Define Sample Plot Boundaries. Observers locate the previously selected plot location. Once at that location, the sample plot boundary should be oriented in a direction parallel to the orientation of the corridor or area sampled. Once identified, the observer should mark their starting location (the randomly selected point) and then walk a 150 foot (45.7 m) length parallel to the direction of the corridor or area sampled. For example, along a road, sample habitat walking parallel to the road heading in a direction facing traffic, along the length of the survey area, focusing only on a 10- foot width of ground along the transect, making a rectangular study area. If using the 22-foot radius circular plot option, determine the boundary of the plot radius by measuring the radius of the plot using the pre-identified plot location as a focus from which to measure the radius. Regardless of plot shape, before assessment, observers should stretch out a measuring tape to find out how many steps it takes to walk 150 ft (for rectangular plots), or 22 ft (for circular plots).; once calibrated, observers can pace this distance for future assessments. o Consider assessing multiple plots or transects to characterize large or variable areas. If sampling a long, linear area such as a roadside, or a gas pipeline corridor, or a large non- linear parcel, observers can either survey a single plot in a randomly selected location, or sample several locations for an overall averaged result. If sampling several locations to acquire an average result, we recommend sampling approximately every 3/10th of a mile (1640 feet or 500 meters) until the end of the area is reached. Then average the results among the samples. That would yield data pooled from the multiple samples for a single sample plot location. Depending on the type of habitat encountered, greater or fewer stops may be needed to give the observer a good characterization of the area. Some areas may contain variations in large and small patches of habitat, and their interspersion. The sampling can be repeated at intervals systematically throughout the area of interest.
