2009-06-24_PERMIT FILE - C1981019A (3)

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With regard to gaps in the overstory, the point-intercept procedure naturally corrects for overestimations created by 2-dimensional areal (quadrat) or 1-dimensional linear (line- intercept) techniques. In this regard, the 0-dimensional point is extended along a line-of- sight until it "intercepts" something that is then recorded. Frequently points simply pass through overstory gaps until a lower plant part, litter, rock or bare soil is encountered. Regardless of instrument, a total of 100 intercepts per transect will be recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. This methodology and instrumentation (excepting the 10-point frame) facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, precise, and cost-effective ground cover data possible. Identification and nomenclature of plant species should follow Weber and Wittman (1996) Colorado Flora: Western Slope or newer text. Determination of Production Where production samples are to be collected (7+ year-old units or Bond Release units) current annual herbaceous production will be collected from a 1/2 m2 quadrat frame placed one meter and 90° to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect to facilitate avoidance of vegetation trampled by investigators during sample site location. If more production samples are necessary than cover samples (typical case for bond release efforts), orientation protocol will be maintained except that no ground cover data will be collected. From within each quadrat, all above ground current annual herbaceous vegetation within the vertical boundaries of the frame will be clipped and bagged separately by life form as follows: Perennial Grass Annual Grass Subshrub Perennial Forb Annual Forb Noxious Weeds (if found) All production samples will be returned to the lab for drying and weighing. Drying will occur at 1050 C until a stable weight is achieved (24 hours). Samples will then be re- weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. Determination of Woody Plant Density Two sampling methods may be employed for monitoring woody plant density within Colowyo's revegetated units. The first method, belt transects, may be employed when the size of the monitoring unit exceeds one to two acres. At each sample site in such areas, a 2-meter wide by 50-meter long belt transect (or alternately 4 x 25 meter transect) should be established parallel to the ground cover transect and in the direction of the next sampling point. All woody plants (shrubs and trees) within each belt will be enumerated by species. Determination of whether or not a plant may be counted is dependent upon the location of its main stem or root collar where it exits the ground surface with regard to belt limits. A total of 5, 15 or 20 belt transects may be sampled for each monitoring unit. 4.15-31 Revision Date: 3/14/08 Revision No.: TR-72