TITLE: Open Vegetation Survey Protocol
AUTHORS: Sabine St-Jean, Mark Vellend

[DESCRIPTION]
<div class = "text-blocks"><div class = "text-block"><span>Here we describe the standardised protocol used by the </span><a href="http://www.caboscience.org/" style = "text-decoration:underline;color:blue;cursor:pointer;"><span style = ":;">Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory</span></a><span> (CABO) to survey open vegetation (i.e., vegetation without tree cover) at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve (British Columbia), Mer Bleue Bog (Ontario) and Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville (Québec) sites. Surveys were conducted in 3x3m square plots, with each plot containing nine 1x1m subplots. Plot locations were selected in order to capture a range of environmental conditions of interest (e.g., distance from forest, soil types, or microtopography). All data were entered via the </span><span style = "font-style:italic;">Fulcrum </span><span>application, using the </span><span style = "font-style:italic;">Plots</span><span>, </span><span style = "font-style:italic;">Subplots</span><span>, and </span><span style = "font-style:italic;">Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs </span><span>apps. For each plot, we first verified plot orientation (two edges of the square north-south, two east-west), measured geographic coordinates of the plot center and corners, and estimated slope angle and aspect. All plant species within the plot were identified. For each subplot, we made visual estimates of percent cover of all plant species present, as well as leaf litter and bare ground. If a drone was available, percent cover estimates were not made in the field; rather, overhead photographs taken with the drone were first annotated and later analyzed quantitatively using virtual point frames to obtain data on the abundance and distribution of plant species within the plots. The ground-based plant surveys were conducted in order to be paired with remotely-sensed aerial hyperspectral imagery.  </span></div></div>

[STEPS]
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Confirm with the local project leader (see Guidelines → Site Specific Information) that the plots have been marked in the field and created in Fulcrum. If the plots have already been created in Fulcrum, skip to step 3. If not, go to step 2.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
In Fulcrum, enter contextual data for the plots.
When selecting locations for the plots, the goal is to maximize herbaceous diversity. Trees are to be avoided. Shrubs can be included, especially if they are typical within the studied ecosystem. The plots have to be spread evenly through the site gradient (for ex.: distance from a forest, soil type, or microtopography).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
From the Fulcrum main menu, select the Plots app and then within Plots select the list of records
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Create a new record by selecting the + symbol in a circle.The following screen will show up:
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Plots → Metadata → Project, select the appropriate project name (see Guidelines → Site Specific Information).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Plots → Study site → Site, select the appropriate site (see Guidelines → Site Specific Information).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Plots → Plot, assign the plot a Plot Field ID, and indicate the names of the team members (one or more) creating the plot as well as the date of plot creation.
The default entries are the name of the person logged into Fulcrum and the current date.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Plots → Location, georeference the plot location approximately by clicking on Update Location with GPS using a fieldwork cellphone  - coordinates will automatically be imported to the Latitude and Longitude fields.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Plots → Plot shape and Size, enter the Plot shape (Square), the Width (3 m) and the Azimuth of width axis (0° = true north).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Save the data entry.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Create a plot prioritization list.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Given some degree of uncertainty at the outset with respect to how many plots can be surveyed in the allotted time, the plots must be done in accordance to the local prioritization criteria (see step 2). Most sites will require more than one CASI/SASI flight. Each flight is defined by a polygon on the map. Communication between the veg crew and the drone crew is necessary in order to be outside a given polygon while it is being imaged. An effective solution is to survey all the plots in one polygon at a time to avoid being in the way during the imagery.If some plots have been placed outside the flight polygons (not ideal, would happen only if a miscommunication occured), these are the last plots to be done.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Validate that priority list with the local crew.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Enter contextual data for all the subplots.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
In the Fulcrum main menu, select the Subplots app.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Create a new record under Subplots.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Metadata → Project, select the appropriate project name (see Guidelines → Site Specific Infos).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Plot → Plot, select the appropriate plot.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Subplot → Subplot Field ID, enter a value between 1 and 9, according to the following image.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Subplot, indicate the names of the team members (one or more) doing the subplot setup as well as the date of the subplot setup.
The default entries are the name of the person logged into Fulcrum and the current date.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Location, select the Subplot Positioning Method : X-Y position from plot center.
