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• Within each reclamation unit identified in the Peabody Scope of Work, the Peabody-specified <br />number of samples were located randomly using numbered grid cells and random numbers <br />generated by computer. The Peabody-assigned numbers of samples for a given parameter in a <br />given area reflected previously experienced variability in reclamation of that age and <br />reclamation area or the importance of knowing the quantitative level in a given aged area (ie. <br />production in the 2-year old reclamation is not as informative as in older areas, so fewer <br />samples were appropriate in the younger areas). On the other hand, the desire to have finer <br />estimation of mean values in areas experiencing grazing and in the reference areas that provide <br />control data necessitated larger sample sizes. Finally, in the shrub planting areas monitored in <br />1992, the number of samples rather directly reflected the size of the area to be sampled. <br />Grid cell size was 200 feet x 200 feet. The numbered grid cells were placed contiguously on a <br />1 inch = 400 feet scale aerial photograph showing reclamation areas to be sampled. Each <br />random number indicated a grid cell in the middle of which a sample point was placed on the <br />map. These sample points were located as accurately as possible in the field. Final location of <br />production quadrats was accomplished by a blind throw of the sampling hoop; cover and density <br />sample transects were located and oriented using a blind throw of a meter stick. <br />• Cover Sampling <br />Cover data were collected using a point intercept method in which data are tabulated as <br />interceptions of a point with;Plant species, soil, litter, or rock. The point was optically <br />projected using aCover-Point Model 3, developed by ESCO Associates, Inc. The sample was <br />taken at a randomly located and randomly oriented 50 m transect. The numbers of cover <br />transects that were placed in each reclaimed area or reference area were as follows: <br />Reclaimed Area Number of Transects <br />1985 Wadge 1 0 <br />1985 Wolf Creek 1 0 <br />1988 Wadge 2 0 <br />1988 Wolf Creek 1 0 <br />1990 Wadge 1 5 <br />1990 Wolf Creek 1 5 <br />• 2 <br />