Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Program Report

95-P002-3

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program Procedures:

Vegetation Monitoring

This PDF file may appear different from the printed report

because of slight variations incurred by electronic transmission.

The substance of the report remains unchanged.

July 1995
Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Procedures: Vegetation Monitoring

by 

Sara J. Rogers and Thomas W. Owens

National Biological Service

Environmental Management Technical Center

575 Lester Avenue

Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650

July 1995
The Environmental Management Technical Center issues LTRMP Program Reports to

provide Long Term Resource Monitoring Program partners with programmatic documentation,

procedures manuals, training manuals, and geospatial applications.

National Biological Service

Environmental Management

Technical Center

CENTER DIRECTOR

Robert L. Delaney

SCIENCE ADVISOR

John W. Barko

INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY

SERVICES DIRECTOR

Norman W. Hildrum

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING AND

RESEARCH DIRECTOR

Steve Gutreuter

GEOSPATIAL APPLICATIONS

DIRECTOR

Frank D'Erchia 

INFORMATION TRANSFER AND

MEDIA SERVICES MANAGER

Terry D'Erchia 

Cover graphic by Mi Ae Lipe-Butterbrodt

Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for

use by the National Biological Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

The National Biological Service . . . gathering, analyzing,

and sharing the biological information necessary to support the wise

stewardship of the Nation's natural resources.

 Printed on recycled paper 
iii

Preface

The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) was authorized under the

Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662) as an element of the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) Environmental Management Program. The original

authorization for the LTRMP was for 10 years, starting in 1987. Authorization has since

been extended for an additional 5 years (to 2002) by Section 405 of the Water Resources

Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-640).

The LTRMP is being implemented by the Environmental Management Technical

Center, a National Biological Service Science Center, in cooperation with the five Upper

Mississippi River System (UMRS) States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and

Wisconsin. The Corps provides guidance and has overall Program responsibility. The

mode of operation and respective roles of the agencies are outlined in a 1988

Memorandum of Agreement.

The UMRS encompasses the commercially navigable reaches of the Upper

Mississippi River, as well as the Illinois River and navigable portions of the Kaskaskia,

Black, St. Croix, and Minnesota Rivers. Congress has declared the UMRS to be both a

nationally significant ecosystem and a nationally significant commercial navigation system.

The mission of the LTRMP is to provide decision makers with information to maintain the

Upper Mississippi River System as a sustainable large river ecosystem given its multipleuse character. The long-term goals of the Program are to understand the system,

determine resource trends and impacts, develop management alternatives, manage

information, and develop useful products. 

Goal 2 of the LTRMP Operating Plan (USFWS 1992) is simply stated: Monitor

Resource Change. Strategies for monitoring resource components are listed under this

goal.

This report should be cited as:

Rogers, S. J., and T. W. Owens. 1995. Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Procedures: Vegetation monitoring. National Biological Service, Environmental

Management Technical Center, Onalaska, Wisconsin, July 1995. LTRMP

95-P002-3. 10 pp. + Appendixes A-E
iv

Contents

Page

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

1. Monitoring Submersed and Floating-Leaved Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

General Sampling Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2.1 Transects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2.2 Informal Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.2.3 Abiotic Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2. Aerial Photography Interpretation .............................. 5

2.1 Photo Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.2 Scaling Photos/Minimum Mapping Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.3 Work Area Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.3.1 Overlay Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.3.2 Endlap Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.3.3 Sidelap Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.4 Field Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.5 Photointerpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program Vegetation Transect Data Sheet . . A-1

Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Vegetation Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1

Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program Vegetation

 Informal Survey Collection Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1

Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Photointerpretation Materials List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Appendix E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program Vegetation Classification . . . . . . E-1
v

Tables

Page

Table 1. Density rating for recovered vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Table 2. Reliability of identification codes .......................... 3

Figures

Page

Figure 1. Side-matching photos - Case A: The left-hand photo is offset above the

right-hand photo. Case B: The left-hand photo is offset below the right-hand

photo. ............................................... 7

Figure 2. Sidelap correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1. Monitoring Submersed and Floating-Leaved Vegetation

The Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) is physically diverse and biologically productive,

providing habitat to hundreds of species of plants and animals. Aquatic and terrestrial plant communities

provide structure, food, and shelter to a variety of organisms, influence nutrient dynamics and water

quality, and stabilize sediments (Sculthorpe 1967; Wetzel 1983). Although aquatic and terrestrial

vegetation have important ecological value, there are few long-term studies directed toward understanding

spatial and temporal changes or understanding potential factors influencing this important component.

