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2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at each sample point was determined utilizing the point-intercept methodology as <br />illustrated on Fgure 1. As indicated in this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes state-0f-the-art instrumentation it <br />has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of data. A transect of 10 meters <br />length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the flagged center of each <br />systematically located sample point. At each one-meter interval along the transact, a "laser point bar" <br />was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of 10 <br />readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rods (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits were <br />determined at each meter interval by activating a battery of SO low-energy specialized lasers" situated <br />along the bar at SO centimeter intervals and recording the variable intercepted by each of the vertically <br />projected narrow (0.02' focused beams (see Figure 1). In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per <br />transact were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. All reclaimed area vegetation as well <br />as reference area vegetation (including both herbaceous and shrub strata) were subject to sampling. <br />This methodology and instrumentation facllitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and <br />precise ground cover data possible. <br />2.3 Determination of Current Annual Production <br />At 15 sample sites in the Greasewood Reference Area and North Decline Area, current annual <br />herbaceous production was collected from a'/x mZ quadrat frame placed one meter and 90° to the right <br />(clockwise) of the ground cover transact to facilitate avoidance of vegetation trampled try investigators <br />during sample site location (see Figure 1). From within each quadrat, all above ground current annual <br />vegetation within the vertipl boundaries of the frame was clipped and bagged separately by life form as <br />follows: <br />Perennial Grass <br />Mnual Grass <br />Perennial Fort <br />Mnual Forf~ <br />Noxious Weeds (if found) <br />All production samples were returned to the lab for drying and weighing. Drying occurred at SOSo C <br />until a stable weight was achieved (24 hours). Samples were then re-weighed to the nearest 0.1 grem, <br />~~ Lags utilized for this instrument are state-of-the-art and of specialized desigo to emir a unique electro-magneac <br />wavelength visible under full sunlght, a conditbn previously cwt possible with portable low-energy lasers. <br />SNOWCAP COAL COMPANY Page 5 Revegetation Evaluation 2004 <br />