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2.4 Oualitative Observations <br />Cedar Creek recently implemented a new qualitative field protocol into monitoring efforts that is <br />intended to complement quantitative analyses. These qualitative observations assess ecological <br />processes occurring on reclaimed areas that are difficult or impossible to effectively measure in the field. <br />When considered along with quantitative analysis, these observations can provide a more extensive <br />understanding of the overall health and progress of the reclaimed system. The qualitative protocol was <br />performed as follows: Once sampling for a given unit was completed, the ranking Cedar Creek biologist <br />documented observations of the entire crew on 16 specific parameters to further characterize the <br />reclamation unit. This protocol required classification of each parameter along a relative scale, as well as <br />development of comments in support of the chosen classification. In many cases, comments were only <br />provided where departure from an expected classification occurred. As expected, there have been <br />occasional discrepancies between Cedar Creek biologist's rankings; largely due to the qualitative nature <br />of the effort and differing opinions on what is expected for a given site. For the purposes of this report <br />and future development of this new procedure, only the most pertinent comments will be presented in <br />this document. The 16 evaluated parameters are: <br />Overall Condition of Reveg. <br />Quality of Growth Media <br />Plant Health and liigor <br />Diversity (of Species) <br />Diversity (of Life forms) <br />Evidence of Wildlife Use <br />Shrub Density (Patchiness) Recruitment <br />Shrub Density (Within Patches) Erosion <br />Cryptobiotic Development Litter Residue <br />Annual Brome Description Soil Crusting <br />Noxious Weed Observations <br />problem Description (e.g. Thin Areas) <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. Page 9 Snowcap Coal Co. - 2008 <br />Revegetation Evaluation