12.0 Appendixes

12.1 Field Forms

> **APPENDIX 12.1.1 NATIONAL PARK VEGETATION MAPPING PROGRAM: PLOT
> SURVEY FORM**

**IDENTIFIERS/LOCATORS**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Polygon                                                               |
| C                                                                     |
| ode\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| Plot                                                                  |
| Code\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\                         |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
|                                                                       |
| Provisional Community                                                 |
| Name\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                    |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
|                                                                       |
| State \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Park                                         |
| Name\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\                                                 |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| Park Site Name\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  |
|                                                                       |
| Quad                                                                  |
| Name\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\                 |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| Quad Code\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   |
|                                                                       |
| Latitude\_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ N Longitude\_\_\_   |
| \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ W GPS                       |
| Error\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_     |
|                                                                       |
| Survey Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                 |
| Surveyors\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                               |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Directions to Plot                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Plot length­­\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Plot                        |
| width\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Plot Photos (y/n)                 |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Plot Permanent (y/n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Plot representativeness                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION**

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Elevation                       |                                    |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\                   |                                    |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                    |
| Slope                           |                                    |
| \_\_\_\_\_\                     |                                    |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                    |
| Aspect\_\_\_\                   |                                    |
| _\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Topographic Position            |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Landform                        |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Surficial Geology               |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Hydrologic regime               |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| [Tidal]{.underline}             |                                    |
| [Non-tidal]{.underline}         |                                    |
| Salinity/Halinity modifiers     |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_Irregularly Exposed       |                                    |
| \_\_\_Permanently Flooded       |                                    |
| \_\_\_Saltwater                 |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_Regularly Flooded         |                                    |
| \_\_\_Semipermanently Flooded   |                                    |
| \_\_\_Brackish                  |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_Irregularly Flooded       |                                    |
| \_\_\_Seasonally/Temporarily    |                                    |
| Flooded \_\_\_Freshwater        |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_Unknown \_\_\_Seasonally  |                                    |
| flooded/saturated               |                                    |
| \_\_\_Saturated                 |                                    |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_Intermittently flooded    |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Soil Taxon/Description          |                                    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Soil Texture                    | Soil Drainage                      |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_ sand \_\_\_ sandy loam   | \_\_\_Rapidly drained \_\_\_Well   |
| \_\_\_ loam \_\_\_ silt loam    | drained                            |
|                                 |                                    |
| \_\_\_ clay loam \_\_\_ clay    | \_\_\_Moderately well drained      |
| \_\_\_ peat \_\_\_ muck         |                                    |
|                                 | \_\_\_Somewhat poorly drained      |
|                                 | \_\_\_Poorly drained \_\_\_Very    |
|                                 | poorly drained                     |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

VEGETATION DESCRIPTION

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Leaf Type Leaf phenology (of uppermost Strata Height % Cover          |
| Diagnostic species (if known)                                         |
|                                                                       |
| stratum having \>10% cover) T1 Emergent \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| T2 Canopy \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                               |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Broad-leaved [Trees and Shrubs]{.underline} [Herbs]{.underline} |
| T3 Sub-canopy \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                           |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
| \_\_\_Needle-leaved \_\_\_Evergreen \_\_\_Annual S1 Tall shrub        |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                         |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Microphyllous \_\_\_Deciduous \_\_\_Perennial S2 Short Shrub    |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                         |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Graminoid \_\_\_Cold-deciduous H Herbaceous \_\_\_\_\_\_\_      |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                                        |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Forb \_\_\_Drought-deciduous N Non-vascular \_\_\_\_\_\_\_      |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_   |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Pteridophyte \_\_\_Mixed V Vine/liana \_\_\_\_\_\_\_            |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                                        |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Mixed evergreen - cold-deciduous E Epiphyte \_\_\_\_\_\_\_      |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_                                                        |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_          |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Mixed evergreen - drought-deciduous                             |
|                                                                       |
| Cowardin System Physiognomic class                                    |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Upland \_\_\_Palustrine \_\_\_Estuarine \_\_\_Forest            |
| \_\_\_Woodland \_\_\_Sparse Woodland \_\_\_Shrubland \_\_\_Sparse     |
| Shrubland                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Lacustrine \_\_\_ Riverine \_\_\_Dwarf Shrubland \_\_\_Sparse   |
| Dwarf Shrubland \_\_\_Herbaceous                                      |
|                                                                       |
| \_\_\_Sparse vascular vegetation                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Species/percent cover: starting with the uppermost stratum, list all
species and % cover for each in the stratum. For forests and woodlands,
list on a separate line below each tree species the DBH of all trees
above 10 cm diameter. Separate measurements with a comma. Put an
asterisk next to any species that are known diagnostics for a particular
community in the classification

  ---------------- -- ----------------------- -- ---------------------- ---
                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

                                                                        

