2008-10-03_REPORT - C1981010 (2)

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data collected in this evaluation were analyzed for sample adequacy in order to determine whether the Division's requirements had been satisfied. If the sample adequacy equation was not satisfied at 15 transects, then the reverse null equation was utilized after 30 transects had been sampled. On the one reclamation block sampled, all of the field data were analyzed in terms of "total plant cover" to determine whether sample adequacy was achieved prior to leaving the site being sampled. On the reclamation areas sampled for production and shrub density, the minimum sample size of 30 samples, as required by the Division`s Regulations found in Section 4.15.11(2) was sampled and the data were analyzed using the reverse null equation. Results Field Sampling Dates. All of the data collected in connection with this evaluation were collected between August 15-24, 2007. At the time of the field sampling, most of the plants were actively growing and it is believed that the sampling was performed close to end of the period of optimum plant growth, when the plant cover and production was near its peak. A total of 91 plant species were identified in the 20 cover transects and 30-shrub density transects sampled in this evaluation. A list of all of the plant species encountered in the field sampling efforts in this evaluation is presented in Table 1, Trapper Mine Plant Species List. The locations of the areas sampled in connection with this revegetation monitoring effort are shown on Map 1, Trapper Mine - 2007 Phase III Bond Release - Vegetation Study Area Map. Sample Adegnac . A statistical analysis of the data collected to characterize the plant cover, is production, and shrub density is presented in Table 2, Trapper Mine Sample Adequacy Calculations. This comparison documents that a sufficient number of samples were collected to satisfy the Nmim equation for "total plant cover." Production and shrub density demonstrated compliance by satisfying the reverse null equation after a minimum of 30 transects had been sampled as allowing in the Division's regulations found in Section 4.15.11(2). Transect Locations. The locations of all of the cover, production and shrub density transects sampled in this evaluation are shown on the enclosed maps. The locations of the 20 cover and 30 production and shrub density ft-msects sampled for Rangeland Reclamation Block AD&H A/B are shown on Map 2, Trapper Mine - Vegetation Tmnsect Area (D-Pit), Map 3, Trapper Mine - Vegetation Transect Area (H-Pit) and on.Map 4, Trapper Mine - Vegetation Transect Area (A-Pit). RANGELAND RECLAMATION BLOCK AD&H-A/B - 96-98 Plant Cover. The results obtained from the sampling of the 20 plant cover transects on this site are presented in Table 3, Rangeland Reclamation Block AD&H AB - 96-98 - Plant Cover. Total plant cover on this site averaged 62.90 percent, "allowable cover" averaged 75.22 percent and perennial plant cover averaged 53.15 percent (Table 3, Rangeland Reclamation Block AD&H- AB - 96-98 - Plant Cover). The revegetation success standard for this site is 52% "allowable cover" which must include at least 33% perennial plant cover (excluding noxious perennial species). Examination of Table 3, Rangeland Reclamation Flock AD&H-AB - 96-98 - Plant Cover, reveals that the total 4