General Sampling Approach

The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) monitors aquatic vegetation in four navigation

pools of the Upper Mississippi River (Pools 4, 8, 13, and 26), and La Grange Pool of the Illinois River.

Specific locations and timing of monitoring are directed by the spatial and temporal patterns of the

vegetation. For example, aquatic vegetation monitoring is not conducted in the open river reach since this

life form is generally lacking. In the other navigation pools, field surveys are conducted during the

growing season to assess the distribution and abundance of aquatic vegetation. Selected areas are surveyed

twice during the season to document seasonal patterns. Aerial photography is taken annually in the upper

reaches where aquatic vegetation is most extensive and less frequently (5-year intervals) in lower reaches

where agriculture and forests dominate the floodplain. Photographs are interpreted based on extensive

field verification and are archived at the Environmental Management Technical Center (EMTC).

1.1 Objectives

The objectives of monitoring floating-leaved and submersed aquatic vegetation in the UMRS are as

follows:

a. To document the distribution of these life forms in selected reaches of the UMRS as affected by

environmental changes.

b. To compare present distribution of these life forms with past distribution.

c. To identify environmental factors potentially responsible for both long- and short-term changes in

the distribution of these life forms.

1.2 Procedures

1.2.1 Transects

a. Locations and spacing. Within trend analysis pools, transects are established in areas currently

vegetated with submersed macrophytes. To best document changes in species distribution patterns,

transects are systematically arranged (regularly spaced). Sites for selection should include as many

vegetated areas within the pool as possible. These areas include various habitat types, such as contiguous

and isolated lakes and ponds, channel borders, sloughs, shallow bays, and impoundments.
2

b. Number of transects. The number of transects for each vegetated area is allocated in proportion to

plant community heterogeneity and the size of the area. In general, transects are spaced every 50 to 100

m apart. However, in large areas that are fairly uniform in species composition and distribution, transects

may be spaced further apart. Before establishing permanent transects, a preliminary reconnaissance of the

area to be sampled is necessary.

c. Arrangement and marking of transects and sites for sampling. Transects are established

perpendicular to shoreline by deploying polypropylene ropes held at each end by an anchored buoy or by

marking transect endpoints with stakes along a designated compass bearing. Sampling sites are placed at

intervals of about 15 m along the transects, with the first site located 1 m from shore. The length of each

transect is determined by the lateral expanse of vegetation. Sampling is terminated at a distance of two

sampling sites beyond the last vegetated site (approximately 30 m) or after sampling three sites along

presumably nonvegetated transects.

d. Sampling schedule. Data on vegetative distribution and abundance are collected by sampling along

transects. Sampling is conducted twice during the growing season so that phenological changes can be

described. Depending on latitude, the first sampling should be conducted between May 15 and June 15,

and the second sampling between July 15 and August 31.

e. Data collection. Sites along transects are sampled using a long-handled threshing rake (3 m). At

each site along the transect line, a visual approximation of a 2-m circle is used as the sample area. Three

grabs with the rake are made within the circle, with each grab sampling within a visualized third section.

For each grab, the rake is dropped within a section, twisted 180E, and pulled out of the water. Vegetation

is identified to species.

f. Data reporting. Transect data are reported on the transect data sheet (Appendix A). Each transect

has its own sheet(s). Location codes are river miles, to the tenth of a mile. If the sampling location does

not have a name (e.g., Lawrence Lake), a name that references the geographical location and the habitat

type (e.g., west impounded) is used. Transects are numbered, beginning with "1" at each location. Sites

along transects are lettered, beginning with "A" at the first site from shore. For very long transects (with

more than 26 sites), sequential lettering is continued with AA, AB, AC, etc. Veg type codes, listed at the

bottom of the sheet, identify nonvegetated sites and different life forms. See Appendix A for complete

instructions for each field.

A density rating for each species is provided in accordance with the criteria in Table 1.

Table 1. Density rating for recovered vegetation

 

Recovery of species Density rating

 

Teeth full on all three casts 4 (abundant)

Teeth partly full on all three casts 3 (common)

Taken on two casts 2 (occasional)

Taken on one cast 1 (rare)

 
3

g. Vegetation codes and nomenclature. Nomenclature for species identification follows the Fish and

Wildlife Service's Annotated National Wetland Plant Species Database (Reed 1988). Species codes in the

database are used on the data sheets. For easy reference of the codes while in the field, a list of the codes

for the species most likely to be encountered should be created from the database and the sheet laminated

and attached to the field clipboard for reference. Submersed and floating-leaved vegetation most likely

encountered are listed in Appendix B.

h. Quality assurance codes. When collecting data, the surveyor must identify the species present.

