Channel Islands National Park: Vegetation classification and mapping project report
Rodriguez D and Williams C . 2025. Channel Islands National Park: Vegetation classification and mapping project report. Science Report. NPS/SR—2025/293. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2311434
In 2012, Channel Islands National Park (CHIS), with support and funding from the National Park Service’s (NPS) National Vegetation Mapping Inventory (VMI) Program, initiated new vegetation classifications and maps for four northern Channel Islands—Anacapa Island (ANI), Santa Rosa Island (SRI), Santa Cruz Island (SCI), and San Miguel Island (SMI). The project was conducted in two distinct phases. Phase 1 consisted of a mapping and classification effort for ANI, SRI, and SMI. Phase 2 mapped and classified the vegetation for SCI alone. Initial site visits and reconnaissance were conducted jointly by AIS and NPS, followed by NPS-led field data collection efforts. Data collection for the photo interpretation and for the basis of the vegetation classification continued for more than two years, resulting in the completion of over 1,600 field plots and rapid field assessments. For both Phases 1 and 2, map polygons were delineated from photo interpretation of 2012 and 2017 (respectively) aerial color imagery (six-inch resolution) using heads-up digitizing. In total, Phase 1 generated 13,767 polygons that were delineated across 84 different mapping units and Phase 2 generated 13,901 polygons that were delineated across 52 different mapping units. Once draft maps were completed, accuracy assessments were completed to ensure polygons were mapped accurately. The accuracy assessment analysis revealed some discrepancies; however, further review yielded no change to the original field identifications. For Phases 1 and 2 combined, analysis of the field data resulted in 58 plant alliances and 114 associations. SRI supported the highest number of vegetation types despite being the second largest Channel Island, whereas the largest island, SCI, ranked second. However, SCI had the most shrub-dominated vegetation types, whereas SRI had the most herb-dominated types. Six alliances/associations were shared among all four islands, 17 were shared by three islands, 39 were shared by two islands, and another 39 were unique to individual islands.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Rodriguez, Dirk; Williams, Cameron
- Date of Issue
- 2025-05
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2311434
- Units
- CHIS , NRSS
- Keywords
- Accuracy Assessment, Aerial Photography, Alliances and Associations, Anacapa Island, Channel Islands, Channel Islands National Park, CHIS, Community Association, Habitat Mapping, Inventory Projects, Landcover, National Park Service Inventory, National Vegetation Classification System, NVCS, San Miguel Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, U.S. National Vegetation Classification, USNVC, Vegetation Composition Inventory, Vegetation Data, Vegetation Inventory, Vegetation Inventory Report, Vegetation Map Report, Vegetation Mapping, Vegetation Mapping Inventory, VMI