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VEGETATION SCOPE OF WORK FOR COLLOM PROJECT <br />1.0 INTRODUCTION <br />Cedar Creek Associates, Inc. (Cedar Creek) was requested to evaluate the vegetation resources <br />(plant communities) within and adjacent to the potential disturbance boundaries of the proposed Collom <br />Project Area in accordance with Rule 2.04.10 of the Colorado Revised Rules and Regulations. Most of this <br />proposed new disturbance occurs within an approximate 13,600-acre study area. Adjacent mapping <br />indicated that eight plant communities occur within this vegetation study area. Preliminary surveys <br />verified this finding, however, modification to previously observed boundaries will be necessary prior to <br />finalization of the vegetation study. Communities identified are: Sagebrush, Grassland, Mountain Brush, <br />Juniper Scrub, Aspen, Bottomland, Cropland, and Wetland. <br />In accordance with Rule 2.04.10 as well as 4.15 subsections 7 - 10 of the Colorado Revised Rules, <br />and pursuant to agreements reached during phone conversations with Ms. Sandy Brown and Ms. Janet <br />Binns of the Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology (June, 2005), vegetation studies will be initiated. <br />Field sampling for the directly measurable variables of ground cover, production, and woody plant density <br />as well as an indirect determination of species composition (diversity), will be systematically conducted <br />within seven of the eight communities occupying the proposed disturbance area as well as reference <br />areas to be established for these types. (The one exception, Wetlands, will be sampled /delineated <br />pursuant to Corps of Engineers guidelines.) Per agreement with CDMG personnel, determination of <br />woody plant density will be for informational purposes only (not used for statistical comparisons) as <br />revegetation success standards for this variable will be established to address final bond and liability <br />release issues. As such, collection of statistically adequate samples for this variable will not be necessary <br />as will be the case for cover and production. <br />Sampling will be conducted from mid-July to mid-August, 2005 by and/or under the direct <br />supervision of Cedar Creek's Sr. Range Ecologist, Mr. Steven R. Viert, or Plant Ecologist, Mr. Erik M. Mohr. <br />In addition to quantitative efforts, current conditions at the time of sampling will be documented by <br />photograhy to provide a visual demonstration of site-conditions at the time of sampling. <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, INC. Page 1 Collom Vegetation Methodology <br />