2008-07-02_PERMIT FILE - C1996083 (3)

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The procedure for sample location within both baseline areas and reference areas occurred as follows. First, a systematic grid was selected to provide approximately 20 coordinate intersections within each community type, which could then be used for sample sites. For the Juniper Woodland baseline area, this grid was 130 ft. x 130 ft.; for the old and new Juniper Woodland Reference Area the grid was 50 ft. x 50 ft.; for the Mountain Shrub baseline area the grid was 110 ft. x 110 ft.; and finally, for the Mountain Shrub Reference Area the grid was 75 ft. x 75 ft. A systematic inter-grid (150 ft. X 100 ft.) was used for 10 additional production points in the New Juniper Woodland Reference Area. Second, scaled, computer generated representations of the selected grids were overlain on a computer generated map of the area utilizing north-south and east-west compass points which could be easily established in the field. This overlain grid also facilitated identification of the community type for each sample point (mapping verification point). Third, utilizing a hand held surveying compass and hip-chain, GPS, or pacing techniques, all sample points were located in the field. The locations of all sample sites used in 2006 sampling efforts are indicated on Map E5-1. Once a selected grid point was located in the field, ground cover sampling transects were always oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while facilitating sampling efficiency. This orientation protocol follows that which is indicated on Figure A-1. " • Depending on logistics, timing, and access points to the target sampling area, the field crew would occasionally layout a set of points along coordinates in one direction and then sample them in reverse order. However, orientation protocol was always maintained (i.e. in the direction of the next point to be physically sampled). If the boundary of an area was encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the orientation of the transect was turned 90° in the appropriate direction so the transect could be completed. In this manner, boundary transects were retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the boundaries. Production quadrats were always oriented 90° to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect and placed one meter from the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation. Determination of Ground Cover Ground cover at each sample point was determined utilizing the point-intercept methodology as illustrated on Figure A-1. As indicated in this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes state-of-the-art instrumentation it has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of data. A transect of 10 meters length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the flagged center of each systematically located sample point. At each one-meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar" was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 to 5.0 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of 10 readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Hits e~~~ ~~~ ~~s®~~a~~ ANC. Page A-3 Exhibit 5 - Appendix A -Vegetation Methods