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be completed. In this manner, boundary transects were retained entirely within the target unit by <br />"bouncing" off the boundaries. <br />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 on 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 to 5.0 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of <br />10 readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, standing dead, rock ( >2mm), or <br />bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by activating a battery of 10 low- energy <br />specialized lasers" situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable <br />intercepted by each of the narrowly focused (0.02) beams (see Figure 1). In this manner, a total of 100 <br />intercepts per transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. This methodology and <br />instrumentation facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and precise ground cover data <br />possible. Identification and nomenclature of plant species follows Weber and Wittman (1996) Colorado <br />Flora: Western Slope. <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 Colowyo Coal Company <br />2007 Phase II Evaluation (Updated Dec -10) <br />