  Species outside     Natural and                Animal Use Evidence    
  plot                Anthropogenic                                     
                      Disturbance                                       
  ---------------- -- ----------------------- -- ---------------------- ---

**ACCURACY ASSESSMENT FIELD FORM**

CONTROL#\_\_\_\_\_ PARK CODE\_\_\_\_\_ TEAM LEADER
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ORIGINAL SAMPLE SITE\_\_\_\_\_YES \_\_\_\_\_NO; REPLACEMENT FOR
CONTROL#\_\_\_\_\_\_

USGS 7.5\"\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ DATE\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

LOCATION: LAT\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ LONG \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_GPS \_\_\_\_\_MAP

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

GPS UNIT#\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ MODEL\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ EST.
ERROR\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

SAMPLE TYPE: \_\_\_\_\_\_GROUND \_\_\_\_\_\_AIR OTHER\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

OBSERVATION AREA: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ha.(approx.)
SHAPE:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

GROUND PHOTOS \_\_\_\_YES \_\_\_\_NO (valid photos must have visible
control \# in scene**)**

CLASSIFICATION:
ALLIANCE:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

COMMUNITY:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

CONFORMANCE TO KEY/

COMMENTS:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

SPECIES %COVER STRATUM

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**APPENDIX 12.1.2 Instructions for NPS Vegetation Mapping Field Form**

**Polygon Code** --- Code indicating the vegetation polygon where the
plot was taken.

**Plot Code** --- Code indicating the specific plot within the
vegetation polygon. This field will be used to track the data when more
than one plot is taken within a vegetation polygon.

**Provisional Community Name** --- Using the classification, assign the
name of the vegetation type which most closely resembles this type.
Enter the finest level of the classification possible. This is meant to
be a field call of the vegetation classification and may change when the
data are analyzed.

**State** --- state where the survey was conducted.

**Park Name** --- Name of the national park where the data were
collected (if sampling outside of the park boundaries, list the name of
the park and state from which the sample was taken outside of the
boundaries.

**Park Site Name** --- Provisional name assigned by field worker that
describes where the data were collected; it should represent an
identifiable feature on a topographic map.

**Quad Name(s)** --- appropriate name/scale from survey map used; use
7.5-minute quadrangle if possible.

**Quad Code(s)** --- code of quadrangle map.

**Latitude** --- latitude in degrees, minutes, seconds (Use GPS, do not
estimate.)

**Longitude** --- longitude in degrees, minutes, seconds (Use GPS, do
not estimate.)

**GPS Error** --- enter the error inherent in the GPS type/model used.

**Survey Date** --- date the survey was taken; year, month, day.

**Surveyors** --- Names (and addresses, if appropriate) of surveyors,
principle surveyor listed first.

**Directions to Plot** --- precise directions to the site using a
readily locatable landmark (e.g., a city, a major highway, etc.) as the
starting point on a state or local road map. Use clear sentences that
will be understandable to someone who is unfamiliar with the area and
has only your directions to follow. Give distances as closely as
possible to the 0.1 mile and use compass directions. Give additional
directions to the plot within the site.

**Plot Length and Plot Width** --- enter width and length dimensions for
rectangular (or square) plots, or radius length for circular plots.
Choose the appropriate plot size based on the following:

Forest: 200 -- 500 m^2^

Shrubland: 50 -- 200 m^2^

Grassland: 50 -- 100 m^2^

Dwarf-shrub heath: 10 -- 25 m^2^

Moss communities: 1 -- 4 m^2^

Lichen communities: 0.1 -- 1 m^2^

(Source: D. Mueller-Dombois and H. Ellenberg. 1974. Aims and Methods of
Vegetation Ecology. John Wiley & Sons. New York.)

**Plot Photos** --- Check off if photos of the plot have been taken at
the time of sampling.

**Plot Permanent** --- Check off if the plot has been permanently
marked.

**Plot Representativeness** --- Does this plot represent the full
variability of the polygon? If not, were additional plots taken? Note
additional species not seen in plot in the space provided below.

**ENVIRONMENTAL DESCRIPTION**

**Elevation** --- elevation of the plot: specify whether in feet or
meters (this will depend on the units used on the topographic map/DEMs
being used).

**Slope** --- measure slope degrees using a clinometer.

**Aspect** --- enter slope aspect; use a compass (be sure to correct for
the magnetic declination).

**Topographic Position** --- Topographic position of the plot. NOTE: A
comprehensive list of topographic positions is being developed. The list
below provides an example of the topographic positions that might be
included.

• INTERFLUVE (crest, summit, ridge): Linear top of ridge, hill, or
mountain; the

elevated area between two fluves (drainageways) that sheds water to the
drainageways.