However, it is not always possible to identify all plants to the species level if key taxonomic characteristics

are lacking because of physical conditions, flowering time, or life-cycle stages. A reliability of

identification code is entered on the data sheets to express uncertainty of identification for difficult species.

The codes for reliability of identification (Table 2) are numbers that indicate the taxonomic certainty at

which the plants have been identified.

Table 2. Reliability of identification codes

 

Code Reliability of identification

 

0 Species identified, variety or subspecies known

1 Species identified, variety or subspecies not distinguished, though may occur

2 Species identification is trivial because of hybridization among several recognized

species (e.g., Rubus spp.)

3 Genus identified, species identification uncertain

4 Genus identification uncertain, family known

5 Unknown taxon

 

i. Permanent marking of transects. Approximate locations of transects are marked on base maps. The

Global Positioning System is used to record Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates for the

shoreline edge of each transect. Transects are marked by placing a stake at the shoreline or by placing

anchored floats at the transect's shoreline edge so they can be easily relocated. A compass bearing is taken

for each transect and is recorded on the data sheet for that transect in the "Comments" section.

j. Collection of voucher specimens. Samples of all species encountered are collected for vouchers.

A voucher is collected for each species present in every area with permanent transects. Additional species

found in subsequent years are also collected. Plants are placed in plastic bags with water, the bags are

cooled on ice, and the specimens are returned to the lab for identification, pressing, and drying. Once dry,

specimens are mounted on herbarium paper. They are then labeled and stored at the field station.
4

1.2.2 Informal Surveys

a. Survey area and methodology. In addition to sampling along permanent transects, all other areas

within the pool, with the exception of the main channel, are monitored. Observations are made by boating

slowly throughout the pool and sampling with the long-handled rake. Areas that traditionally contained

wildcelery or other species that do not form a canopy are thoroughly surveyed by sampling with the rake,

as the occurrence of these species may not be visually obvious from the surface.

b. Data reporting. If vegetation is discovered, the rake is used to gather species for identification and

for estimating the relative abundance of each species. Collection of voucher specimens, species

nomenclature, and species codes are addressed in 1.2.1, Transects. The size of the aquatic plant bed

(width and length in meters) and the percent plant coverage of surface area are estimated. Coverage

classes are grouped as following: 1%-20%, 21%-50%, 51%-90%, and $91%. UTM coordinates are

taken in the center of the bed and are recorded. The predominant substrate is recorded for each location

(data sheet, Appendix C).

1.2.3 Abiotic Measurements

a. Water depth. Water depth is measured at sites along the transects and at beds found during the

informal survey. A rigid pole, marked at 1-cm intervals and terminated with a thin, circular plate 20 cm

in diameter, is used for measurements (similar sampling pole as used for water quality). Three depth

measurements are taken at each site. The mean water depth is recorded in meters to one decimal place

(e.g., 1.5 m).

b. Nutrient analyses. For plant tissue nutrient determinations, plants (stem and leaves only; no fruits,

flowers, or underground parts) are placed in paper bags and are dried at 72 EF for 24 h (plants are rinsed

to remove epiphytic materials and excess water is drained off before bagging). The following information

is noted on the bags as well as on a separate data sheet: pool, location code, date, transect and site or

UTM coordinates, and sample number. A copy of the data sheet accompanies the tissues to the laboratory.

Data sheets are provided for each year nutrient sampling is required.

c. Sediment cores. Only the top 10 cm of sediment is collected, using the Wildco sediment corer

(Wildlife Supply Co., Saginaw, MI). Water collected with the sediment sample is carefully decanted

before bagging the sediment. Sediment samples are placed in 1-qt zip-lock freezer bags labeled with the

following information: pool, location code, date, transect and site or UTM coordinates, and sample

number. The same information is recorded on a separate data sheet. A copy of the data sheet accompanies

the sediment cores to the laboratory.

Note: Plant tissues (for nutrient analysis) and sediment cores are collected at 5-year intervals.
5

SCALE PD

MD × MAPSCALE PDMD × 1

24,000

2. Aerial Photography Interpretation

2.1 Photo Preparation

Each field station will receive one set of color-infrared contact prints and one set of transparencies in

a canister. The prints are used for indexing, field work, and to create work areas. The transparencies are

used for photointerpretation.

Immediately upon receipt of the photos, the contact prints are used to find each photo center (the

intersection of imaginary lines extended from the fiducial marks), this point is located on the appropriate

7.5-ft topo quad, and a piece of tape labeled with the flight strip number and exposure number is placed

at that point.

