NCCN Revised Vegetation Classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks
Copass C, Acker S, Bivin M, Whiteaker L, Boetsch J. NCCN Revised Vegetation Classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. 2005-2021. National Park Service
The purpose of this project was to perform an independent accuracy assessment of vegetation maps created by Pacific Meridian Resources (PMR) and to collect plot data for developing a vegetation classification at the association level of the National Vegetation Classification System. As the I&M Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program began to initiate mapping projects across the NPS, it was noted that Mount Rainier (MORA), North Cascades (NOCA) and Olympic (OLYM)National Parks already possessed vegetation maps of fairly recent origin. These maps had been developed using regional funds under a contract to Pacific Meridian Resources (PMR) between 1992 and 1996 (PMR, 1996). Given the substantial investment already made in vegetation maps for MORA, NOCA and OLYM, the primary question driving our study was whether the PMR data layers could be used as a starting point for vegetation maps of acceptable detail and accuracy that met the new NPS mapping standards as outlined above. In order to address that question, an independent assessment of the accuracy of the existing PMR vegetation data layers was undertaken. The objectives of the first-phase of the project were to 1) perform an independent accuracy assessment of current vegetation maps and 2) to prepare a combined vegetation classification for the parks. The classification key developed was used in the vegetation mapping project, as part of the national vegetation mapping inventory, that began after the accuracy assessment project. Following the publication of the first NCCN classification published in Crawford et al 2009, additional field data were collected in support of the mapping phase of the project. Synthesis and analysis of these 6000+ plots provided support to revise the classification. Revisions included confirming provisional types, adding new associations and updating association and alliance concepts. The resulting revised classification contains 321 plant associations in 99 alliances. The resulting revised classification contains 321 plant associations in 99 alliances. The classification at the association level of the National Vegetation Classification system builds on Crawford et al 2009.
- Type
- Project
- Authors
- Copass, Catharine; Acker, Steven; Bivin, Mignonne; Whiteaker, Lou; Boetsch, John
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- MORA , NOCA , OLYM
- Keywords
- alliance, association, classification, I&M, Inventory, Inventory and Monitoring, Land Cover, map accuracy assessment, National Vegetation Classification Standard, NCCN, North Coast and Cascades Network, Pacific Meridian Resources, PMR, Resource Management, Vascular Plants, Vegetation, Vegetation classification, Washington Natural Heritage Program, Washington State
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Vegetation Complex
Program
Products
- Revised vegetation classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic national parks: Project summary report
- Revised vegetation classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks: Descriptions and identification keys for plant associations and wetland alliances
- Revised vegetation classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks: Environmental setting tables for plant associations and wetland alliances
- Revised vegetation classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks: Synoptic cover/constancy tables for plant associations and wetland alliances
- Revised vegetation classification for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks: Crosswalk from plant associations to mapping associations in Nielsen et al. 2021 vegetation maps
- Vegetation classification of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks plant association descriptions and identification keys