Vegetation Classification and Mapping of Bluestone National Scenic River, West Virginia [and associated files]

Vanderhorst, James; Streets, Brian; Jeuck, James; Gawler, Susan

A vegetation classification and map were developed by the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program for Bluestone National Scenic River following the standards of the U.S. Geological Survey / National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program. Classification was based, in part, on multivariate analysis of complete floristic data from 135 plots sampled in 2003–2005. The classification for the park was crosswalked to the U.S. National Vegetation Classification in consultation with NatureServe. A digital vegetation map was produced using Geographic Information System software. Base layers for vegetation mapping included two digital orthophoto mosaics of the park developed by North Carolina State University from aerial photography flown for this project in March 2003 and October 2004. Spatial and thematic accuracy assessments were performed by North Carolina State University. Vegetation of the park was classified in 22 associations of the U.S. National Vegetation Classification including 12 upland types and 10 riparian types. Prevailing physiognomic expressions include 17 forest associations, four woodland associations, and one herbaceous association. The vegetation map includes 24 map classes. Upland forests and woodlands comprise about 85% of the park area and are represented by 12 map classes, each class being a USNVC association. Three major forest associations (Oak - Hickory - Sugar Maple Forest, Oak - Eastern White Pine / Ericad Forest, and Sugar Maple - Yellow Buckeye - American Basswood Forest) comprise about 70% of the park area. Riparian vegetation comprises about eight percent of the park area and is represented by five map classes, including two map classes comprised of multiple associations. These five riparian map classes represent a total of 12 associations, two of which are upland forest and woodland associations. Four percent of the park is mapped as natural waterways and the remaining three percent is mapped as disturbed areas and cultural and transportation features. Overall thematic accuracy of the vegetation map was estimated to be 92.2%. 10

Vegetation Classification and Mapping of Bluestone National Scenic River, West Virginia [and associated files]

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