> • HIGH SLOPE (shoulder slope, upper slope, convex creep slope):
> Geomorphic
>
> component that forms the uppermost inclined surface at the top of a
> slope. Comprises
>
> the transition zone from backslope to summit. Surface is dominantly
> convex in profile
>
> and erosional in origin.
>
> • HIGH LEVEL (mesa): Level top of plateau.
>
> • MIDSLOPE (transportational midslope, middle slope): Intermediate
> slope position.
>
> • BACKSLOPE (dipslope): Subset of midslopes that are steep, linear,
> and may include
>
> cliff segments (fall faces).
>
> • STEP IN SLOPE (ledge, terracette): Nearly level shelf interrupting a
> steep slope, rock
>
> wall, or cliff face.
>
> • LOWSLOPE (lower slope, foot slope, colluvial footslope): Inner
> gently inclined surface
>
> at the base of a slope. Surface profile is generally concave and a
> transition
>
> between midslope or backslope, and toeslope.
>
> • TOESLOPE (alluvial toeslope): Outermost gently inclined surface at
> base of a slope. In
>
> profile, commonly gentle and linear and characterized by alluvial
> deposition.
>
> • LOW LEVEL (terrace): Valley floor or shoreline representing the
> former position of an
>
> alluvial plain, lake, or shore.
>
> • CHANNEL WALL (bank): Sloping side of a channel.
>
> • CHANNEL BED (narrow valley bottom, gully arroyo): Bed of single or
> braided
>
> watercourse commonly barren of vegetation and formed of modern
> alluvium.
>
> • BASIN FLOOR (depression): Nearly level to gently sloping, bottom
> surface of a basin.

**Landform** --- enter the landform that describes the site where the
plot was taken. NOTE: A comprehensive list of landforms is currently
being developed.

**Surficial Geology** --- note the geologic substrate influencing the
plant community (bedrock or surficial materials). NOTE: A comprehensive
list of surficial geologic factors is being developed. The list below
provides an example of the values that might be included.

> • IGNEOUS ROCKS
>
> -- Granitic (Granite, Schyolite, Syenite, Trachyte)
>
> -- ioritic (Diorite, Dacite, Andesite)
>
> -- Gabbroic (Gabbro, Basalt, Pyroxenite, Peridotite)

• SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

> -- Conglomerates and Breccias
>
> -- Sandstone
>
> -- Siltstone
>
> -- Shale
>
> -- imestone and Dolomite
>
> -- Marl
>
> -- Gypsum
>
> • METAMORPHIC ROCKS
>
> -- Gneiss
>
> -- Schist
>
> -- Slate and Phyllite
>
> -- Marble
>
> -- Serpentine

• GLACIAL DEPOSITS

> -- Undifferentiated glacial deposit

-- Till

-- Moraine

-- Bedrock and till

-   Glacio‑fluvial deposits (outwash plains, ice-contacted GF deposits,
    eskers, kames,

> pro-glacial deltas, crevasse filling, etc.)
>
> -- Deltaic deposits (alluvial cones, deltaic complexes)

-   Lacustrine and fluvial deposits (glacio-fluvial, fluvio-lacustrine,
    freshwater sandy

> beaches, stony/gravelly shoreline)

-   Marine deposits (bars, spits, sandy beaches, old shorelines, old
    beach ridges, old

> marine clays, etc.)
>
> • ORGANIC DEPOSITS:
>
> -- Peat (with clear fibric structure)
>
> -- Muck
>
> -- Marsh, regularly flooded by lake or river (high mineral content)

• SLOPE AND MODIFIED DEPOSITS:

> -- talus and scree slopes
>
> -- olluvial
>
> -- solifluction, landslide

• AEOLIAN DEPOSITS

> -- dunes
>
> -- aeolian sand flats
>
> -- loess deposits
>
> -- cover sands

**Hydrologic Regime** --- Assess the hydrologic regime of the plot using
the descriptions below.

Hydrological modifiers used to identify wetland units at the formation
level (adapted from Cowardin et al. 1979).

**Tidal**

[Irregularly Exposed]{.underline} --- Land surface is exposed by tides
less often than daily; the area from mean low tide to extreme low spring
tide. The area on NOS charts from seaward edge of light green (mean low
water) to depth contour (often in blue tone) approximately extreme low
water (includes some mangrove and/or bald cypress swamps).

[Regularly Flooded]{.underline} --- Tidal water alternately floods and
exposes the land surface daily, from mean low (lower low on west coast)
to mean high (higher high on west coast) tide (includes cordgrass low
marshes).

[Irregularly Flooded]{.underline} --- Tidal water floods land surface
less often than daily. The area must flood by tide at least once yearly
as a result of extreme high spring tide, plus wind, plus flow. The area
extends from mean high water inland to the maximum extent of tide plus
the splash zone (includes salt hay meadows).

[Unknown]{.underline} --- The water regime is not known. Unit is
described simply as \"wetland.\"

**Non-Tidal**

[Permanently Flooded]{.underline} --- Water covers land surface [at all
times of year]{.underline} in all years. (includes many rooted emergent
and floating aquatics)

[Semipermanently Flooded]{.underline} --- Surface water persists
throughout the growing season in most years. Land surface is normally
saturated when water level drops below soil surface (includes most bald
cypress swamps, marshes).

[Seasonally/Temporarily Flooded]{.underline} --- Surface water is
present during the growing season, but is absent by the end of the
growing season in most years. The water table, after flooding, ceases to
be very variable, extending from saturated to a water table well below
the ground surface (includes floodplains and wet meadows).

[Saturated]{.underline} --- Surface water is seldom present, but
substrate is saturated to surface for extended periods during the
growing season (includes bogs and fens).

[Seasonally Flooded/Saturated]{.underline} --- The water table remains
at or near the soil surface following flooding. Standing water can
persist in depressions for much of the growing season; the soils are
generally saturated when the water table drops below the soil surface
(includes most wooded swamps).

[Intermittently Flooded]{.underline} --- Substrate is usually exposed,
but surface water present for variable periods [without detectable
seasonal periodicity]{.underline}. This modifier was developed for use
in arid Western United States to describe water regimes of playa lakes,
and will apply to other areas as well. Inundation is not predictable to
a given season and is dependent on highly localized rain storms. Playa
lakes, intermittent streams, and dry washes are only considered to be
wetlands if they support hydrophytes and/or have hydric soils.

[Unknown]{.underline} --- The water regime of the area is not known. The
unit is simply described as \"wetland.\"

**Salinity/Halinity Modifiers** --- Enter the salinity/halinity
modifiers of the hydrologic regime using the scale below.

[Inland]{.underline} [Coastal Tidal]{.underline}

Saltwater \>30 ppt Saltwater-tidal

Brackish 0.5--30 ppt Brackish

No Equivalent \<0.5 ppt Freshwater

**Soil Taxon/Description** --- Provide the soil name and the name of the
soil report/map from which the information was obtained. Also provide a
basic description of the soils noting the most significant features with
respect to classifying the vegetation. A soil core should be taken.
Describe the soil horizons and note the depth, texture, and color of
each. Note significant changes such as depth to mottling, depth to water
table, root penetration depth, and depth of the organic layer. Also
include a general description of the soil depth class (shallow, deep,
very deep, etc.) pH, stoniness, erosion potential and type, etcetera. If
it is not possible to take a soil core, as much information as possible
should be recorded from the soil report and it should be noted that no
core was taken.

**Soil Texture** --- Using the key below, assess average soil texture.

> **Simplified Key to Soil Texture** (Brewer and McCann, 1982)

A1 Soil does not remain in a ball when
squeezed\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
sand

A2 Soil remains in a ball when
squeezed\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
B

B1 Squeeze the ball between your thumb and forefinger, attempting to
make a ribbon that you push up over your finger. Soil makes no
ribbon\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....loamy
sand

B2 Soil makes a ribbon; may be very
short\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...C

C1 Ribbon extends less than 1 inch before
breaking\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....D

C2 Ribbon extends 1 inch or more before
breaking\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...E

D1 Add excess water to small amount of soil; soil feels at least
slightly
gritty\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....loam
or sandy loam

D2 Soil feels
smooth\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....silt
loam

E1 Soil makes a ribbon that breaks when 1--2 inches long; cracks if bent
into a ring\...\...\.....F

E2 Soil makes a ribbon 2+ inches long; does not crack when bent into a
ring\...\...\...\...\...\...\...G

F1 Add excess water to small amount of soil; soil feels at least
slightly
gritty\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....sandy
clay loam or clay loam

F2 Soil feels
smooth\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....silty
clay loam or silt

G1 Add excess water to a small amount of soil; soil feels at least
slightly
gritty\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....sandy
clay or clay

G2 Soil feels
smooth\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....silty
clay

**Soil** **Drainage** --- The soil drainage classes are defined in terms
of (1) actual moisture content (in excess of field moisture capacity)
and (2) the extent of the period during which excess water is present in
the plant‑root zone.

It is recognized that permeability, level of groundwater, and seepage
are factors affecting moisture status. However, because these are not
easily observed or measured in the field, they cannot generally be used
as criteria of moisture status. It is further recognized that soil
profile morphology, for example mottling, normally, but not always,
reflects soil moisture status. Although soil morphology may be a
valuable field indication of moisture status, it should not be the
overriding criterion. Soil drainage classes cannot be based solely on
the presence or absence of mottling. Topographic position and vegetation
as well as soil morphology are useful field criteria for assessing soil
moisture status.

