Laserfiche WebLink
2.2 FIELD SAMPLING <br />. 2.2.1 Timing <br />Field investigation was undertaken during the period August 18 through August 27, 2003. <br />This time period coincided with anthesis and maximum development of the majority of <br />plant species found in both the native vegetation community (Osgood sand reference azea) <br />and the reclaimed azeas at the mine site to be evaluated. Precipitation at the mine ranged <br />from slightly to greatly above average during October 2002 and February through May <br />2003. These conditions provided relatively ideal growth wnditions for cool season <br />species at the mine. Below average precipitation from June through August 2003 <br />provided less than ideal growing conditions for the warm season vegetation component. <br />2.2.2 Vegetation Cover <br />Vegetation cover was estimated by the use of the point-irnercept method. An octrlaz point <br />frame (ESCO Associates) was used to minimize instrument error and ma~»~ precision <br />and observer accuracy. Cover transects were 25 meters in length, with two sample data <br />points collected at 1.0 meter intervals along the transact on opposite sides of the transact <br />centerline, 1.Sm apart. Transact direction was established randomly through the use of <br />computer generated random directions (0-360°). In no event were traasects allowed to <br />extend within ten feet of reference or revegetated azea boundaries to min;m;~p impacts <br />from "edge effect." <br />• For statistical purposes, each cover transed (comprising 50 data points) served as a <br />sample unit. Data points recorded the fast vertical "hit" oa 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 first 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 />2.2.3 Herbaceous Production <br />Herbaceous production was estimated by the harvest method. One herbaceous production <br />plot was located and randomly oriented at the origin of each cover vansect. Additional <br />production plots were randomly located. Herbaceous production plots were 0.50 square <br />meters in azea. All current year above ground live herbaceous plant biomass was clipped <br />within the 0.50 squaze meter quadrat. Perennial grasses, annual grasses, and annual, <br />biennial, and perennial forts 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 O. lg. <br /> <br />Coots Energy Compargr Page 4 <br />2005 Revegetation Monkoring Raport <br />