Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

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 by the Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory in sampling and classifying the vegetation followed the methodology outlined by the USGS-BRD/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program and the NVC. Vegetation data were collected in characteristic plots by KBS in July 2008 and from additional plot information acquired from the Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network. Characteristic plots were located in areas that were visually representative of the preliminary vegetation categories. Plots were 100 m2 in area, and GPS coordinates were recorded with a Garmin receiver. To maintain consistency with other projects in Kansas, plots were square. Additional plot data were obtained from the Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network. Tallgrass prairie sampling was conducted in 2008 on ten permanent plots. Each plot comprises two, 50 m long transects with ten sets of nested subplots systematically arranged. Working from the smallest to the largest plot, all herbaceous, woody shrub and tree seedling and sapling species were identified. Foliar cover was estimated in the 100 m2 subplot using a modified Daubenmire (1959) scale. Forest overstory data were obtained from a breeding bird survey conducted in 2008, in which overstory trees were tallied in 18 plots. Upon completion of field surveys, all recorded data were entered into the NPS PLOTS database, a Microsoft Access-derived program. The PLOTS database was developed specifically for the NPS vegetation and mapping program so that the electronic data entry fields mirror the standard field form. Data entry was facilitated by assigning each plant taxon a unique, standardized code and name based on the PLANTS database developed by Natural Resources Conservation Service in cooperation with the Biota of North America Program (USDA and NRCS 2009). Data was thoroughly proofed after entry to minimize errors.