> • RAPIDLY DRAINED --- The soil moisture content [seldom exceeds field
> capacity]{.underline} in any
>
> horizon except immediately after water addition. Soils are free from
> any evidence of
>
> gleying throughout the profile. Rapidly drained soils are commonly
> [coarse textured or]{.underline}
>
> [soils on steep slopes]{.underline}.
>
> • WELL DRAINED --- The soil moisture content does not normally exceed
> field capacity
>
> in any horizon (except possibly the C) for a significant part of the
> year. Soils are usually
>
> free from mottling in the upper 3 feet, but may be mottled below this
> depth. B horizons,
>
> if present, are reddish, brownish, or yellowish.
>
> • MODERATELY WELL DRAINED --- The soil moisture in excess of field
> capacity
>
> remains for a small but significant period of the year. Soils are
> commonly mottled
>
> (chroma \< 2) in the lower B and C horizons or below a depth of 2
> feet. The Ae horizon, if
>
> present, may be faintly mottled in fine‑textured soils and in
> medium‑textured soils that
>
> have a slowly permeable layer below the solum. In grassland soils the
> B and C horizons
>
> may be only faintly mottled and the A horizon may be relatively thick
> and dark.
>
> • SOMEWHAT POORLY DRAINED --- The soil moisture in excess of field
> capacity
>
> remains in subsurface horizons for moderately long periods during the
> year. Soils are
>
> commonly mottled in the B and C horizons; the Ae horizon, if present,
> may be mottled.
>
> The matrix generally has a lower chroma than in the well‑drained soil
> on similar parent
>
> material.
>
> • POORLY DRAINED --- The soil moisture in excess of field capacity
> remains in all
>
> horizons for a large part of the year. The soils are usually very
> strongly gleyed. Except
>
> in high‑chroma parent materials the B, if present, and upper C
> horizons usually have
>
> matrix colors of low chroma. Faint mottling may occur throughout.
>
> • VERY POORLY DRAINED --- Free water remains at or within 12 inches of
> the surface
>
> most of the year. The soils are usually very strongly gleyed.
> Subsurface horizons usually
>
> are of low chroma and yellowish to bluish hues. Mottling may be
> present but at the
>
> depth in the profile. Very poorly drained soils usually have a mucky
> or peaty surface
>
> horizon.Simplified Key to Soil Texture (Brewer and McCann, 1982).

**VEGETATION DESCRIPTION**

**Leaf Type** --- Select one value which best describes the leaf form of
the uppermost stratum which contains at least 10% cover.

> • BROAD‑LEAF --- Woody vegetation primarily broad‑leaved (generally
> contributes
>
> greater than 50 percent of the total woody cover).
>
> • NEEDLE‑LEAF --- Woody vegetation primarily needle‑leaved (generally
> contributes
>
> greater than 50 percent cover).

• MICROPHYLLOUS --- Woody cover primarily microphyllous.

> • GRAMINOID --- Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50 percent
>
> graminoid/stipe leaf species.
>
> • BROAD‑LEAF‑HERBACEOUS (FORB) --- Herbaceous vegetation composed of
> more
>
> than 50% broad‑leaf forb species.
>
> • PTERIDOPHYTE --- Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50
> percent species
>
> with frond or frond‑like leaves.

**Leaf phenology** --- Select the value that best describes the leaf
phenology of the uppermost stratum which contains at least 10 percent
cover.

> • EVERGREEN --- Greater than 75 percent of the total woody cover is
> never without
>
> green foliage.
>
> • DECIDUOUS --- Greater than 75 percent of the total woody cover sheds
> its foliage
>
> simultaneously in connection with the unfavorable season.

• COLD DECIDUOUS --- Unfavorable season mainly characterized by winter
frost.

> • DROUGHT DECIDUOUS --- Unfavorable season mainly characterized by
> drought, in
>
> most cases winter-drought. Foliage is shed regularly every year. Most
> trees with
>
> relatively thick, fissured bark.
>
> • MIXED EVERGREEN -- DECIDUOUS --- Evergreen and deciduous species
> generally
>
> contribute 25--75 percent of the total woody cover.

• MIXED EVERGREEN -- COLD DECIDUOUS --- Evergreen and cold-deciduous
species

admixed.

• MIXED EVERGREEN -- DROUGHT DECIDUOUS --- Evergreen and drought-

deciduous species admixed.

> • PERENNIAL --- Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50 percent
> perennial
>
> species.
>
> • ANNUAL ‑ Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50 percent
> annual species.

**Strata/Lifeform, Height, Cover, Diagnostic Species** --- Visually
divide the community into vegetation layers (strata). Indicate the
average height of the stratum in the first column, and average percent
cover (using the cover scale below) of the whole stratum in the second
column. Trees are defined as single-stemmed woody plants, generally 5m
in height or greater at maturity and under optimal growing conditions.
Shrubs are defined as multiple-stemmed woody plants generally less than
5m in height at maturity and under optimal growing conditions. If
species known to be diagnostic of a particular vegetation type are
present, list them. Leave blank if the diagnostics are not known.

