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rangeland that is planned in the mine reclamation for the New Horizon #2 Mine, as of October, <br />2009. <br />The Airport Dryland Reference area is located within the fenced boundaries of the Nucla Airport <br />and is protected from domestic livestock grazing. Wildlife (deer, elk) winter grazing will still be <br />allowed, as is on the NH2 reclaimed land. If the airport authorities allow domestic grazing, then <br />WFC has an agreement with the airport authorities to fence off the three plus acre reference area <br />so the vegetation will not be affected. <br />For Dryland Pasture areas, vegetation cover and herbaceous production will be measured at <br />reclaimed sites and the reference area. Comparisons of the mean parameter values between the <br />reclaimed areas and the reference area will be used to determine revegetation success, as <br />described below. Vegetation cover will be measured as either canopy cover or basal cover of living <br />herbaceous and woody vegetation, as defined by CDRMS Regulation 4.15.8(3)(b). Herbaceous <br />production will be measured as current year above - ground biomass of herbaceous vegetation, as <br />defined by CDRMS Regulation 4.15.8(4). <br />Vegetation sampling for measuring reclamation success will be conducted to ensure a repeatable <br />and unbiased estimate of each vegetation population parameter. Measurements made on the <br />reference area will be done in the same manner and season as measurements made on reclaimed <br />lands, to ensure valid comparisons as specified in DRMS Regulation 4.15.11(1). Measurements <br />will be made at a time during the May through September growing season. <br />Vegetation cover will be measured by a point intercept method that meets the provisions of DRMS <br />Regulation 4.15.11(1)(a)(i). The observational point will be a series of predetermined random <br />intervals along a transect tape at least 5 meters in length, where 10 predetermined randomly <br />selected intervals will be used to collect 100 data points. A point sampling device supported by a <br />rigid frame will be used to ensure unbiased and vertical point placement. <br />Herbaceous production will be measured by a quadrat sampling method that meets the provisions <br />of DRMS Regulation 4.15.11(1)(b)(i). The observational unit will be a rectangular or circular plot <br />frame at least % square meter and large enough to encompass individual plants of the larger <br />species being sampled. Current year growth of herbaceous non -woody species will be clipped <br />(June 2013 MR 86) 2.05.4(2)(e) - 59 <br />MR _6 b <br />Approved <br />20 Juf) • 2013 <br />