculaz point <br />frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimise instrument error and maximize precision <br />and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data <br />points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transact on opposite sides of the transact <br />centerline, 1.Sm apart. Transact direction was established randomly through use of <br />computer generated random compass directions. Tn no event were transacts allowed to <br />extend within ten feet of the reclaimed area boundary to minimize impacts from "edge <br />effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transact (comprising 50 data points) served as a <br />sample unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below <br />the instrument), cryptogams, bare ground, rock, or litter, Subsequent "hits" on vegetation <br />were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant species. <br />The first interception was used to calculate total cover values. Additional interceptions <br />' were used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species and lifeforms. The <br />quantitative cover data also provided the basis for analysis of species composition. <br />2.2.2.2 Species Composition <br />Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data. <br />While not a revegetation success criterion for the Eastside Mine, relative cover <br />information provides a basis for evaluation of the importance of each encountered plant <br />species and lifeform, for evaluation of the overall success of revegetation, and to <br />demonstrate establishment of aself-perpetuating stable vegetation community. <br />2.2.3 Sample Numbers/Sample Adequacy <br />For the purposes of this study, total vegetation cover sampling was undertaken to sample <br />adequacy in the reclaimed area. Fifteen samples were initially collected in the reclaimed <br />area, and the calculated minimum sample size was three (3) this year. Parameter testing <br />occurred at the 90% confidence level. Comparisons between sample mean pazameter <br />values assume that the sample mean value accurately represents the population mean in <br />all cases. The following formula was used for sample adequacy calculations: <br />(t~ (s~ <br />nmin - ---------------- <br />(d Xbaz)2 <br />where: nmin =minimum sample size <br />s =sample standard deviation <br />t =the Student's t distribution value at the 90% level (one-sided) <br />d =percent acceptable deviation from the mean (10%) <br />Xbaz =sample mean <br />Fastside Goal Compagy Fastside Mine Page 3 <br />2006 Vegetation Sampling Report <br />