**Cover Scale for Strata**

01 0 - 10%

02 10 - 25%

03 25 - 60%

04 60 - 100%

**Cowardin System** --- If the system is a wetland, enter the name of
the USFWS system that best describes its hydrology and landform.
Indicate \"upland\" if the system is not a wetland.

**Physiognomic Type** --- Select the value that best describes the
physiognomy. Definitions are modified from the 1973 UNESCO and 1984
Driscoll et al. Formation Classes and are defined by the relative
percent cover of the tree, shrub, dwarf shrub, herbaceous, and
nonvascular strata.

> • FOREST --- Trees usually over 5m tall with crowns interlocking
> (generally
>
> forming 60--100% cover). Shrubs, herbs and nonvascular plants may be
> present at
>
> any cover value.
>
> • WOODLAND --- Open stands of trees usually over 5m tall with crowns
> not
>
> usually touching (generally forming 25‑60% cover). Shrubs, herbs, and
>
> nonvascular plants may be present at any cover value.
>
> • SPARSE WOODLAND --- Trees usually over 5m tall with widely spaced
> crowns
>
> (generally forming 10--25% canopy cover. Shrubs herbs and non‑vascular
> plants
>
> may be present with any cover value.
>
> • SHRUBLAND --- Shrubs and/or small trees usually 0.5--5.0 meters tall
> with
>
> individuals or clumps not touching to interlocking (generally forming
> \>25%
>
> canopy cover). Trees may be present, but with cover 10 percent or
> less. Herbs
>
> and nonvascular plants may be present at any cover value.
>
> • SPARSE SHRUBLAND --- Shrubs and/or small trees usually 0.5 to 5m
> tall with
>
> individuals or clumps widely spaced (generally forming 10--25% canopy
> cover.
>
> Trees may be present, but with cover 10 percent or less. Herbs and
> nonvascular
>
> plants may be present at any cover value.
>
> • DWARF SHRUBLAND --- Low growing shrubs and/or dwarf trees are
> usually
>
> under 0.5m tall (though known dwarf forms between 0.5 and 1m can be
>
> included), individuals or clumps not touching to interlocking
> (generally forming
>
> \>25% cover). Trees and shrubs greater than 0.5m may be present but
> cover with
>
> canopy cover 10 percent or less. Herbs and nonvascular plants may be
> present at
>
> any cover value.
>
> • SPARSE DWARF SHRUBLAND --- Low growing shrubs and/or dwarf trees
>
> usually under 0.5m (though known dwarf forms between 0.5 and 1m can be
>
> included) with individuals or clumps widely spaced (generally with
> 10--25%
>
> cover). Trees and shrubs greater than 0.5m may be present, but with
> cover 10
>
> percent or less. Herbs and nonvascular plants may be present at any
> cover value.
>
> • HERBACEOUS --- Graminoids and/or forbs (including ferns) generally
> forming
>
> \>10% cover. Trees, shrubs, and dwarf shrubs may be present, but with
> cover 10
>
> percent or less. Nonvascular may be present at any cover value.
>
> • SPARSE VASCULAR VEGETATION/NON--VASCULAR --- Vascular
>
> vegetation is scattered or nearly absent. The cover of each vascular
> lifeform
>
> (tree, shrub, dwarf shrub, herb) is at most 10 percent; in some cases
> the total
>
> cover of vascular vegetation may exceed 10 percent. Cover of
> nonvascular plants
>
> (mosses and lichens) may be absent to continuous.

**Species/Percent Cover** --- Starting with the uppermost stratum, list
all the species present and the percent cover (using the scale provided
below) of each species in the stratum. For forests and woodlands, list
on a separate line below each tree species and the DBH of all trees
above 10 cm diameter. Separate the measurements with a comma and note
whether in centimeters or inches. The first line of each stratum should
be used to identify which stratum is being described. The codes from the
stratum diagram in Number 48 can be used as an abbreviation. See the
example below.

**Cover Scale for Species Percent Cover**

**Code** **Range of Class** **Class midpoint**

00 0 Cover 0

01 \>0 -- \< 1% 0.3%

03 1 -- \< 5% 3%

10 5 -- \<15% 10%

20 15 -- \<25% 20%

30 25 -- \<35% 30%

40 35 -- \<45% 40%

50 45 -- \<55% 50%

60 55 -- \<65% 60%

70 65 -- \<75% 70%

80 75 -- \<85% 80%

90 85 -- \<95% 90%

98 95 -- \<100% 97.5%

NOTE: The cover scale used is that developed by Region 1 of the U.S.
Forest Service for their ECODATA data management and analysis system
(Jensen et al., FLAG date). The error rate of ±1 cover class is assumed
for each estimate. For example, if the cover class entered is 35-- \<45%
(cover code 40), the midpoint of the class that will be used in future
analyses will be 40 percent. The error associated with the value is
25--55%.

