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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 center of each systematically <br />located sample point. At each one -meter interval along the transect, a "laser point bar" was situated <br />parallel to, and approximately 4.5 feet vertically above the ground surface. A set of 10 readings was <br />recorded as to hits on vegetation (by species), litter, rock ( >2mm), or bare soil. Hits were determined at <br />each meter interval by activating a battery of 10 low- energy specialized lasers ** situated along the bar at <br />10 centimeter intervals and recording the variable intercepted by each of the vertically projected narrow <br />(0.5mm) focused beams (Figure 1). In this manner, a total of 100 intercepts per transect were recorded <br />resulting in 1 percent cover per intercept. All reclaimed area vegetation as well as reference area <br />vegetation (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. Nomenclature for plant taxa follows Weber and Whitman (1996) and lifeform classification <br />regarding sub - shrubs follows Wyoming DEQ (1999). <br />2.3 Determination of Current Annual Production <br />At all sample sites in the reference and reclamation areas, current annual herbaceous production <br />was collected from a 0.5 mZ quadrat frame placed one meter and 900 to the right (clockwise) of the <br />ground cover transect to facilitate avoidance of vegetation trampled by investigators during sample site <br />location (Figure 1). From within each quadrat, all above ground current annual vegetation within the <br />vertical boundaries of the frame was clipped and bagged separately by lifeform as follows: <br />Perennial Grasses Perennial Forbs <br />Annual Grasses Annual & Biennial Forbs <br />Sub Shrubs Noxious Weeds <br />All production samples were returned to the lab for drying and weighing. Drying occurred at 105° C <br />until a stable weight was achieved (24 hours). Samples were then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. <br />Total weights for each sample size were compiled and converted to pounds per acre prior to success <br />determination. <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 13 Snowcap - Phase III Bond Release <br />Evaluation - 2012 <br />