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<br /> <br />. The Osgood Sand Reference Area was measured and mapped in the field, and a scaled <br />drawing of the reference area was drawn. On the scaled drawing, a Cartesian <br />coordinate grid (50x50 feet) was established. Sample sites were established using <br />random methods. Thirty random sample locations were initially established for the <br />reference area. Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation <br />•snd pacing from known iandmarks. Figure 2 illustrates sample point ]ocationsat the <br />Osgood Sand Reference Area. <br />FIELD SAMPLING <br />Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-intercept method. An ocular <br />point frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and maximize <br />precision and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two <br />sample data points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides <br />of the transect centerline, 1.Sm apart. Transect direction was established randomly. In <br />no event were transects allowed to extend within ten feet of reference or revegetated <br />area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a <br />•. sample unit. Data points recurded the fiat vertical "hit" on vegetation, soil, or litter <br />(above or below the instrument). Subsequent "hits' were also recorded. Cover data <br />was recorded and reported by individual plant species. The first interception was used <br />to calculate cover values, Additional interceptions were used to calculate relative cover <br />of individual plant species and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also provided the <br />basis for calculation of species composition/diversity. <br />Herbaceous Production <br />Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous <br />production plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover transect. <br />~ Additional production plots were randomly located. Herbaceous production plots were <br />0.25 square meters in azea. All current year above ground live herbaceous plant <br />biomass was clipped within the 0.25 square meter quadrat. Perennial grasses, annual <br />1 grasses, and annual, biennial, and perennial forbs were separated and reported by <br />lifeform. Succulents, suffrutescent, and woody plants were not sampled. Production <br />~ material was oven dried (105° C) until weights varied by no more than O.lg. <br />l~ ~: <br />J <br />_3.. <br />