Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Florissant 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. Field researchers chose representative stands of plant communities to locate vegetation samples, which are more rigorous than observation points. Sampling sites were selected from homogeneous photo signatures identified during preliminary interpretation and through field identification during the observation phase of the study. For most sites, plots were subjectively placed in vegetation types that were representative of an area, relatively homogenous, and larger than the 0.5 ha minimum mapping unit (MMU). Ecotones were avoided to the extent possible; however, some streamside types were extremely narrow and some ecotonal data collection was inevitable. In addition, some vegetation patches were less than the project MMU, but were unique, e.g., balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis), shortfruit willow and strapless willow (Salix brachycarpa and Salix ligulifolia), etc. These were sampled using the more detailed vegetation plots, but termed “park specials” because of their value for overall Monument management prescriptions. Data were entered on standard forms.

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

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