Laserfiche WebLink
0 EXHIBIT 5 <br />samples were taken along the same transect used for cover sampling. Along each production <br />transect a total of three clip plots were sampled then averaged into a single transect datum for <br />purposes of statistical analysis for each transect. For the Greasewood vegetation type sampled, <br />a minimum of 30 production transects were used for sample adequacy calculations. Following <br />clipping, the harvested plant materials were dried in a drying oven at 105 degrees C until they <br />were free of moisture. <br />Shrub Density Starting at each of the 15 transect location starting points described above for <br />the cover sampling woody stem density was determined using the center of the tape as a <br />modified belt transect. The right -hand side of the transect was called Side A and the left -hand <br />side of the tape was called Side B. Data collected from each side of the tape were added into a <br />transect value which represents the number of shrubs sampled in the 100 m sample plot. These <br />data are reported in the Results Section as to the number of shrubs per 100 in <br />Woody plants having a single stem, such as Big Sagebrush, were considered to constitute single <br />plant while plants having multiple stems, such as Greasewood and Saltcedar were difficult to <br />distinguish as to the boundaries of individual plants, so in these instances, plant density counts <br />were made on the basis of whether multiple stems resulted in a single plant being produced. In <br />the instance of Tamarisk, direct stem counts were taken. <br />. <br />Species Diversity. The plant cover data collected at each transect yielded data relative to <br />absolute cover. These cover data were then converted into percent composition or relative plant <br />cover by species based upon the total amount of plant cover encountered in each sample <br />transect. The relative importance values of plants growing on the reclaimed areas as outlined in <br />the Permit Application, contains standards as to the number of perennial grass species growing <br />on the reclaimed areas to ensure that a monoculture of a single plant or a few plants does not <br />dominate the reclaimed areas. <br />As described in the proposed Unit Train Loadout Permit Application, the species diversity <br />standard being proposed is that the reclaimed plant community shall be composed of at least <br />the number of dominant species comprising at least five percent of the predisturbance relative <br />plant cover. <br />Statistical Analysis of Data. As required by the Division's regulations and associated policies, <br />it is not necessary to achieve sample adequacy for baseline vegetation monitoring provided that <br />at least fifty transects are sampled. As required in Section 4.15.10, a minimum of 15 cover <br />transects and 30 production transects are typically collected from each vegetation type sampled. <br />As outlined on page 15 of the Vegetation Guideline, during a permit consultation meeting, Mr. <br />Dan Mathews gave verbal approval to cease sampling after fifty cover or production transects <br />had been collected. Therefore, all of the data collected in this evaluation were analyzed for <br />sample adequacy in order to determine whether the Division's normal requirements for sample <br />size had been satisfied. <br />0 4 <br />