Laserfiche WebLink
2.3 Study Area Definition <br />The study area for the vegetation inventory was defined as those lands <br />• containing the proposed surface disturbance and an ample buffer area <br />consisting of approximately 280 acres (Flap 1). Although not required by CMLRD <br />regulations, a larger area was included in the vegetation sampling rather <br />than just areas were surface disturbance was contemplated. This study plan <br />allowed for more flexibility in engineering planning, area disturbance and a <br />broader vegetation database from which to base conclusions. <br />Reference areas were not selected because as previously stated in the <br />1983 permit, suitable reference areas could not be located. Therefore an <br />artificial revegetation success standard was proposed and accepted by the <br />Regulatory Authority. <br />2.4 Sample Design <br />Sample locations were chosen by gridding a map (scale: 1"=500') with <br />north - south and east - west lines, and randomly plotting points obtained <br />from an HP25 calculator random numbers generator program. Points were <br />located in the field by pacing from a known location. All points were <br />generated before any samples were taken. <br />2.5 Time of Sampling ~ <br />All plots were sampled during the second week of July, 1986. <br />2.6 Plot Size and Shape <br />• Cover and production data were obtained using a 1/2 x 2m rectangular <br />quadrat in the mixed shrub vegetation type and a 1 x lm quadrat in the <br />oakbrush type. Woody plant density was determined using a 1 x lOm quadrat in <br />both vegetation types. <br />2.7 Measurements <br />Thirty plots were randomly selected in each vegetation type to be <br />affected for the collection of cover and production data. Measurement of <br />cover was obtained by ocular estimation of total overstory vegetation, <br />litter (standing and ground), rock (greater than 2cm ), bare ground and <br />individual species to the nearest whole percent. Herbaceous species <br />(excluding shrubs, trees and succulents) within the plot were then clipped <br />and bagged separately, oven-dried at 105°C and weighed to the nearest tenth <br />of a gram. <br />Density measurements for shrubs and trees were obtained at 10 quadrats <br />within each vegetation type to be affected. All shrub and tree species with <br />heights greater than 5 in. tall and rooted within the quadrat were tallied <br />and recorded. <br />2.8 Data Analysis <br />Vegetation cover was computed as the mean percent overstory cover of <br />• all species in all plots within each area. Total cover was computed as the <br />mean percent of overstory vegetation plus litter plus rock in all plots <br />within each inventory area. <br />