APPENDIX C. FIELD METHODS, DATA DICTIONARY, EPIPHYTE ABUNDANCE RATING SYSTEM

Index

Two field forms are included in Appendix B. Following is a description of fields and data to be collected during field surveys.

PLOT DESCRIPTION CARD

This card is used to record data on stand and plant community conditions to characterize the habitat and ecological conditions of the site where Hypogymnia duplicata is observed.

Plot number will be the first and last initial of the surveyor followed by 2 numbers that are sequential numbers for each survey form, e.g. Jane Doe, plot number 2 will be JD02. Each plot will have a unique number. This number will appear on all plot cards for the plot, on any voucher specimens collected, map and aerial photo locations, and photographs.

Forest/District (4 digit code) or BLM District/Resource Area

Elevation: in feet
Aspect: in degrees 1-360
Slope: in percent

See data dictionary for codes to be used for landform, topographic moisture, macroposition, microposition, microconfiguration (vertical and horizontal), successional stage, regolith and bedrock

Year of Stand Origin: field will be completed in office using fire history layer if available
Maximum tree age: if a tree is cored on plot, choose oldest looking tree that will produce a good core to document maximum age of trees on plot

CC Overstory: canopy cover of overstory, which is the percent cover of the overstory layer on the plot - values 0-99%.

CC Understory: canopy cover of understory, which is the percent cover of the understory layer on the plot - values from 0-99%.

Average Stand diameter: Estimate the average diameter of dominant trees on the plot.

SERIES: Key out the series using the appropriate Plant Association guide for the geographical area of the survey. Record acronym for series (1st two letters of genus and 1st two letters of species, e.g. Western Hemlock = TSHE)

Plant Association: Key out the plant association using the appropriate Plant Association guide for the area.

Lichen Line: Record the lichen line as observed by the average height of lichens on the tree boles. This is an indication of the average annual snow depth for recent years in the stand. Generally the alectorioid lichens give the best indication of snow depth (Alectoria or Bryoria spp).

Crew: record names of crew taking plot data
Time: time of day plot started and finished

Plot Size: generally a 1/10 acre plot (37.24 ft radius) is adequate to characterize the stand. Consider that the plot size should be large enough to sample the patchiness and variability in the stand, although the plot should only encompass a homogeneous plant community.

Location: provide detailed written description on the location of the plot, using enough detail that someone else could relocate it.

Map: record quad map used for documenting plot location
Air Photo: if aerial photograph used, record the photo number where plot is marked.

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Photo: record photo numbers if photographs taken at plot.

Topography and Landform: provide a description of the topography and landform of the plot.

Stand Structure and Succession: Provide verbal description with sufficient detail to provide an image of the stand structure and successional stage. Record qualitative comments on overstory dominants, tree regeneration, canopy structure, snags and down wood, understory dominants, horizontal and vertical structure, successional stage, and any other observations of note or interest.

BACK SIDE OF PLOT DESCRIPTION CARD

Record scientific name of species on plot
Record percent cover of species on plot (range from 1 to 99%)
Top section for trees: record total % cover for species (<= 99%)

If trees are aged or measured, record dbh, height, age, ring count
Bottom section for understory species; divided into 2 sections for shrubs and herbs; if not enough room for all species on plot, use another card.
Record % cover for species; check in column V if voucher collected
Ph = Phenology Codes (optional):

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Data Dictionary for Survey and Manage Species -
Plot Description Card

Plot Number: unique number for plot
Forest/District: standard numeric codes for Forest/District; BLM District/Resource Area

Landform:

Topographic Moisture (redistribution of water by gravity)

Macroposition

Microposition

Microconfiguration (vertical and horizontal)

Successional Stage

Regolith (parent material)

Bedrock

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Data Dictionary for Survey and Manage Cryptogam Field Form

Plot Number: unique number for plot
Species: taxon name

Substrate: substrate class for taxon: bark, wood, rock, soil, litter

Substrate description: type and quality of substrate: e.g.

Size or DBH: size of substrate (e.g. large boulder, actual dimensions); dbh of tree

Cover or Abundance: if ground species, measure percent cover
if epiphyte, use abundance ratings 1-5;

Area: actual square footage of area covered by taxon

V = check if voucher specimen collected

Notes: space for other comments not incorporated under other fields

Back side of S&M Cryptogam Field Form

Use back of card to record comments and observations in more detail: