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• The Osgood Sand Reference Area was measured and mapped in the field in 1994 by <br />Savage and Savage staff, and this scaled drawing of the reference area was used. On <br />the scaled drawing, a Cartesian coordinate grid (50x50 feet) was established. <br />Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of x,y coordinates. <br />Fifteen random sample locations were established for the reference area. Sample sites <br />were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known <br />landmarks. Figure 2 illustrates sample point locations at the Osgood Sand Reference <br />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 <br />through the use of a spinner. In no event were transects allowed to extend within ten <br />feet of reference or revegetated area boundaries to minimize impacts from "edge <br />effect." <br />• For statistical purposes, each cover transect (comprising 50 data points) served as a <br />sample unit. Data points recorded the first vertical "hit" on vegetation (above or below <br />the instrument), soil (bare ground), rock, or litter. Subsequent "hits" on vegetation <br />were also recorded. Cover data were recorded and reported by individual plant <br />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 />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 />0.50 square meters in area. All current year above ground live herbaceous plant <br />biomass was clipped within the 0.50 square meter quadrat. Perennial grasses, annual <br />grasses, and annual, biennial, and perennial forts were separated and reported by <br />lifeform. Succulents, suffrutescent, and woody plants were not sampled. Production <br />material was air dried until weights varied by no more than O. Ig. <br /> <br />-3- <br />