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<br />• <br />I• <br />facilitating sampling efficiency. This orientation protocol follows that which is indicated on Exhibit 1. <br />Depending on logistics, timing, and access points to the target sampling area, the field crew would <br />occasionally layout a set of points along coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse <br />order. However, orientation protocol was always maintained (i.e. in the direction of the next point to be <br />physically sampled). If the boundary of an area was encountered before reaching the full length of a <br />transact, the orientation of the trensect was turned 90° in the appropriate direction so the transact could <br />be completed. In this manner, boundary transeds were retained entirely within the target unit by <br />"bouncing" off the boundaries. Production quadrats were always oriented 90° to the right (clockwise) of <br />the ground cover transact and placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled <br />vegetation. <br />2.0 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at each sample point was determined utilizing the point-intercept methodology as <br />illustrated on Exhibit 1. As indicated on this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes new state-of-the-art <br />instrumentation it has pioneered to fadlitate much more rapid and aaurdte collection of data. A transact <br />of 10 meters length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the Flagged center <br />of each systematically located sample point. At each one-meter interval along the transact, a "laser point <br />bar" was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 to 5.0 feet vertiwlty above the ground surface. A set <br />of 10 readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, standing dead, rock (>2mm), or <br />bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by activating a battery of 10 low-energy <br />specialized lasers" situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable <br />intercepted by each of the narrowly focused (0.02' beams (see Exhibit 1). In this manner, a total of 100 <br />intercepts per transact were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. This methodohfgy and <br />instrumentation facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and precise ground cover data <br />possible. Ident~cation and nomendature of plant species follows Weber and Wittman (1996) Colorado <br />Flora: Western Slooe. <br />~~ Lasers utilized for this instrument are state-of-the-aR and of specialized desgn to emit a unique electro-magnetic <br />wavelength visible under full sunlight, a corxii6on previously not possible with portable low-energy lasers. <br />Kmnacon EnergylColowyocoa Comtmny AA -3 Revegetatlon Nbnnoring-2004 <br />