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and observer accuracy. Cover ~transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data <br />points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transect on opposite sides of the transect <br />• centerline, 1.Sm apart. Transect direction was established randomly through the use of <br />computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were transects allowed to <br />extend within ten feet of reference or revegetated area boundaries to minimise impacts <br />from "edge effect." <br />For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a <br />sample unit. Data points recorded the firs[ vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below <br />the instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, litter, or cryptogamic crust. Subsequent "hits" <br />on vegetation were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual <br />plant species. The Srst interception was used to calculate total vegetation cover values. <br />Additional interceptions were used to calculate relative cover of individual plant species <br />and lifeforms. The quantitative cover data also provided the basis for calculation of <br />species composition and relative importance. <br />Herbaceous Productiou <br />Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous production <br />plot was located and randony oriented at the origin of each cover transect. Additional <br />production plots were randomly located. Herbaceous production plots were 0.50 squaze <br />meters in azea. All current yeaz above ground live herbaceous plant biomass was clipped <br />within the 0.50 square meter quadrat. Perennial grasses, annual grasses, and annual, <br />biennial, and perennial fortis were separated and reported by lifeform. Succulents, <br />• suffrutescent, and woody plants were not sampled. Production material was air dried until <br />weights varied by no more than 0.1 g. <br />Species Composition <br />Species composition information was derived from quantitative vegetation cover data. <br />Relative cover information provided a basis for evaluation of the importance of each <br />encountered plant species and lifeform and for comparison to the final revegetation <br />success criterion. <br />SAMPLE NUMBERS/SAMPLE ADEQUACY <br />For the purposes of this monitoring, set numbers of samples were established for the <br />pazameters to be sampled by Savage and Savage and Coors Energy Company. The <br />number of samples taken for each reclamation year was consistent with numbers agreed to <br />in the past by CDMG. In each revegetated azea, the size and number of parcels dictated <br />the total number of samples taken, as described above. <br />Since the purpose of this sampling was the monitoring of the vegetative condition at the <br />revegetated azeas of the mine and Osgood sand reference azea, sampling need not meet <br />sample adequacy requirements. Minimum sample sizes and standazd deviation aze <br />reported as an indication of variability of the sampled pazameters. Comparisons between <br />Coors EnergyComparry Page 4 <br />2002 Revegetation Monkoring Report <br />