Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Mount Rushmore National Memorial

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. Due to the small size of the mapping area, sampling occurred across the entire mapping area. Most samples were taken from within the boundaries of the Memorial. Nineteen 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 that they could find. 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 areal extent of the community on Mount Rushmore 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 herbaceous communities were sampled with 10 x 10 meter plots.