As positioning method "X-Y from plot center" is selected, there is no need to accurately georeference the subplots.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Location, indicate the values for the Position Along Length (X) Axis (m) and the Position Along Width (Y) Axis (m): -1, 0 or 1 (according to the image from step 4.5).
Étienne Laliberté (PI) prefers not to use default values here to allow for more flexibility when positioning the subplots. As of November 20, 2019, there are no default values available.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Under Subplots → Subplot Shape and Size, indicate the Subplot Shape (square), the Subplot Width (1 m) and the Azimuth of Width Axis (0°).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
If desired, add any other relevant information under Optional Subplot Info.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Save the data entry.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
The subplots will automatically be placed on the map, in reference to the plot center. Verify that all the subplots (9 for each plot) appear on the map.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Update the Record Status of every correct subplot record by following the Menu icon → Edit → Record Status. In the drop-down list next to Record Status, change it from Pending verification to Verified and save that change. This has to be done one subplot at a time.
?. [Plot Installation]
Begin setting up the highest-priority plot for the vegetation survey. Ensure that the central part of the plot is representative of the larger 3x3m area (i.e.: there are no drastic changes in vegetation within the plot).
If precise GPS coordinates of the 4 corners are recorded before moving to the next plot (see step 19), the plot stakes don't have to be installed.
?. [Plot Installation]
Write the Plot field ID on a piece of flagging tape and tie it to a loop stake, without positioning it.
?. [Plot Installation]
Assemble the PVC grid.
Avoid disturbance to the plot at all costs, and to the neighbouring area as much as possible.Once the grid is assembled, it can be carried from plot to plot by a minimum of 2 people. This avoids disassembling and reassembling it multiple times, thus saving a lot of time.
?. [Plot Installation]
Align the PVC grid.
?. [Plot Installation]
Have the Laser Geo rest directly on the southwest corner of the PVC grid (the one marked with the loop stake). Use the COMPASS function of the Laser Geo to align the PVC grid. The grid should already be close to perfectly aligned so that only minor adjustments are needed.
Temporarily move the loop stake aside as it causes magnetic interference with the compass function of the Laser Geo.
If precise GPS coordinates of the 4 corners are recorded before moving to the next plot (see step 19), the plot stakes don't have to be installed.
?. [Plot Installation]
From the same corner, face east and ensure a 90° (± 2°).
?. [Plot Installation]
First, from the southwest corner, face north and turn the frame so that it has a 0° (± 2°) – true north alignment.
?. [Plot Installation]
Verify that adjacent plot corners are 3.00 ± 0.01 meters apart, using the tape measure to measure* to length of one side of the grid at a time.*:  From one inner corner to another, to avoid couting the width of the frame in the measurement.
?. [Plot Installation]
Install stake wire flags on the 3 unmarked corners.
If precise GPS coordinates of the 4 corners are recorded before moving to the next plot (see step 19), the plot stakes don't have to be installed.
?. [Plot Installation]
Install the scaffold on top of the grid, across its middle row, having it rest on a 2 step steel ladder on each side.
?. [Plot Installation]
Update the approximate location of the plot center.
If no scaffold is used, simply extend your arm towards the center of the plot.
?. [Plot Installation]
Under Plots → Location, click on Update Location with GPS on a fieldwork cellphone. This will automatically generate numbers in the Latitude and Longitude fields.
?. [Plot Installation]
Record the slope of the plot.
?. [Plot Installation]
Laying the Laser Geo on the frame of the grid, facing the direction of the steepest slope, measure to the nearest degree the inclination (ANGLE → DEG) and orientation (COMPASS) of the slope* under the plot and enter those values under Plots → Optional Plot Info → Slope 1 (inclination) and Bearing 1 (orientation).*Ignore Slope 2 and Bearing 2. Open vegetation plots are normally not that inclined (vs forest plots), so one slope is sufficient to characterize them.
?. [Plot Installation]
Save the data entry.
?. [Vegetation Survey: Creation]
Enter the contextual information for the vegetation survey in Fulcrum → Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs.
?. [Vegetation Survey: Creation]
From the Fulcrum main menu, select the Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs app. The basic sequence of things in Fulcrum is similar to creating a new plot (record creation, project selection, names of the team members, date of the inventory).
?. [Vegetation Survey: Creation]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Sampling Plot → Plot, select the appropriate plot.
