2011-01-18_REPORT - C1981041 (2)

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2.2 Determination of Ground Cover Ground cover at each sample point was determined utilizing the point- intercept methodology as illustrated on Figure 1. As indicated in this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes state -of- the -art instrumentation it has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of data. A transect of 10 meters length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from the flagged center of each systematically located sample point. At each one -meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar" was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of 10 readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock ( >2mm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by activating a battery of 10 low- energy specialized lasers ** situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable intercepted by each of the vertically projected narrow (0.02'1 focused beams (see Figure 1). In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. (Second hits on understory vegetation were not collected owing to the managerial nature of collected data.) All reclaimed area vegetation as well as reference area vegetation (including both herbaceous and shrub strata) were subject to sampling. This methodology and instrumentation facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, repeatable, and precise ground cover data possible. 2.3 Determination of Current Annual Production At 20 sample sites in the reference areas and 10 to 15 sample sites in the revegetation areas, current annual herbaceous production was collected from a 1 /2 m 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 (see Figure 1). From within each quadrat, all above ground current annual vegetation within the vertical boundaries of the frame was clipped and bagged separately by life form as follows: Perennial Grasses Perennial Forbs Annual Grasses Annual & Biennial Forbs Sub Shrubs Noxious Weeds All production samples were returned to the lab for drying and weighing. Drying occurred at 105° C until a stable weight was achieved (24 hours). Samples were then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. ** Lasers utilized for this instrument are state -of- the -art and of specialized design to emit a unique electro- magnetic wavelength visible under full sunlight, a condition previously not possible with portable low- energy lasers. CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. Page 10 Snowcap - Revegetation Evaluation - 2010