Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Appendices - USGS

USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Plot Photos/Roll Number/Frame Numbers
Indicate (Y or N) if photos of the plot have been taken at the time of sampling, and the roll and frame
numbers of any photos.
Plot Permanent
Check off that the plot has been permanently marked (all plots within the National Park are ‘permanently
marked’ with a wooden stake.
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. Note: we distinguish in this section the
plot’s ability to represent the stand or polygon you are sampling as one component and the ability of this
sample to represent the range of variability of the association in the entire mapping area. The former
comment may be ascertained by reconnaissance of the stand. The latter comment comes only after some
familiarity with the vegetation type throughout the mapping area and may be left blank if you have no
opinion at this time.
Elevation
Environmental Description
Elevation of the plot. Specify whether in feet or meters (this will depend on the units used on the GPS
or on the topographic map being used). In general, we have determined that the reading you get from a
topo map provided you are certain where you are, is more accurate than the average reading from the GPS
unit. Thus, please attempt to estimate your elevation with the topo map.
Slope
Measure the slope in degrees using a clinometer.
Aspect
Measure the slope aspect using a compass (be sure to correct for the magnetic declination). Note: all
compasses should be pre-set to an average declination for the park and thus, readings from the compasses
carried by the field crews may be directly noted.
Topographic Position
Topographic position of the plot. Choose one:
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. Includes the transition zone from backslope to summit.
Surface is dominantly convex in profile and erosional in origin.
HIGH LEVEL (mesa) - Level top of a plateau.
Appendix C: Plot Sampling Form and Field Manual C-14