Example of a completed species list.

  -------------------------------------------------------- --------------
  T1                                                       

  Quercus alba                                             40

  52, 37, 15, 27, 18, 48, 40 cm                            

  Acer rubrum                                              20

  25, 16, 14, 16, 23                                       

  T2                                                       

  Cornus florida                                           20

  13, 16                                                   

  S2                                                       

  Vaccinium angustifolium                                  60

  Corylus cornuta                                          03
  -------------------------------------------------------- --------------

APPENDIX 12.2 Example Applications of the Field Methods for Vegetation
Mapping

**12.2.1 The Gray Ranch, New Mexico**

Detailed accounts of the two-stage gradsect sampling design and of the
resulting data exist for the rainforests of southern New South Wales,
Australia, (Helman 1983) and for a mixture of eucalypt and rainforests
in northern New South Wales (Austin and Heyligers, 1989, 1991). In the
United States, an opportunity to use gradsect methodology and to
evaluate its efficiency in recovering ecological patterns arose as
result of a request from The Nature Conservancy to survey the Gray Ranch
in southern New Mexico. The goals were to characterize the vegetation
patterns and their associated floristic variability in relation to the
range of environmental variability within the ranch and to use this
information to assess the conservation value of the area (Bourgeron et
al. 1993, Engelking et al. 1993). The constraint was that resources were
limited to only two weeks of field work and two crews of two surveyors
each for a total area covering 340,000 acres. An existing regional
vegetation classification was used to initiate the sampling design.
Results of the survey were used to refine the classification and to
create a map of existing vegetation using TM data. Accuracy assessment
was conducted after the study was completed.

In the absence of a spatially referenced database containing defined
attribute data for modeling and sampling the environment, variables and
their classes were chosen according to information from previous
studies, the decisions of a group of experienced ecologists and soil
scientists, and the availability of suitable maps. The landscape level
variables selected as among the dominant environmental variables
influencing the distribution of species and plant communities at the
Gray Ranch were (1) geology as an indicator of the nutrient regime, (2)
elevation as an indicator of precipitation and temperature, and (3) soil
type as an indicator of water availability. The variables were grouped
into classes (Bourgeron et al. 1993, Engelking et al. 1993) and arranged
in a factorial design. Each factorial combination (elevation x soil x
geology) was consider to represent a physical environment. Class
intervals were chosen to produce maps (1:100,000 scale) for each
variable. These maps were overlaid to produce a map of the physical
environments suitable for visual assessment of the environmental
gradients.

Taking into consideration access roads, several positions for gradsects
were established. Two main gradsects were chosen to contain as many of
the physical environments as possible. After comparing the physical
environments in the gradsects with those occurring in the Gray Ranch as
a whole, two small additional gradsects were chosen specifically to
capture those environmental combinations that did not fall into the two
main gradsects. Some physical environments of very restricted extent
were not represented at all in the gradsects. Given the time
constraints, they were not targeted for sampling. For the purpose of the
survey, the gradsects, including forty-nine of the fifty-five physical
environments, were judged representative of the study area.

Geographical replication of similar environments allows to represent
biological variation due to criteria other than those used to define the
gradsects. Geographical replication was included twice in the design.
First, the overlap between the environmental envelopes of the gradsects
provides a degree of geographical replication of similar environments.
Second, the main gradsects were each divided into three segments to
further enhance geographic replication.

The following explicit sampling procedures were used to locate the
sample sites. First, the total number of sample sites that could be
visited during the two-week period was estimated to be one hundred. This
number was increased to 120 to provide for flexibility during field
work. Second it was decided to sample physical environments according to
their representation at the Gray Ranch. A grid with .25-mile spacing was
generated and overlaid on the map of the physical environments. Each
grid point was assigned to one of the environments. From the number of
grid points intercepted by each combination, a percentage (number of
grid points for a given environment/total number of grid points) was
calculated. The percentages are estimates of the spatial extent of each
physical environment and were used to calculate the number of samples
per combination. For example, the combination alluvium substrate x
elevation class 1,250--1,500m x argid soil suborder occurred on 11
percent of the Gray Ranch and should have received 11 percent of the
total number of samples. Based on this rule, however, the environments
representing less than 1 percent of the Gray Ranch would not receive a
sample. It was decided to sample all physical environments present in
the gradsects in order to cover as much of the range of environmental
variability as possible. Therefore, one sample was assigned to each
infrequent environment. This kind of decision can be made by the
investigators in order to adjust the sampling scheme to meet the needs
of the study.

All physical environments in the two short gradsects were infrequent
(less than 1 percent of the total area) and were each allocated one
sample (total = 11). Choice of the sample locations was simplified by
the fact that, in many cases, these combinations were found in only one
location. That left 109 samples for the two main gradsects. Each main
gradsect was allocated samples in proportion to its surface area. Within
a gradsect, each segment was allocated one third of the number of
samples. The number of samples assigned to each physical environment in
a segment was in proportion to its representation in the segment. The
number of grid points intercepted by each environment within the segment
was used again to calculate the percent of representation and a number
of samples were assigned.

