Laserfiche WebLink
2.2 Determination of Ground Cover <br />Ground cover at every 2" or 3 sample point (depending on area) was determined utilizing the <br />point- intercept methodology as illustrated on Figure 1. As indicated in this figure, Cedar Creek utilizes <br />state -of- the-art instrumentation it has pioneered to facilitate much more rapid and accurate collection of <br />data. A transect of 10 meters length was extended in the direction of the next sampling location from <br />the flagged center of each systematically located sample point. At each one -meter interval along the <br />transect, a "laser point bar" was situated parallel to, and approximately 4.5 feet vertically above the <br />ground surface. A set of 10 readings was recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock <br />(>2mm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at each meter interval by activating a battery of 10 low - <br />energy specialized lasers situated along the bar at 10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable <br />intercepted by each of the vertically projected narrow (0.02 ") focused beams (see Figure 1). In this <br />manner, a total of 100 intercepts per transect were recorded resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. <br />To facilitate diversity calculations, additional hits (beyond the 100 maximum) are recorded when an <br />overstory shrub or tree stratum is present. In this instance, the primary overstory hit is moved to the <br />side and any intercepts on underlying live herbaceous vegetation are recorded separately as "2" hits ". <br />Second hit data are used only for diversity calculations, not total ground cover estimates. All reclaimed <br />area plants as well as reference area plants (including both herbaceous and shrub strata) were subject to <br />sampling. This methodology and instrumentation facilitates the collection of the most unbiased, <br />repeatable, and precise ground cover data possible. <br />2.3 Determination of Woody Plant Density <br />Given the Colorado Division of Wildlife's "interest" in the density of woody plants on mined land <br />reclamation over the recent past, these data were collected in 2010. Woody plant density is not a <br />requirement for bond relinquishment at the Hamilton Mine. At each ground cover transect location, a co- <br />located woody plant density belt was established to document this variable within the revegetation <br />(reference areas were not sampled for woody density). At each ground cover sample location, a 4 -meter <br />wide by 25 -meter long belt transect was established parallel to the ground cover transect and in the <br />direction of the next sampling point (see Figure 1). Then within each belt, all woody plants (shrubs, <br />trees, and succulents) were enumerated by species. Determination of whether or not a plant could be <br />counted was dependent upon the location of its main stem or root collar where it exited the ground <br />surface with regard to belt limits. Sample adequacy was determined for informational purposes only. <br />2.4 Determination of Current Annual Production <br />At each sample site, current annual production was collected from two % m quadrat frames placed <br />one meter and 90° to the right (clockwise) of the ground cover transect to facilitate avoidance of <br />CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. <br />Page 7 Hamilton Mine - 2011 <br />Phase III Bond Release Evaluation <br />