Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Jewel Cave 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 methods used for the sampling and analysis of vegetation data and the development of the classification generally followed the standards outlined in the Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping document produced for this project. This process began with the development of a preliminary list of vegetation types from the National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) that were thought to have a high likelihood of being in the mapping area. The list was prepared by literature review, including previous vegetation classifications of the Monument, and contacting knowledgeable experts. Due to the small size of the mapping area, sampling occurred across the entire mapping area. Twenty-eight plots were collected in late July and August of 1996. The field team attempted to place plots in each of the vegetation types on the preliminary list. In addition, vegetation types that were encountered in the field which appeared distinct from any on the preliminary list were sampled. Plots were subjectively placed, generally in vegetation that was representative of an area of relatively homogeneous vegetation which covered more than 1/2 ha (the minimum mapping unit). Thus, ecotones and small patches were avoided. However, in cases where several vegetation types regularly occurred in mosaics of small stands, it was necessary to use multiple plots and sample smaller patches. Number of plots and plot size varied by community. The number of plots depended on the aerial extent of the community on Jewel Cave NM, i.e., more widespread communities had more plots than rarer ones. Forest and woodland communities were sampled with 20 x 20 meter plots while shrubland and herbaceous communities were sampled with 10 x 10 meter plots. In late May and June of 1997, after a preliminary vegetation map had been prepared by the photointerpreter, a map validation step was performed in which further data were collected to obtain more information on the vegetation types and to better correlate the vegetation with the signatures on the aerial photographs. Sampling was conducted at points selected by the photointerpreter based on stratified random design in which more extensive vegetation types were allocated more points. This resulted in the collection of 36 observation points. At each point, the dominant species in each vegetation stratum were recorded with an estimated cover class. These extra points gave a better understanding of the variation within vegetation types and allowed sampling of three types that had not been found in the previous field season. The final vegetation classification and descriptions were produced using plots, observation points, and the experience of the field team. Field personnel organized the plots and observation points into groups based on vegetation structure and composition. The number of plots ranged from 0-6 per type and the number of observation points ranged from 0-11 per type. Every community was sampled with a plot, observation point, or both. Quantitative analyses were performed to compare to the subjective classification. Average cover of each species and vegetation stratum were computed. Only the plots were used for quantitative analysis because of the more detailed information collected for them. They were analyzed using an ordination technique, Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), and a clustering algorithm, Unweighted Pair-Group Method Using Arithmetic Means (UPGMA). Because there were few plots per type and the locations of the plots were chosen to emphasize the variation within a vegetation type, there was substantial variation within each type. These factors lessened the utility of the numerical analyses.

Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Jewel Cave National Monument

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