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I. Introduction <br />This data has been collected in support of an application for release of liability for the <br />19.6 acre mined area north of County Road 120 within the permit azea of the La Plata No. <br />1 Mine (Colorado Division of Minerals and Geology permit C-1989-074). This <br />document depicts data collected during the summer of 2002. The 2002 vegetative <br />sampling was required and performed by the Division of Minerals and Geology to release <br />liability by ascertaining that the reclaimed mine area's vegetation has been successfully <br />re-established and reclaimed. Vegetation sampling was performed in compliance with <br />Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board Surface Coal Mining Rules 2.04.10 and 4.15 <br />and current botanical and ~lant ecological methods. Field sampling was conducted <br />during the week of July 29` by the Division of Minerals and Geology's Coal Program <br />employees. <br />II. Methods <br />Timing <br />Field sampling was performed from July 29s' to August 2"d, 2002. This time period <br />coincided with maximum vegetative growth potential and development of the majority of <br />plant species found in both the native vegetation community and the reclaimed area to be <br />evaluated. Vegetation sampling locations, dates, and methods were determined, <br />approved, and performed by the Division of Minerals and Geology prior to fieldwork. <br />Sampling Design <br />Before fieldwork commenced, the permit document, amendments to the permit, baseline <br />data, any prior sampling data, applicable maps, and aerial photographs were reviewed to <br />evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, and <br />applicable revegetation standards. <br />A 1:1200 scale (1"=100') map of the reclaimed mine site (Figure 1, Mine Facilities) was <br />used to delineate the sampling area within the former permit azea. A Cartesian grid was <br />overlaid upon the reclaimed area and sample sites were established using random <br />methods. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of x,y <br />coordinates. Twenty random sample locations were initially established for the reclaimed <br />area. However, twenty-seven random locations were necessary to achieve cover sample <br />adequacy. Sample locations were evaluated to ensure representative sampling over the <br />entire reclaimed area. Sample sites were located in the field through pacing from known <br />landmarks on aerial photographs. Figure 1 illustrates the location of the sample point <br />locations. <br />2 <br />