Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project Report - the USGS

USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
Wind Cave National Park
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Tables..........................................................................................................................……iv
List of Figures.........................................................................................................................……v
List of Contacts......................................................................................................................…..vii
List of Contributors..............................................................................................................……ix
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...........................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................…..2
PROJECT AREA......…................................................................................................................4
Location and Regional Setting..............…………..........................................................4
Climate........................................................................................................................…5
Geology and Topography...........................................................................................…6
Soils...........................................................................................................................…10
Wildlife................................................................................................................……..13
Vegetation..........................................................................................................………13
Fire History...............................................................................................................…14
MATERIALS AND METHODS…............................................................................................15
Planning and Scoping................................................................................................... 15
Preliminary Data Collection and Review of Existing Information.............................. 17
Aerial Photography Acquisition.................................................................................. 17
Gradsect Design........................................................................................................... 18
Field Survey.................................................................................................................20
Vegetation Classification and Characterization...........................................................23
Vegetation Map Preparation........................................................................................24
Accuracy Assessment..................................................................................................26
RESULTS…….............................................................................................................................31
Vegetation Classification and Characterization...........................................................31
Vegetation Map Production.........................................................................................40
Accuracy Assessment..................................................................................................67
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