Laserfiche WebLink
sites and the reference area). A geographic positioning system (GPS) unit will be used to <br />navigate to the sample points. Cover transects will be oriented along a random compass bearing <br />from the point of origin. If production sampling is done concurrently with the cover sampling, <br />clip plots will be randomly placed along the vegetation transect. Allowable cover will be <br />calculated as percent total cover for each transect, and the mean calculated for the study area. <br />Perennial herbaceous forage production will be calculated based upon the sampling of perennial <br />grasses and forbs and converted to pounds per acre as discussed for the Irrigated Pasture areas. <br />As are described in the Weed Management Plan, Montrose or San Miguel County listed noxious <br />weed species will not be counted toward the revegetation success standard for cover or <br />production in any reclaimed area. For the purposes of this demonstration, a statistically adequate <br />production sample will be taken, or a minimum of 30 observations. <br />As are recommended in the Bond Release Guideline, the cover and production contribution of <br />annual and biennial species will be excluded prior to the determination of the total perennial <br />herbaceous forage production. Therefore, as provided for in the CDRMS regulations, all <br />annuals, biennials and listed noxious weeds will be deleted from the reclaimed and reference <br />area data prior to success comparison. Sample adequacy will be tested during field sampling <br />using the formula in DRMS Regulation 4.15.11(2)(a). <br />During bond release field sampling for cover, at least 15 cover transects and 30 production <br />transects will be collected from each sample area. Sample adequacy will be tested after 15 cover <br />and 30 production samples are taken. Sampling may continue if necessary to reach sample <br />adequacy, or sampling may be terminated before sample adequacy is reached if an alternative <br />statistical method (approved by DRMS) can be used that does not require demonstration of <br />sample adequacy. <br />Reclaimed area cover and production will be compared to a standard equal to the mean values <br />measured at the reference area by sampling, as described below. Revegetation will be <br />considered successful if the mean value for the reclaimed site can be demonstrated to equal or <br />exceed Q (Q=90% of the standard). One of the four methods, discussed in Rule 4.15.11(2), will <br />be used to compare mean values at reclaimed sites to Q, depending on the mean values and <br />Section 2.05.4(2)(e) Page 27 April 2011 <br />