Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

This reference is an assemblage of field data collected as part the baseline vegetation inventory for the park unit. Typical files here are vegetation plot data, accuracy assessment data, field photos, PDF showing locations of vegetation plots and accuracy assessment data, and other data for this type. The following field methods were used for developing the classification and conducting the accuracy assessment at HAFO followed the methodology outlined by the USGS-BRD/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program (TNC 1994b) for medium sized parks. First, ICDC provided a preliminary list of vegetation associations and alliances from the NVCS based on previous studies and local knowledge. The resulting list was initially used to set targets for data collection with each association assigned 3-5 plots. The list was then taken into the field during the summer of 2006 by NMI botanists and ecologists who surveyed the entire site for stands of vegetation represented on the list as well as for any previously unidentified associations and alliances. Once a stand of vegetation was located that appeared to be representative of the plant communities in the area, a Relevé macroplot was laid out to capture its characteristics. In this manner, transitional areas such as ecotones were avoided. Once a plot was laid out, all data were recorded on a modified plot form (Appendix B). Environmental information collected included: elevation, slope, aspect, landform, topographic position, soil texture and drainage, hydrologic (flooding) regime, and evidence of disturbance or wildlife use. The unvegetated surface was recorded as percent cover of each of the following: bedrock, litter and duff, wood, bare soil, large rocks (>10 cm), small rocks (0.2-10 cm), sand (0.1-2 mm), lichens, mosses, and fungi. Vegetation structure and species composition were sampled using plots that varied in size depending on the dominant physiognomy of the vegetation. Woodland plots and shrubland, dwarf-shrubland, and herbaceous vegetation plots were 400 m2. Plot dimensions were recorded on the forms and the plot shape usually was square, but was modified to best represent the vegetation (e.g. narrow, linear rectangles were used for riparian vegetation). Field staff collected the information for each of the vegetation plots in two ways. First, a species list was developed and recorded on field forms by the team botanist. GPS coordinates, field notes header information (Identifiers/Locators), environmental descriptions and a plot map were recorded on this form. All other field data was collected with Archer Field PCs utilizing Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating systems and using DataPlus software 2.5. Within each plot, NMI visually divided the vegetation into strata, with the height and canopy cover of vegetation estimated for each stratum. Physiognomic class, leaf phenology, and type of dominant stratum were recorded. The species of each stratum were then listed and percent canopy cover estimated using a twelve-point cover scale (e.g. 5-15% …) (Daubenmire 1959). Additional species within the vegetation unit that occurred outside of sampled plots were listed separately. No attempt was made to identify individual non-vascular plant species. Species that were not identifiable in the field were collected for later identification. Species were recorded by scientific epithet familiar to researchers. Finally, a provisional vegetation type was assigned to the plot.

Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Collections