While indexing is being performed, the photos are carefully checked for proper endlap (60%) and

sidelap (30%), color quality, crab (photos that are askew from the flight line due to side winds), cloud

cover, and sufficient coverage. Major problems (gaps in coverage, insufficient endlap for stereo viewing,

excessive cloud coverage, poor exposure) are immediately reported to the Environmental Management

Technical Center (EMTC) cartographer.

Each flight strip is organized into a file folder labeled with the strip number and exposure numbers.

All topo quads, along with the filed prints, are placed into an accordion folder which is labeled with photo

type, scale, pool, and date. Transparencies are cut into individual frames and put into clear plastic sleeves.

The transparencies are organized in the same manner as the prints.

A list of materials necessary to complete the tasks described below is in Appendix D.

2.2 Scaling Photos/Minimum Mapping Unit

Aerial photos are taken at a nominal (or planned) scale, but the actual scale is not exactly the same due

to a variety of factors (such as changes in topography, changes in flight, or the aircraft's altitude). It is

necessary to determine the actual photo scale to make sure that specifications were met and to make a

minimum mapping unit guide (instructions follow).

First, a feature (usually a road) that has two points (such as intersections) which are easily identifiable

on both the photo and the corresponding 1:24,000 topo quad is located near the photo center.

Using dividers, the photo distance (PD) and the map distance (MD) of the feature are carefully

measured, using the same units. These distances are placed into the following formula:

The calculated scale should be close to the nominal scale (e.g., a nominal scale of 1:15,000 but an

actual scale of 1:15,433). This process is repeated in different areas of the pool to determine scale

variability.
6

Next, the minimum mapping unit guide, which is a small piece of clear plastic with the minimum

mapping unit (MMU) drafted on it at the photo scale, is created. (For example, at the scale of 1:15,000,

if the MMU is 1 acre, the guide could have a 0.17-inch square and a 0.05- x 0.50-inch rectangle.) This

guide will serve as a calibration tool for the interpreter's eye so that polygons smaller than the MMU are

not delineated, thus eliminating unnecessary detail. 

2.3 Work Area Preparation

2.3.1 Overlay Preparation

First, a clear plastic sheet cut to size (8.8 inches on a side) is secured with tape to each print.

Fiducials and photo numbers are neatly marked on the overlay, using a drafting pen (size 0 or 0.35

mm). If the overlay is shifted or removed, it then can be accurately replaced.

2.3.2 Endlap Preparation

Beginning with the first photo in a flight strip, the study area boundary (SAB) is marked on the photo.

On a light table, the end photo is placed over the next photo in the flight line. Features in the overlap

area are lined up on both photos, the halfway point of the overlap is determined, and a line (perpendicular

to the flight line) is drawn on the overlay to mark this point.

With the stereoscope at 1.0 magnification, the two photos are set into a stereo model and the line just

drawn is located. Several points that appear to lie on this line are marked on the matching photo, and the

points are connected with a straight edge, completing the process of creating end-match lines for this stereo

pair.

This process is continued until all photos that cover the study area have end-match lines or SABs. Endmatch lines do not have to be perfectly perpendicular to the flight line; in fact, where two flight lines meet

at a bend in the river, the end-match lines will be angled across the photos. 

The project boundary is drawn on photos as the work areas are created.

2.3.3 Sidelap Preparation

When all end-match lines are completed, side-match lines are created. The end photos in two adjacent

flight lines are located and the SAB is marked on the appropriate photo.

Photos on adjacent flight lines are normally offset from each other, and each photo must be sidematched with two photos in the next flight line. Two cases can occur, as shown in Figure 1.
7

Figure 1. Side-matching photos - Case A: The left-hand photo is offset above the righthand photo. Case B: The left-hand photo is offset below the right-hand photo.

Creation of the side-match lines will begin differently in each case, but once the process to side-match

the flight line is started, the procedure is identical.

On a light table, the photo with the lower SAB is placed over the adjacent photo, and features in the

overlap area are lined up on both photos. In Figure 1, case A, the right-hand photo would be on top of

the left-hand photo; in case B, the left-hand photo would be on top of the right-hand photo.

Next, the halfway point of the overlap is located, and a line is drawn on the overlay along the side of

the photo from where it intersects with the SAB to the intersection with the end-match line.

The two photos are set up into a stereo model and the line just drawn is located. On the matching

photo, several points that appear to lie on this line are marked as far as the line appears to go and are then

connected with a straight edge. In Figure 1, case A, the right-hand photo will have a closed side and the

left-hand photo will have a partially closed side. In case B, the left-hand photo will have a closed side and

the right-hand photo will have a partially closed side.