Actual sample location within each segment was chosen randomly for a
given physical environment. Bias due to accessibility was made explicit
by taking in to account the location of access roads. However, to
decrease the effect of intense grazing and disturbance on vegetation
patterns, the design was constrained so that plots were at least 0.5
miles from a road, water tank, or windmill, except for a few times when
the sites were deemed of high quality. The design further allowed for
alternative sample site selection within the same physical environment
when the field survey showed the sites were too inaccessible (time
constraint) or too severely impacted by cattle and/or other human
activity.

At the local scale, variables other than those chosen for the sampling
design may also have a strong influence on vegetation composition (i.e.,
slope, aspect, etc). Therefore a further stratification based on the
response of the vegetation to the environment was imposed. Within each
sample, 20 x 20m plots were located in each physiognomic type found
(e.g., forest,

shrubland, grassland), and/or in dominance types. Finally, at each
sample site, the classes of the stratifying variables were verified
(soil and geology) to compensate for errors due to the various map
scales used in the sampling design. If an error was found, changes were
made accordingly in the design to stay on track with the required number
of samples for each physical environment.

After two weeks of vegetation survey, ninety seven plots were taken on
the Gray Ranch. Thirty -six of the forty-nine physical environments
occurring in the gradsects were sampled. The thirteen environments that
were not visited were infrequent and scheduled to have only one sample.
These types were often found only in hard-to-access areas requiring long
hikes, which would have required too much time given the two-week survey
period limitation. All unsampled physical environments occurring at the
Gray Ranch were slated to be surveyed during the next field season.

**12.2.2 The Yampa River**

The study watershed (the Yampa River), over 19,000 km^2^, is part of the
Upper Colorado River Basin and spans northwestern Colorado and a small
area of southcentral Wyoming. The major goal of the study initiated by
The Nature Conservancy was to assess the environmental variability in
the Yampa River Basin, the corresponding response of the riparian
vegetation, and to use the resulting information to design a
watershed-wide conservation strategy. The study was to be conducted
within one year. As for the Gray Ranch, complete georeferenced databases
were not available over the study area.

As in the Gray Ranch study described in **Section 7.5**, environmental
factors used to characterize the environmental variability of the Yampa
River were chosen based on previous riparian work in the central Rocky
Mountains and after consultation with a group of experts. Additionally,
a technical committee of land managers reviewed the decisions. The
variables were as follows: (1) elevation as an indicator of the
temperature regime, (2) geologic substrate as an indicator of the soil
nutrient regime, (3) valley width/depth ratio as an indicator of the
solar radiation regime, and (4) drainage basin length, strongly
correlated with stream discharge, as an indicator of the moisture
regime.

Values of each variable analyzed were divided into classes (**Table
4**), which were then arranged factorially (**Table 5**). Locations
(perennial stream or river segments) that shared similar classes of
selected environmental gradients were identified and mapped. The number
of stream segments in each physical environment varied from one to over
twenty. The areal extent of each physical environment was estimated by
measuring the length of each stream segment and summing them up (**Table
5**) to get a total length in each physical environment.

The sampling design for the collection of data on riparian vegetation
was based on the data on the areal extent of each physical environment.
Gradsect methodology was modified for this study to reflect the fact
that perennial streams constitute transects of their own. No stream
segment or geographic area was excluded from possible sampling. This
approach maximized geographic replication and enabled the sampling team
to visit most of the study area. An important feature of the methodology
is the sampling of all segments of variation of the environmental
gradients according their actual areal representation (xxxx). This was
accomplished by determining the proportion that each physical
environment occupied of the total drainage basin length of the Yampa
River watershed. Numerical criteria (**Table 7**) were developed to
allocate sample sites according to the proportional representation of
the physical environment.

Once the number of sample sites per physical environment was determined,
the actual location of each site was selected randomly. Sampling at
individual sites was designed to capture the local variation in
environmental variables (e.g., aspect or topography) not included in the
characterization of the physical environment but expressed by the
vegetation. Plots were placed for quantitative sampling of floristic and
environmental data (e.g., landform, distance to water, etc.) on each
site; a total of eighty sites were visited, with 111 individual plots
collected. **Table** **8** summarizes the number of possible
combinations of the variable classes, the number of existing and sampled
combinations, and the number of kilometers (areal representation) of
these.

The criteria developed for allocating sample sites deliberately allows
for undersampling of common physical environments and oversampling of
less common environments. The underlying assumption is that less common
physical environments may support rare species combinations. The
sampling success (or failure) for each physical environment can be
tracked, allowing assessment to determine which portions of a particular
gradient have been missed.