Groundstory Vegetation & LOD: Sampling Short Plants and Other

Stuff on the Ground

ESRM 304

Vegetation & LOD Surveys

Part of multi-resource inventoryo Need information on the entire ecosystemo Need to gain information on

Forest structureVariability in conditionsSystem processes

Vegetation & LOD Surveys

Info on structure, variability, processes …o Builds inventory on critical habitat conditionso Enables I.D. of wildlife habitat relationshipso Aids grouping of stands into productivity classes o Enhances grouping of stands into risk classes o Allows development of management targets for

Biological diversity maintenanceManaging potential fire hazardSilvicultural manipulations

Vegetation & LOD Surveys

Surveys are best stratified for efficiency

o Coarse woody litter (Large Organic Debris)Use transects (line intersect)

o Groundstory componentUse transects (line intercept) sometimes fixed-area

o Understory componentUse transects (line intercept) sometimes fixed-area

o Overstory component Use fixed-area plots (variable-area)

Vegetation & LOD Example Survey

Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA)

o In continuous operation since 1930

o Mission "make and keep current a comprehensive inventory and

analysis of the present and prospective conditions of and requirements for the renewable resources of the forest and rangelands of the US."

o Collects, analyzes, and reports information on the status and trends of America’s forests: how much forest exists, where it exists, who owns it, and how it is changing

Integrated Monitoring Framework

Vegetation & LOD Example Survey

Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA)

o Information collected on Soil qualityDown woody debrisVegetation structure and diversityCrown conditionTree mortalityTree growthLichen communitiesVegetation health

Vegetation & LOD Example Survey

ESRM 304 Vegetation & LOD SurveyPlot system layout

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Line Intercept

Line Intersect

RandomDirections

ESRM 304 Vegetation & LOD Survey

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Line Intercept Sampling for vegetation cover & composition

ESRM 304 Vegetation & LOD SurveyPlot system layout

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Line Intersect

ESRM 304 Vegetation & LOD Survey

Line Intersect Sampling for Large Organic Debris

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

ESRM 304 Vegetation & LOD SurveyPlot system layout

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

RandomDirections

Compass Scale: Azimuths & Bearings

Compass directions are circular

Azimuths shown here

Azimuths run clockwise from N (0 - 360o)

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Compass directions are circular

Bearings shown here

Bearings consist of a latitudinal hemisphere (N or S) followed by 0 - 90o toward either longitudinal direction (E or W)

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Compass Scale: Azimuths & Bearings

As expected, can convert from azimuths to bearings and back again

Bearings shown in red with azimuths in ()

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Compass Scale: Azimuths & Bearings

The Compass: Magnetic Declination

Magnetic North does NOT coincide w/ True North

Declinations are constantly moving

2008: Seattle / Kenmore dec. 17o 14’ E

East declinations as of 2000 C.E.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Magnetic Declination Affects Your Compass Reading

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Compass Parts

Needle “Red”

Base arrow “Shed”

Screw to set declination: No further calculations needed!

Always read compass here: “Fred”

A Compass Adjusted for Declination

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Determining a direction … (to an object, landmark, etc.)

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.2. Turn compass DIAL until …

3. “Red” (needle) is in the Shed”

4. Read direction to “Fred”

1. Point “Fred” at object

Following a given direction …

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.2. Turn YOURSELFuntil “Red” is …

3. in the “Shed” (base arrow)…

4. then follow “Fred” …

1. Dial in given direction

Vegetation & LOD Surveys

• Field Trip to St. Edward State Park

• Tue 24 May

• Depart from behind Bloedel Hall (C-10 parking lot) promptly at 12:30 P.M.

• Bring rain gear, sturdy footwear