Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Appendices - USGS

USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
3 = Coarse, e.g., deergrass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
4 = Very coarse, e.g., sawgrass (Mariscus) (probably nothing in Glacier area this coarse)
CLASS: (1–6) Further divide this type into one of six density classes (see photos).
DPTH: Record the average depth of herbaceous plants in cm. If there are ≥2 types present, record type,
class, and depth of the "flashier" or more combustible one.
LIVE: Estimate what percent of the grass is alive at any point during the growing season. This will
always be 100% for annual species, somewhat less for perennials with previous year’s litter attached.
Shrub Fuel:
Classify shrubs present in the entire plot according to Burgan and Rothermel guidelines. Average all
species present.
TYPE (1–5): Classify shrubs into one of four types according to general morphology.
1 = Fine stems, thin leaves, e.g., mountain misery (Chamaebatia foliolosa)
2 = Medium stems, thin leaves, e.g., ninebark (Physocarpus)
3 = Medium stems, thick leaves, e.g., Ceanothus
4 = Densely packed fine stems and leaves, e.g., chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum)
5 = Thick stems and leaves, e.g., manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)
CLASS (1–6): Determine to which of the five density classes the shrubs within the plot belong. Refer to
Burgan and Rothermel photos.
DEAD 1HR, 10HR, 100HR and LIVE 1HR: Examine the dead wood and 1-hr live wood within the
shrubs in the plot. Estimate what percent of the shrub is 1-hr live (