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~. SAMPLING METHODOLOGY <br />MAPPING <br />A map of the study area at 1:1200 scale (I"=100') was constructed from aerial <br />photography to delineate the study area in 1996 (Savage and Savage, 1996). On a <br />gridded overlay of the map, a Cartesian coordinate grid (10x10 feet) was established. <br />Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of random x,y <br />coordinates. Fifty random sample locations were established within the study area. <br />Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from <br />known landmarks. Transect orientation was randomly determined by a spinner. Figure <br />1 illustrates the 1997 vegetation sample transect locations in the study area. <br />FIELD SAMPLING <br />Timing <br />Vegetation sampling was conducted June 25 and 26, 1997. This time period coincided <br />with maximum biomass development of the majority of plant species and occurred <br />during or immediately afrer anthesis of the majority of herbaceous flowering species. <br />Herbaceous production sampling occurred prior to significant drying of graminoid and <br />forb species. The historic record study area has been fenced since August 1996, to <br />exclude grazing by domesticated livestock. Evidence of winter elk grazing was found <br />within the study area. Light grazing by horses occurs adjacent to the study area and <br />other cleazed areas on the terrace. - <br />Vegetation Sampling <br />Four vegetation parameters were sampled to evaluate the vegetative condition of the <br />study area. Vegetation cover, total herbaceous production, species composition, and <br />woody plant numbers were the parameters for which quantitative data were collected <br />from the historic record vegetation community in 1997. <br />Ve~tation 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, 1.5m apart. Transect direction was established randomly. In <br />no event were transects allowed to extend within ten feet of the study area boundary to <br />minimize impacts from "edge effect." <br />_~ <br />