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<br />METHODS <br />Quantitative Sampling -General: <br />All methods employed during the 1991 study were repeated in 1992. Methods <br />follow those outlined on page 50 of the 1987 Findings Document. In accordance with <br />the Findings Document, a minimum of 10 cover transects and 25 production plots were <br />collected over the reclaimed surface. Samples were collected until adequacy (with 90% <br />statistical confidence) was reached for both parameters. <br />Sample locations used in the 1991 study were used again in 1992. Sample <br />locations were selected randomly from within the reclaimed surface and were <br />determined in the field through the use of compass and pacing. The approximate <br />• locations of sample points are designated nn the enclosed map. Cover transects <br />originated from marked sample locations. Five production plots were randomly located <br />along the length of the 25 meter transects. <br />Total Herbaceous Cover: <br />Total herbaceous cover was estimated using an optical point frame developed by <br />ESCO Associates. ]n accordance with page 50 of the ]987 Findings Document, point <br />si[ings were located along a 25 meter transect stretched out either northwest, northeast, <br />southwest, or southeast of the sample location (the direction was randomly selected <br />from among the four possibilities). The 50 points per transect (one point at each halt <br />meter interval) comprised a single sample unit. Cover was identified by plant species, <br />or as rock, litter, or bare ground. For [he purposes of estimating total herbaceous <br />• cover, only tirst hit data was used. <br />2 <br />