?. [Vegetation Survey: Creation]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Sampling Plot → Survey within a subplot?, answer Yes.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
List all of the species occurring in the plot.
This step is done by the entire vegetation survey team, with everyone identifying and calling out species to one person who records them in Fulcrum. Uncertain identifications are discussed among team members.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
Optional info, such as photos, can be added for each species.
Photos and remarks are especially useful for specimens for which you are unsure of the identification. For these, also collect a herbarium specimen (step 21). Temporarily name that species with a taxon that does not occur in your field site. When you have the required resources to proceed to the identification, update its name in Fulcrum.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
Save each individual species record with the checkmark button.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
As species are selected, the List of scientific names for species present the plot is automatically created and updated under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Species List → Plant Taxa.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
Save your edits.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
Synchronize your Fulcrum app at the end of this process.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
For each subplot, create a list of all the species present. If no small drone images are taken, also record a visual estimate of percent cover (to the closest 1%). If small drone images are taken, enter a description of the distribution of every plant species (see 17.6 for guidelines) under Cover Remarks. The latter option is preferred as it provides spatial distribution information.
For the first plot(s), the technician and interns work together, one subplot at a time to confirm species identification and canopy cover estimates. As they gain confidence, they work separately on 3 subplots at a time, with verification as needed.
?. [Herbarium Specimens]
Refer yourself to the Herbarium Specimens protocol to collect herbarium specimens for 1) the species identified in the vegetation surveys, and 2) unknown plants.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Cover Estimates: Subplot, create a new subplot entry by clicking on the items and the plus buttons.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Cover Estimates: Subplot → Subplots → Metadata, select the subplot number [# from 1 to 9] for which a record will be created.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
If NOT taking small drone pictures:Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Cover Estimates: Subplot → Subplots → Record [# from 1 to 9] → Cover Estimates, enter directly the Cover Estimates for the Bare Ground (i.e.: ground (soil or rocks) with no vegetation on it) and Leaf Litter (i.e.: dead leaves).
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Cover Estimates: Subplot → Subplots → Record [# from 1 to 9] → Cover Estimates, enter each plant species observed inside the subplot by clicking on the items and then the plus buttons.
The Total Canopy Cover (%): Subplot and Total Cover (%): Subplot fields will automatically be updated.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Cover Estimates: Subplot → Subplots → Record [# from 1 to 9] → Cover Estimates, list every occurring species within the subplot by selecting its scientific name. Also enter abundance (if not using a small drone) or distribution (if using a small drone) data as follows:Distribution (Cover Remarks):
NOTES ON CANOPY COVER:	
In order to best approximate what will be viewed by the airborne surveys:

    Record an estimate of cover within the subplot, even if the plant is rooted outside the subplot. 
    Similarly, do not measure cover that is outside the subplot, even if the plant is rooted within the subplot. 
    If the leaves of two species overlap, only consider the species on top.
    The sum of all cover estimates must be 100%.
NOTES ON COVER REMARKS:Divide each subplot in areas identified with direction acronyms (S = south, N = north, O or W = west, E = east, C = center) and add the number of individuals for a given species.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
If finding species while looking closely that were not noticed at first, add the missed species to the plot species list (see Step 17), and it will now appear in the subplot species choice list. Synchronize your Fulcrum app after adding new species to the plot list to make them visible for the other users.
The list of species for each subplot can only be done from the total species list created for the plot.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Click on the checkmark button after the addition of each species to the subplot species list to save your update.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Keep adding species until the Fulcrum record is complete for the subplot and, if entering Abundance values (Canopy Cover), the sum of the cover estimates equals 100%, then save your record.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Repeat this process until all 9 subplots have been surveyed and saved into Fulcrum. When the vegetation survey of the 6 subplots visible from the scaffold is done, move the scaffold (along with the steel ladders) to an exterior row of subplots, in order to survey the 3 subplots previously hidden under the scaffold. If no scaffold is available, walk around the plot to survey the different subplots, while being careful not to trample. To survey the central subplot (no 5), the survey from outside the plot is completed by observing the small drone picture from subplot 5.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Subplots]
Save the data entry in Fulcrum to indicate that the field survey has been finished.
?. [Next Plot]
In accordance with the plot prioritization list, survey the next plot by following Steps 6 to 19 over again.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Refer yourself to the Trimble GPS Protocol to precisely georeference the 4 corners of each surveyed plot.
