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4-35 <br />4.5.1 Methods <br />• 4.5.1.1 Vegetation Mapping <br />A plant ecologist conducted a reconnaissance of the area <br />proposed for addition to the permit area and selected mapping <br />units based upon vegetation structure and species dominance. <br />Color photography was used to precisely delineate the boundaries <br />of each vegetation type upon a USGS base map at a scale of <br />1" = 400'. Extensive field reconnaissance was employed to <br />verify the boundaries of the mapping units. <br />4.5.1.2 Affected Area Sampling Design <br />Quantitative sampling for vegetation cover, production, and <br />density was confined to an area surrounding proposed distur- <br />bances (See Figure 4.5-15). All sample sites were located by <br />a random process. A grid system was constructed over a vege- <br />tation map of the areas surrounding proposed disturbances. <br />Coordinates (x,y) were determined by a random number generator <br />and used to locate a set number of sample points within each <br />• sample unit. Thus, the required number of sample points was <br />generated. <br />Each sample point was located in the field through the aid of <br />a compass, USGS map, and pacing where necessary. Range cages <br />were not used as there was no potential for domestic livestock <br />grazing. <br />4.5.1.3 Measurements <br />4.5.1.3.1 Collection and Analysis of Cover Data <br />Cover was estimated using a point-intercept method along randomly <br />located and oriented transects (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg <br />1974) 50 meters in length. During 1980, paired points were <br />sampled at each 5 meter interval for a total of 20 points per <br />transect. Each paired point was 0.75 meter from and perpendicular <br />to the transect. During 1981, points were taken once every meter <br />• along the 50 meter transect for a total of 50 points per transect. <br />