The lower photo is put aside in each case; this photo is completed for the moment. The photo above

the photo just set aside is then placed below the remaining photo on the light table (Fig. 2).

After it is determined where the overlap intersects with the upper end-match line on the top photo (the

point labeled "half overlap"), a line is drawn from the end of the previously completed side-match line to

this point to correct for variation in sidelap up and down the flight lines.

Under the stereoscope, the two photos are set up into a stereo model and the points that appear to lie

on the line are marked on the adjacent photo. These points are then connected with a straight edge. The

lower photo has a closed edge and is then set aside. The upper photo is completed by repeating the process

described.
8

Figure 2. Sidelap correction

During this process, the numbers of adjacent photos are drafted on the margins of all photos so that it

will be easy to find these photos when necessary. Progressing up the flight lines, the side-match lines

between two adjacent flight lines are determined. When this process is completed, it is repeated for the

next two adjacent flight lines. The final products are closed polygons drafted on all overlays that cover

the center portion of each photo.

2.4 Field Verification

Field verification is not dependent upon completion of work areas but can be done first. Field work

is an ongoing process that will occur before, during, and after photointerpretation and whenever new

questions arise.

The photographs are inspected, and questionable areas that are easily accessible by land vehicle, boat,

or foot are located. Major signatures (see 2.5) and cover types that are also accessible are noted.

Prints to be field-checked should be placed in clear plastic sleeves for protection and annotation.

Sleeves are registered to the prints by marking the fiducials with a fine-tipped permanent marker and

writing the photo numbers on the sleeves near the numbers on the photos.

At the field sites, pertinent details about vegetation cover types are noted on the sleeves. These can be

brief notes, using abbreviations for different genera. For example, a willow stand could have a lead line

drawn to it labeled "SA" for Salix. Lead lines are drawn from the stands to the labels (polygons are not

drawn around stands). Notes are made only for areas that have been visited or directly observed;

extrapolation of signatures should be done in the office under the stereoscope.

Ground photography helps trigger memories when doing photointerpretation. When ground photos are

taken, the point from which the picture was taken and the direction are recorded. The frame number is

recorded on the sleeve registered to the print.
9

Field notes are carefully reviewed back in the office to verify that all questions have been answered.

Subsequent field work may be necessary as photointerpretation proceeds.

2.5 Photointerpretation

Land cover/use is classified according to the system listed in Appendix E.

Photointerpretation is done using a magnifying stereoscope and a light table. A pair of transparencies

is set up as a stereo model under the stereoscope. Interpretation is done on overlays registered to the

photo, using a fine-tipped drafting pen (size 0000 or 0.19 mm).

Features are delineated by identifying signatures. The signature is the characteristic appearance of an

object on a given type of imagery. Vegetation signatures vary greatly according to time of day, season,

type of photography, and scale. Signatures are affected by color/tone, texture, pattern, shape, size, and

location. A single factor may not be sufficient to identify an object, but combinations of these factors will

lead to proper identification. For example, two vegetation types found in different locations may have the

same color and texture; two vegetation types found in the same location may have different colors. It is

important to learn the combinations of factors that distinguish one vegetation type from another.

To begin photointerpretation, an area that has been field-checked is selected. The overlay fiducial

marks, photo numbers, and work areas are transferred from the print to the transparency. A stereo model

is set up under the stereoscope and viewed at 3X magnification.

The entire work area is scanned, and based upon the visual clues of color, shape, size, texture, and

pattern, as well as ground information, a determination is made as to how the area will be mapped.

Mapping is from the general to the specific. First, large areas that may contain smaller islands of different

vegetation are delineated. Then, the smaller areas are delineated, keeping the MMU in mind. Polygons

are labeled as soon as they have been delineated.

Delineation and labeling must be done in a neat, legible manner. Lines should be of uniform width and

should closely follow the ground features on the photo. Polygons must be closed and labeled.

After each photo is interpreted, all lines and labels are matched with the adjacent photos to ensure that

edge ties and labels are accurate and consistent (including side matches).

When interpretation of a photo is completed, a clean sheet of white paper is placed between the overlay

and the photo to check for completeness of linework and labeling, as well as for interpretation errors.

A production log is used to track and record completed work. Logs are essential to record completed

photos, document problems or concerns, and to track progress.