Each surveyed plot has to be precisely georeferenced OR marked with stakes before moving the grid to the following plot.If the Trimble GPS is available continuously, the precise georeferencing of the 4 corners can be done right away, and the plot stakes don't have to be installed. If the Trimble GPS is only available at a specific time, the plot corners are marked with stakes as indicated in steps 5 to 9. The precise coordinates of all surveyed plots are taken at once when the Trimble GPS is available.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Place yourself on the southwest corner of the plot.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Under Plots → Plot Geometry, select the appropriate corner field ID and click on Update Location with GPS and wait for the horizontal accuracy to be ≤ 3 cm to save your record. This will automatically update the Location fields.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Repeat step 19.3 for each corner, turning clockwise.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Save the data entry.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Once the precise georeferencing of the 4 corners is done, the plot stakes (if present) need to be removed before the airborne surveys of the polygon they are within.
?. [Maintenance of equipment and records: To do every evening during a fieldwork episode]
Plug in to charge all electronic devices (Laser Geo, Trimble battery, Drone and controller batteries, and field cellphones).
?. [Maintenance of equipment and records: To do every evening during a fieldwork episode]
From the plots prioritization list, maintain a list of the plots done, classified by day.
?. [Maintenance of equipment and records: To do every evening during a fieldwork episode]
In Fulcrum, export in .csv format the data from the appropriate project for Plots, Subplots, Vegetation Surveys, Plants, and Pressed Specimens (including photos) to your computer in order to create a local backup.
?. [Finalization]
Identify any unknown plant and make the appropriate edits in the Fulcrum database.
?. [Finalization]
When all the necessary information has been entered, change the Plots and Vegetation Surveys status from Pending Verification to Verified.
?. [Photos]
If NO small drone photos are taken:With your field cellphone, take a photo of the whole plot (from the south side of the PVC grid, from eye-level when standing, so that the whole plot is visible) and import it in Fulcrum under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Survey Event → Vegetation Photos: Plot, then save your record.
?. [Photos]
Refer yourself to the Small Drone Photos - Open Vegetation Protocol to take pictures of the plots and subplots.
?. [Precise Georeferencing]
Connect the Trimble GPS to a field cellphone.
?. [Plot Installation]
Use the COMPASS function of the Laser Geo to visualize a 0° – true north alignment. Position the loop stake as the southwest corner of the plot. Make sure the representative portion of the plot is about 1.5 meters northeast from where you position the loop stake.
When using the Laser Geo, temporarily move the loop stake aside as it causes magnetic interference with the compass function of the Laser Geo.
NOTES ON USING THE LASER GEO:The buttons are facing up;Place yourself in a sitting position, with your eye in the hole (objective) of the Laser Geo;Aim by maintaining a pressure on the orange button;Look at the value that appears on the side screen.
?. [Plot Installation]
First, set up the top of the grid, using the 24 rigid PVC pipes (top of frame) of 1 m long and the 16 PVC connectors for the intersections.
?. [Plot Installation]
Then, add the legs of the appropriate height (16 PVC pipes).
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
Add any other relevant information under Optional Plot Info.
?. [Fieldwork Preparation]
To measure true north (vs magnetic north), the Laser Geo needs to be setup with the local magnetic declination. Find the updated magnetic declination of your field site by locating it on http://www.magnetic-declination.com/. This has to be done shortly before fieldwork, as magnetic declination changes with time. Enter this value in the Laser Geo under Settings → Magnetic declination.
?. [Finalization]
Refer yourself to the Post Processing: Abundance and Distribution of Species in Open Vegetation Plots protocol to process the small drone pictures in order to obtain abundance and distribution data.
?. [Vegetation Surveys: Plots]
Under Vegetation Surveys: Herbs and Shrubs → Species List → Plant Taxa, create the species list by selecting species present in the plot one by one from the provided VASCAN list.
The VASCAN list contains the Latin names only. Geography and growth form filters are optional.
In some cases, the Latin names in VASCAN and in field guides might differ for a given species. VASCAN is to be considered more up to date. If you run into a species identified from a field guide that doesn’t seem to be in the VASCAN drop-down list, use an internet connection to look up synonyms on the VASCAN website and obtain the accepted species name.