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• Sampling consisted of measuring and recording the length of all the current year's growth <br />above the metal tag on the designated stem in the fall. The same shoot (stem) was measured <br />again in the spring. By comparing the fall and subsequent spring measurement the amount of <br />growth consumed during the winter was determined, expressed as percent utilization. <br />comparison of fall measurements and winter utilization values over a period of years indicate <br />the average amount of annual growth and use, respectively, and the [rends (increase or <br />decrease)in both parameters. <br />Data from the intensive browse transects are shown in Table 1, Intensive Browse Transects. <br />Extensive browse transects were placed in known high-use areas on the site to supplement <br />the intensive transect data on deer and elk winter use. By sampling the known high-use areas <br />over a number of years, the browse utilization in these key wintering areas could be more <br />accurately estimated. Each extensive transect consisted of 50 stations. Since these were <br />randomly selected each spring, the same plants were usually not evaluated from year to year. <br />Data from the extensive browse transects are set forth in Table 33, Extensive Browse <br />Transects. <br />The investigator would walk ten paces, select the plant nearest his left or right foot and <br />determine: first the condition of the plant (vigorous down to decadent) and second the <br />amount of the current available growth (estimated) has been utilized to the nearest 10%. <br />After 50 shrubs have been evaluated, the average percent utilization of each recorded species <br />is calculated. <br />The pellet group studies were conducted to determine the average daily use of browse species <br />by season (expressed as days use per acre) and the percentage breakdown of utilization by <br />deer, elk and cattle. Pellet group counts were conducted at each station on the intensive <br />transects on lines paralleling the extensive transects, and in addition at two separate locations <br />in the habitat improvement areas. There were ten pellet group plots or stations in each <br />intensive transect. The pellet group plot transects consisted of 25 stations approximately 100 <br />feet apart. Each pellet group plot was a circular area with an 11-foot 9-inch radius. <br />~-~ <br />U <br />2.04. I I -4 <br />