The following are sent to the EMTC cartographer: (1) completed overlays registered to the

transparencies, (2) production logs, and (3) copies of the indexed topo quads to show photo location. The

photos are QC'd and if approved, the data are transferred and digitized into a geographic information

system (GIS). The GIS data are sent back to field stations when complete.
10

3. References

Reed, P. B. 1988. National list of plant species that occur in wetlands: North Central (Region 3). U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, National Ecology Research Center, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Sculthorpe, C. D. 1967. The biology of aquatic vascular plants. Arnold, London. 610 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Operating Plan for the Upper Mississippi River System Long Term

Resource Monitoring Program. Environmental Management Technical Center, Onalaska, Wisconsin,

Revised September 1993. EMTC 91-P002. 179 pp. (NTIS #PB94-160199)

Wetzel, R. G. 1983. Limnology. W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 767 pp.
A-1

Appendix A

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Vegetation Transect Data Sheet
A-2

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Vegetation Transect Data Sheet Instructions

A data sheet will be filled out for each transect where samples of vegetation are collected. Some

transects may require more than one sheet, depending on the number of sites along its length. The

following is a list of data fields on the sheet, and an explanation for each one.

Field Description

Bar Code Each sheet requires a bar code sticker. The bar code 

uniquely identifies each sheet.

Page __ of __ Identify page number in sequence.

Field Station # This number uniquely identifies each field station: 

1 = Lake City 4 = Havana

2 = Onalaska 5 = Alton

3 = Bellevue 6 = Open River

Date The month, day, and year the transect was sampled.

A zero is used when necessary so all boxes are filled.

Location Code The location of the transect or group of transects to the nearest tenth of

a river mile. The box to the right of the decimal is filled in; a zero is

used if necessary.

Predominant

 Substrate

A code number based on the predominant substrate type. The

categories are used as follows:

1 is used for substrates that are predominantly silt and/or clay

2 is used for substrates that are mostly silt but have some sand

3 is used for substrates that are mostly sand but have some silt or clay

Identification An "F" in this box designates that all species listed on the form were

identified in the field. An "L" entered on the sheet means that samples

of species were collected for lab identification.

Transect A number identifying a transect at a location. Transect numbers remain

the same from year to year.

Distance Between

 Sites (m)

Distance in meters among sites along a transect. A zero is used when

necessary so all boxes are filled.

Recorder Code This number uniquely identifies the person who coded the data sheet.

Total Plants A total of the number of entries on the data sheet.
Field Description

A-3

Unidentified

 Specimen

A "U" is entered on the data sheet if an unknown species is discovered. 

The box is left blank if all species are identified.

Locat. Name: The name of the backwater or area where the transect is located (e.g.,

Peterson Lake).

Site A site along a transect where vegetation is sampled. The code is a

single letter or becomes a two-letter code if a transect has over 26 sites

along its length. The codes are alphabetical and begin with "a" for each

transect.

Depth (m) Depth is recorded to the nearest tenth of a meter.

Veg. Type This code has four options as presented at the bottom of the data sheet

and is a way of sorting vegetation types for later analysis. In this

instance, Nelumbo may be classified as a floating-leaf vegetation type.

Species The four-, five-, or rarely six-digit alpha or alphanumeric code taken

from the Wetland Plants database. The code refers to a standard plant

name chosen by the database creators as being the most frequently used

by a number of authors.

Rating A number, 1 through 4, that rates the relative abundance of a species

sampled at a site.

QF Code A number, 0 through 5, used to qualify the field identification of the

species collected.

Comments Area designated for recording any unusual conditions at the sampling

location or about the species sampled.

Crew Leader

 Signature

The crew leader signs the data sheet to certify that the data on the form

and the samples were collected in compliance with current LTRMP

procedures and are to the best of her/his knowledge complete and free

of errors. This signature underscores the importance of LTRMP

methods and is an LTRMP chain-of-custody procedure.
B-1

Appendix B

Vegetation Codes

Code Scientific name Common name

ALGA Algae Algae

CEDE4 Ceratophyllum demersum Coontail

CHAR Chara Chara

ELCA7 Elodea canadensis Water weed

LEMI3 Lemna minor Duckweed

LETR L. trisulca Star duckweed

MYSP2 Myriophyllum spicatum Eurasian watermilfoil

MYUS Myriophyllum unidentifed species Watermilfoil

NAFL Najas flexilis Bushy pondweed

NAGU N. guadalupensis Southern naiad

NLPW Potamogeton spp. Narrow-leaved pondweed

NELU Nelumbo lutea Lotus

NITE Nitella Nitella

NULU Nuphar variegatum Yellow water lily

NYTU N. tuberosa White water lily

POCR3 Potamogeton crispus Curly-leaf pondweed

PONO2 P. nodosus Long-leaf pondweed

POPE6 P. pectinatus Sago pondweed

PORI2 P. richardsonii Richardson's pondweed

POZO P. zosteriformis Flat-stemmed pondweed

SPPO Spirodella polyrhiza Greater duckweed

UTMA Utricularia macrorhiza Common bladderwort

VAAM3 Vallisneria americana Wildcelery

WOCO Wolffia columbiana Watermeal

ZAPA Zanichellia palustris Horned pondweed

ZODU Zosterella dubia Water star grass
C-1

Appendix C

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Vegetation Informal Survey Collection Sheet
C-2

