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2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at each sample point was determined utilizing the point- intercept methodology as <br />illustrated on Figure 1. As indicated in this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes state -of -the -art instrumentation it <br />has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of data. A transect of 10 meters <br />length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the flagged center of each <br />systematically located sample point. At each one -meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar" <br />was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of 10 <br />readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock ( >2mm), or bare soil. Hits were <br />determined at each meter interval by activating a battery of 10 low- energy specialized lasers" situated <br />along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable intercepted by each of the vertically <br />projected narrow (0.02 beams (see Figure 1). In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per <br />transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. To facilitate diversity calculations, <br />additional hits (beyond the 100 maximum) are recorded when an overstory shrub or tree stratum is <br />present. In this instance, the primary overstory hit is moved to the side and any intercepts on underlying <br />live herbaceous vegetation are recorded separately as "2 hits ". Second hit data are used only for <br />diversity calculations, not total ground cover estimates. All reclaimed area plants as well as reference <br />area plants (including both herbaceous and shrub strata) were subject to sampling. This methodology <br />and instrumentation facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and precise ground cover <br />data possible. <br />2.3 Determination of Woody Plant Density <br />At each ground cover transect location, a co- located woody plant density belt was established to <br />document this variable within the revegetation (reference areas were not sampled for woody density). At <br />each ground cover sample location, a 4 -meter wide by 25 -meter long belt transect was established <br />parallel to the ground cover transect and in the direction of the next sampling point (see Figure 1). Then <br />within each belt, all woody plants (shrubs, trees, and succulents) were enumerated by species. <br />Determination of whether or not a plant could be counted was dependent upon the location of its main <br />stem or root collar where it exited the ground surface with regard to belt limits. Sample adequacy was <br />determined for informational purposes only. <br />** Lasers utilized for this instrument are state -of- the -art and of specialized design to emit a unique electro- magnetic <br />wavelength visible under full sunlight, a condition previously not possible with portable low- energy lasers. <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. Page 5 Hamilton Mine - Phase III Bond Release <br />Year 1 of 2 <br />