Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Hot Springs National Park

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 field methods used in sampling and classifying the vegetation followed the methodology outlined by the NPS Vegetation Inventory Program team (see Jennings et al. 2009, Lea 2011, National Park Service 2011). The application of these methods to HOSP is outlined below. Digital soil survey information, surface geology maps, digital elevation models, and both current and historic air photos were initially reviewed, along with existing vegetation information (Dale and Ware 1999, James 2008). A rapid field assessment, including collection of georeferencedfield points, was made during November, 2012. Together, this body of information was used to plan quantitative field data collection (Figure 3). Observation points consisted of brief visits (fewer than 15 minutes) by ecologists from MoRAP where general information on vegetation structure and composition was noted. Vegetation data were collected at 74 plots by MoRAP staff in May of 2013 (Figure 4). In the lab, the locations of plots were randomly placed within abiotic and vegetation cover strata based on initial field observations during November of 2012. The abiotic strata included, in general, mesic slopes, dry slopes, ridges, and creek bottoms. In addition, both pine-oak and oak vegetation was targeted for sampling within each abiotic stratum. Finally, open glades were recognized from air photos and ground surveys and were targets for sampling. Plots were located >30 m from an obvious land cover edge, and for each potential plot location there was at least one alternate, should the original point be determined unusable in the field (e.g. close to an un-mapped trail or road, stand too small). The stratified random plot location information was loaded into a GPS and workers navigated to the plot in the field for field sampling. Woodlands and forests were sampled with a 10 m x 40 m plot (400 sq m), while the more open shrublands and grasslands were sampled with a 10 m x 20 m plot (200 sq m). Minimal flagging was used to mark the plot. Data were collected using a plot survey form (Appendix B). The survey form includes sections for plot location and description, as well as vegetation and environmental information about the plot.

Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Hot Springs National Park

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