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Informal Survey Collection Sheet Instructions

Data fields not covered under the Vegetation Transect Data Sheet are listed below.

Field Description

UTM Coordinates The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) given in meters (m) is a

coordinate taken with a Magellan. (Informal data sheet only.)

PDOP PDOP is a measurement of possible error related to the geometry of the

satellites. This number value will be recorded from the Magellan

reading (informal data sheet only).

Bed Size (m) An estimate of the width and length of a vegetation bed discovered

during the informal survey. Recorded in meters.

Habitat Class Codes for habitat classes are listed on the data sheet and include:

MCB = Main Channel Border SC = Side Channel

TDL = Tributary Delta Lake (Lake Pepin) BWC = Backwater Contiguous

MC = Main Channel BWI = Backwater Isolated

IMP = Impounded Reach

Abundance A subjective determination of the relative abundance of species present

in a bed. This code replaces "Percentage of Species."

% Veg. Codes A subjective determination of the ratio of open water to submersed

vegetation expressed as a coverage class as listed on the data sheet.

Site Number A number to cross-reference the location of a vegetation bed to a base

map or copy of an aerial photograph.
D-1

Appendix D

Photointerpretation Materials List

Field-Checking Materials

 Binoculars

 Loupe (hand magnifying glass)

 Clear plastic sleeves

 Markers (fine-tipped, permanent - "Sharpies")

 Clipboard

 Waterproof container for photos, maps, etc. (e.g., cooler)

Interpretation/Preparation Materials

 Complete set of 9 x 9 color-infrared prints

 Complete set of transparencies

 Complete set of 1:24,000 topo quads

 Magnifying stereoscope

 Light table

 Map of study area boundary

 Masking tape

 Scissors

 Drafting pens (sizes 0 and 00)

 Drafting ink

 4-mm clear plastic to cut into 8.8-inch squares

 Straight edge/ruler (preferably with inches divided into tenths)

 Dividers

 Minimum mapping unit guide
E-1

Appendix E

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program Vegetation Classification

Photointerpreter's List - Version 2.06

July 1, 1994

 100 Open Wate

 101 Lemnaceae

 200 Submergents 

 201 Lemnaceae/submergents

 202 Myriophyllum

 203 Zosterella

 204 Vallisneria/Zosterella 

 205 Myriophyllum/Zosterella

 206 Vallisneria/Potamogeton

 207 Myrioph/Potamoget/Vallis

 208 Potamoget/Vallis/Zost/Cerat

 209 Elodea

 250 Vallisneria/Potamoget/Heteran 

 251 Ceratophyllum

 252 Lemnaceae/Ceratophyllum 253 Lemna/Ceratophyll/Potamogeton

 254 Potamogeton

 255 Vallisneria 

 300 Submerg-Rooted Floating Aqua 

 301 Brasenia/submergents

 302 Nelumbo/Nymphaea/submerg/Lemn 

 303 Nelumbo/submergents 

 304 Nelumbo/submergents/Lemnaceae 

 305 Nymphaea/Nelumbo/submergents 

 306 Nymphaea/submergents 

 307 Nymphaea/submergents/Lemnaceae 

 308 Nymphaea/Myriophyllum 309 Nelumbo/Myriophyllum

 310 Nelumbo/Nymphaea/Myriophyllum 311 Nymph/Ceratoph/Myriophyl/Lemna

 312 Nymphaea/Ceratophyllum/Lemna

 400 Submerg-Rooted Floating-Emerg 

 401 Nelum/Nymph/Sag/Sparg/sub/Lemn 

 402 Nelum/Nymph/Ponted/sub/Lemn 

 403 Scirpus/Nelumbo/submergents 

 404 Scirpus/Nymphaea/submergents 

 405 Zizania/Nymphaea/Nelumbo/sub

 406 Pontederia/Nymph/Nelumbo/sub

 407 Sagittaria/Ceratophyllum/Lemnaceae 500 Rooted Floating Aquatics

 501 Brasenia

 502 Jussiaea 

 503 Nelumbo 

 504 Nelumbo/Lemnaceae

 505 Nelumbo/Nymphaea 

 506 Nupha

 507 Nymphaea 

 508 Nelumbo/Nymphaea/Lemnaceae

 509 Nymphaea/Lemnaceae 

 

