2008-10-07_PERMIT FILE - C1981047 (4)

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METHODS • Sample Layout for Cover and Production The procedure for sample location within the reclaimed area and reference areas is as follows. First, a fixed point of reference that could be relocated from year to year is selected. Second, a systematic grid of appropriate dimensions is selected to provide at least 30 coordinate intersections within each sampling unit, which could then be used for sample sites. Third, a scaled, computer generated representation of the selected grid will be overlain on a computer generated map of the area utilizing north-south and east-west compass points which can be easily established in the field. This overlain grid also facilitates identification of the vegetation type for each sample point. Initial placement ofthe grid is controlled by a fourth step, selection of a pair of random numbers (between 0 and 200 ft.) to facilitate location of the initial coordinate point from the fixed point of reference. Fifth, utilizing a hand held surveying compass and hip- chain (or pacing techniques) all sample points are located in the field and flagged. Once a selected grid point is located in the field, sampling transects are always oriented in the direction of the next site to be physically sampled to further limit any potential bias while facilitating sampling efficiency. If the boundary of an area is encountered before reaching the full length of a transect, the orientation of the transect is turned 90° in the appropriate direction so the transect can be completed. In this manner, boundary transects are retained entirely within the target unit by "bouncing" off the boundaries. Production quadrats are always oriented 90° to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect and placed one meterfrom the starting point so as to avoid any trampled vegetation • Ground Cover Ground cover at each sample site will be determined using the point intercept method. A transect 10 meters long is extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the flagged center of each systematically located sample point. At each one~neter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar" is situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 to 5.0 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of 10 readings are recorded for each setup as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock (>2mm), or bare soil. Due to the paucity of woody species in the grassland reclaimed community and the height of woody taxa in the riparian type, multiple-hit cover data will not be collected, onlysingle hit data will be recorded. Secondary hit data would have minimal impact on resulting data sets (especially with regard to diversity issues). Production At each sample site, current annual herbaceous production is collected from a 1/2 mZ quadrat frame placed one meterand 90° to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect to facilitate avoidance of vegetation trampled by investigators during sample site location. From within each quadrat, all above ground current annual vegetation, with the exception of woody species, within the vertical boundaries of the frame will be clipped and bagged separately. Categories of separation included: 1) all herbaceous species, and 2) noxious weeds. All production samples are dried at 105° C until a stable v~eight is achieved. Samples are weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. 113ii 05/05