Vegetation Classification and Distribution Mapping Report: Navajo National Monument
Salas D, Wegner D, Bolen C. 2010. Vegetation Classification and Distribution Mapping Report: Navajo National Monument. Natural Resource Technical Report. NPS/SCPN/NRTR—2010/298. National Park Service Natural Resource Program Center. Fort Collins, Colorado
Navajo National Monument (NAVA) encompasses approximately 244 ha in northeast Arizona. Its vegetation is represented by roughly 357 species of vascular plants in a limited set of communities. In 2005, a project was initiated to map the vegetation and develop a classification for the plant communities in the study area. This report documents those efforts. A multi-year program was initiated to complete the vegetation mapping at NAVA, consisting of two major tasks. Phase I was the development of a classification system. Phase II was the production of a digital vegetation map. Field data collected in 2005 were used as base information for vegetation classification. The described types fit into the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS). To classify vegetation, data were collected in 49 plots. In addition, 56 informal field observations, collected during the 2005 field season, were also consulted. These plots were compared to existing NVC types and assigned an appropriate type. From the plant alliances and associations assigned from the field data, 32 vegetation map units were derived. To produce the digital map, 1:12,000-scale, true-color aerial photography from June 2004 were used, in addition to the 2005 field plots. Both avenues were used to interpret the vegetation. All map units were developed and directly cross-walked or matched to corresponding plant associations and land-use classes. All of the interpreted and remotely sensed data were converted to Geographic Information System databases.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Salas, David; Wegner, Dave; Bolen, Cory
- Date of Issue
- 2010-03
- Publisher
- National Park Service Natural Resource Program Center
- Units
- NAVA , NRSS , SCPN , VMI
- Keywords
- Aerial Photographs, National Vegetation Classification Standard, Observations, Presence (Biodiversity), Taxa Links To Datasets, Taxa Links To References, vegetation alliance, Vegetation association, Vegetation Mapping