 600 Rooted Floating Aqua-Emergents 

 601 Nelumbo/Nymphaea/Sagittaria 

 602 Nymphaea/Sagittaria

 603 Nymphaea/Scirpus

 604 Sagittaria/Nelumbo 

 700 Emergents

 701 Acoris 

 702 Carex 

 703 Cyperus

 704 Decodon 

 705 Echinodorus 

 706 Eleocharis

 707 Lythrum salicaria

 708 Pontederia

 709 Sagittaria

 710 Sagittaria/Lemnaceae

 712 Sagittaria/Scirpus/Sparganium

 713 Sagittaria/Sparganium

 714 Scirpus

 715 Scirpus/Sagittaria

 716 Scirpus/Sparganium

 717 Sedge meadow

 718 Sparganium

 719 Typha

 720 Typha/Sagittaria

 721 Typha/Scirpus

 722 Typha/Scirpus/Sparganium

 723 Typha/Sparganium

 724 Zizania

 725 Equisetum

 726 Dead Emergents

 800 Emergents-Grasses/Forbs

 801 Leersia/Carex/Polygonum

 802 Leersia/Carex/Sagit/Polygonum

 803 Leer/Phalar/Scirp/Lythr/Phrag

 804 Leersia/Sagittaria

 805 Sagittaria/Phalaris

 806 Sagittaria/Polygonum 807 Sag/Sparg/Typ/Scirp/Leer/Phrag

 808 Scirpus/Leersia

 809 Scirpus/Carex/Leersia/Polygon

 810 Scirpus/Phalaris

 811 Scirpus/Phragmites

 812 Scirpus/Polygonum

 813 Scirpus/Typha/Phalaris

 814 Sparganium/Leersia

 900 Grasses/Forbs

 901 Ambrosia

 902 Grass

 903 Hay meadow

 904 Pasture (heavily grazed areas)

 905 Leersia

 906 Leersia/Polygonum

 907 Meadow

 908 Mixed forbs and/or grasses

 909 Nettles

 910 Phalaris

 911 Phalaris/Polygonum

 912 Phragmites

 913 Phragmites/Phalaris

 914 Polygonum

 915 Polygonum/Nelumbo

 916 Rdside-levee/grass/forbs/shrub

 917 Sand-prairie

 918 Spartina

 919 Vines as dense overgrowth

 920 Polygonum/Eupatorium

 921 Dead Grass

1000 Woody Terrestrial

1001 Acer

1002 Acer/Populus and/or Salix

1003 Amorpha

1004 Betula

1005 Brush

1006 Carya/Nyssa

1007 Cephalanthus

1008 Forest-mesic (moist soil sp.)

1009 Forest-upland (dry soil sp.)

1010 Fraxinus

1011 Plantation

1012 Populus

1013 Quercus

1014 Salix

1015 Salix and/or Populus

1016 Salix and/or Populus - grass

1017 Shrub/grass/forbs

1018 Shrub/Scirpus

1019 Taxodium

1020 Taxodium/Nyssa

1021 Ulmus

1022 Conifers

1023 Juniperus

1100 Agriculture

1200 Urban/Developed

1201 Developed

1202 Developed parks

1203 Industrial pond

1204 Urban

1205 Revetted bank

1300 Sand/Mud

1301 Mud

1303 Sand

1400 No Coverage

Modifiers:

A 10-33% Vegetation Cover

B 34-67% Vegetation Cover

C 68-90% Vegetation Cover

D >90% Vegetation Cover

1. 0-20 Feet Tall 

2. 21-50 Feet Tall

3. >50 Feet Tall

Genera order has no implications for dominance. If a genus covers at least 10% of the canopy in a polygon it will be included in a mixture. 

For example, a 5-acre polygon of Phalaris contains a clump of Phragmites that is about 0.8 acres, which is too small to delineate, but covers

16% of the polygon. The 5-acre polygon will be classed as "Phragmites/Phalaris" (120).
The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) for the Upper

Mississippi River System was authorized under the Water Resources

Development Act of 1986 as an element of the Environmental Management

Program. The mission of the LTRMP is to provide river managers with

information to maintain the Upper Mississippi River System as a sustainable

large river ecosystem given its multiple-use character. The LTRMP is a

cooperative effort by the National Biological Service, the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers, and the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.