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V. SAMPLING METHODOLOGY <br />AGENCY COORDINATION <br />On July 2, 1996, Michael Savage met with Mr. Larry Routten of CDMG to discuss <br />development of historic record revegetation success criteria at the West Elk Mine. <br />Based on a review of the proposed historic record concept for the West Elk Mine, <br />CDMG endorsed the historic record proposal in concept. CDMG suggested further <br />discussion on se]ecton of the historic record area (the selection process was detailed <br />earlier), determination of specific average parameters, characterization of climatic data, <br />and management of grazing at the study area. On July 23, 1996, CDMG, MCC, and <br />Savage and Savage representatives met at the West Elk Mine to further discuss the <br />historic record concept. During this meeting, the available locations for the historic <br />record vegetation community were evaluated, and the remaining issues were addressed. <br />Sampling of the historic record vegetation community occurred in August 1996 as did <br />sampling of the historic record study area soils. The historic record concept and plan <br />for development of the historic record revegetation success criteria were approved by <br />CDMG in a permit revision (PR07). <br />MAPPING <br />Prior to initiation of field work, the permit document, aerial photos, and applicable <br />maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, geology, soils, and large scale vegetation <br />communities. A map of the study area at 1:1200 scale (1"=100') was constructed <br />from aerial photography to delineate the study area and establish random sample point _. <br />locations. On a gridded overlay of the map, a Cartesian coordinate grid (10x10 feet) <br />was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of <br />random x,y coordinates. Fifty random sample locations were established within the <br />study area. Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and <br />pacing from known landmarks. Transect orientation was randomly determined by a <br />spinner. Figure 1 illustrates the 1996 vegetation and soil sample point locations in the <br />study area. <br />FIELD SAMPLING <br />Timing <br />Vegetation sampling was conducted August 6 and 7, 1996. This time period coincided <br />with maximum biomass development of the majority of plant species and occurred <br />during or immediately after anthesis of the majority of herbaceous flowering species. <br />Herbaceous production sampling occurred prior to significant drying of graminoid and <br />fort species. Soil sampling of the study area was conducted on August 1, 1996. Light <br />grazing by horses has historically occurred in the study area and other cleared areas on <br />-8- <br />