Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - USGS

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USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Colonial National Historical Park A standard set of environmental data was measured or estimated at each plot (Table 3). Slope inclination was measured with a clinometer, and slope direction (aspect) was evaluated using a compass. Both measurements were taken to the nearest degree from the plot center. In plots with variable microtopography, slope was measured at several points and averaged. The percent cover of different surface substrates was estimated visually, with precision varying such that values sum to 100%. Topographic position, slope shape (both horizontally and vertically), soil drainage class, soil moisture regime, and inundation were assessed using scalar values. Landform was assessed at the landscape level using a topographic map and assigned to values from a standard landform classification (Driscoll et al. 1984). When conditions permitted, a digital photo was taken of each sampling location. Each vegetation sample was georeferenced using a GarminMap76s global positioning system (GPS), when possible. If a satellite reading could not be obtained, UTM coordinates were derived from the estimated position on a topographic quadrangle map. Elevation was also derived from the position on a topographic quadrangle map. When possible, soil samples were collected from the top 10 cm (4 in) of mineral soil (below the surficial litter and humus). Depth of surface duff, soil color, and texture were evaluated in the field and recorded on the plot forms. Evidence of any past or ongoing vegetation disturbance was carefully recorded at each sampling site. Other information was recorded in the form of a narrative qualitative assessment and notes. This narrative could include information concerning landscape context, estimated size of stand, hydrologic condition, approximate distance and direction to proximate water sources, spatial variation of vegetation pattern, or any other unusual features of the vegetation. The plot survey form used to collect quantitative vegetation samples is provided in Appendix A. All field data for quantitative vegetation samples were entered into the PLOTS database version 2.0 (NatureServe 2004) and are provided as a supplement to this report. Plot data collected in the park as part of previous studies from May 1997 through October 2001, using the same field methodology as in the current study, were also entered into the PLOTS database. Nomenclature follows the PLANTS 3.5 Database developed by the Natural Resource Conservation Service in cooperation with the Biota of North America Program (United States Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service 2004). In the context of this report, a nonnative species (sometimes referred to as an exotic or alien species) is a species that is not thought to be a native component of Virginia’s flora (Townsend 2007). Native species are those that occur in the region in which they evolved, changing over time in response to physical and biotic processes characteristic of a region. Plants that exhibit invasive tendencies and threaten rare native plants and natural communities are referred to as invasive. For this report, invasive nonnative plant species include those on the VADNH list of Invasive Exotic Plant Species in Virginia (Heffernan et al. 2001, VADCR 2003). 30
USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Colonial National Historical Park Table 3. Topographic / hydrologic environmental data recorded at each plot sample location. Topographic Position: crest upper slope middle slope lower slope toe slope plain/level/bottom basin/depression Surface Substrate (% cover): Soil Drainage Class: very poorly drained poorly drained somewhat poorly drained moderately well drained well drained rapidly drained Inundation: bedrock never boulders and stones infrequently gravel and cobbles regularly; for < 6 months litter / organic matter regularly; for > 6 months decaying wood always submerged by shallow water (< 30cm) water always submerged by deep water (>30 cm) mineral soil / sand other Measured Aspect (degrees) Soil Moisture Regime: Measured Slope (degrees) very xeric (moist for negligible time after precipitation) Slope Shape: xeric (moist for brief time) vertical somewhat xeric (moist for short time) concave submesic (moist for moderately short time) convex mesic (moist for significant time) straight subhygric (wet for significant part of growing season; mottle horizontal
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Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - USGS

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