Field data for the Vegetation Mapping Inventory Project of Tonto 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. Thirty-six 20 × 50-meter plots were initially sampled to collect classification data. Plot locations were preselected with the spatially balanced RRQRR (Reversed Randomized Quadrant-Recursive Raster) algorithm to provide an objective, parkwide sampling basis for vegetation classification. The generated point was used as any corner for the plot; however, the protocol allowed the crew to evaluate the area for representativeness of the surrounding vegetation and homogeneity, and to move the point if necessary. The number of this initial round of plots was determined by evaluating previous vegetation studies—primarily, SODN’s previous monitoring work and the Jenkins (1995) study, which had identified five major types at the park. The number of plots used was a best estimate based on the small size of the unit and relatively similar vegetation distribution. Plot and polygon data were reviewed by way of a manual ordination (grouping), and it was determined that an additional 14 subjectively placed plots were needed in order to characterize vegetation that was deemed undersampled by the existing plots but had been captured in the polygon-scale data. The final 50 classification plots were used for analysis. Additional data were available from 21 longterm monitoring plots of 20 × 50 meters, established by SODN in autumn 2009. These data included comprehensive species lists, with associated cover values and/or frequency estimates for the plots. These data were used to further validate and refine the groupings later determined using the classification plots.