2010-02-25_REPORT - C1981028 (6)

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2.0 METHODS • 2.1 SAMPLING DESIGN Prior to initiation of fieldwork, the permit document and applicable maps were reviewed to evaluate topography, reclamation timing, seed mixes, revegetation methods, management, and applicable revegetation standards. Numerical designations were assigned to the reclamation areas to eliminate confusion and facilitate future discussions in 2002. The numbers assigned to reclamation areas are depicted on the Vegetation/Revegetation Map. Only those areas currently revegetated were assigned numbers, starting in the northeast corner of the permit area and proceeding clockwise through the site. As additional areas are reclaimed and revegetated they will be assigned numbers. A map of the mine site at 1:2400 scale (1 "=200') was used to delineate the revegetated areas (Coors Site Plan; Vegetation Sampling Locations). On a gridded overlay of the revegetation map, a Cartesian coordinate grid (50x50 feet) was established. Computer generated random numbers were used to establish a pool of x,y coordinates. Since the reclaimed parcels for the years and areas to be evaluated were non-contiguous (e.g., separated by road corridors or reclamation years), each revegetated area was gridded separately. The acreage of each revegetated area was established. Random sample locations were established for each revegetated area. Within each year's revegetation parcels, sufficient samples were established to represent each discontinuous area by proportional acreage. The following table identifies the location of each parcel quantitatively sampled, the acreage, and the number of cover and • herbaceous production samples taken. Location Cover # of sam les Herb. Prod. # of samples) 2002 Reclamation Areas Area 23 0.66 ac.) 1 1 Area 25 (12.64 ac.) 9 14 Total Samples 2002 Areas 10 15 2006 Reclamation Area Area 30 (9.68 ac.) 10 15 Sample sites were located in the field through compass triangulation and pacing from known landmarks. The Coors Energy Company Vegetation/Revegetation Map (Appendix) illustrates the location of the reclaimed areas and sample point locations within each area or parcel sampled. Quantitative vegetation monitoring of revegetation success was undertaken this year in Areas 23 and 25 of those areas reclaimed and revegetated in 2002, and Area 30, which was reclaimed and revegetated in 2006. Area 29 (2003 Reclamation Area) was quantitatively sampled this year in anticipation of submittal of a request for Phase II bond release. Areas 2, 7, 10, 15, and 16 (1998 • Reclamation Areas); Areas 5 and 9 (1999 Reclamation Areas); and Areas 6 and 19 Coors Energy Company Keenesburg Mine Page 6 2009 Revegetation Monitoring Report