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• Quantitative sampling of reclaimed areas at Seneca Coal Company's (SCC Seneca II-W Mine was <br />undertaken in July 1996 by ESCO Associates to facilitate SCC's continuing monitoring of the <br />progress of these areas in relation to revegetation performance standards. Methods, sample <br />areas, and sample sizes were those specified by SCC. <br />METHODS <br />Reclamation Units and Sampling Locations <br />Reclamation sampling units for the Seneca II-W Mine are shown on Map 1, "1996 Vegetation <br />Monitoring Locations". The 1996 reclamation unit monitored was the 1991/1993 Reclaimed <br />Area. <br />Within the 1991/1993 Reclaimed Area, the SCC-specified number of samples were located <br />randomly on maps produced by SCC using numbered grid cells and random numbers generated by <br />computer. The SCC-assigned numbers of samples for a given parameter in a given area <br />reflected previously experienced sample variability or the level of precision required in a <br />given area. <br />Grid cell size was 100 feet x 100 feet in reclaimed areas, and 50 feet x 50 feet in reference <br />areas. These grid cells were placed contiguously by computer in a Geographical Information <br />System (GIS) rendering of reclamation areas to be sampled. Random number locations provided <br />by computer were used to select grid cells, in the middle of which a sample point was placed, and <br />shown on the map plotted from computer memory. These sample points were located as <br />accurately as possible in the field. Cover and density sample transects were located and <br />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, standing dead plant material, bare soil, litter, or <br />rock. Each point was optically projected using aCover-Point Optical Point Projection Device, <br />• <br />1 <br />