I. Title Page
Title:
Subtheme this proposal is
responding to
Principal Investigator and
Receiving Institution
Co-Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigator
Agency Collaborator
Agency Collaborator
Co-Principal Investigator
Grants Contact Person
Funding requested:
Total cost share (value of
financial and in-kind
contributions):
A Collaborative Definition, Classification Refinement, and
Mapping of the Stream Environment Zones in the Lake Tahoe Basin
Watershed, Water Quality, and Habitat Restoration Theme;
Subtheme 2d: “Technical review of SEZ definition and
classification system”
David Saah, Ph.D.
Spatial Informatics Group, LLC
3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 510-427-3571 Email: dsaah@sig-gis.com
Jason Moghaddas
Spatial Informatics Group, LLC
3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 530-284-7376 Email: jmoghaddas@sig-gis.com
Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne
Research Scientist
Spatial Informatics Group, LLC
3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 802-598-9668 Email: jarlath@sig-gis.com
Josh Collins
Chief Scientist
San Francisco Estuary Institute
7770 Pardee Lane, Oakland CA 94621-1424
Phone: 510-746-7365 Email: josh_sfei.org
Emily Moghaddas, Ph.D.
Research Ecologist
USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
PO Box 15, Taylorsville, CA 95983
Phone: 530- 284-7376 Email: emoghaddas02@fs.fed.us
David Weixelman
Range Ecologist
USDA Forest Service, R5 Regional Office
631 Coyote St., Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: 530- 478-6843 Email: dweixelman@fs.fed.us
Tadashi Moody
Research Scientist
Spatial Informatics Group, LLC
3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 510-301-0030 Email: tmoody@sig-gis.com
David Saah, Ph.D.
Spatial Informatics Group, LLC
3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 510-427-3571 Email: dsaah@sig-gis.com
$ 240,846
$ 79,506
Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
II. Proposal Narrative (up to 7 pages, single-spaced)
a. Project abstract (1 paragraph summary for public distribution)
To appropriately identify, evaluate, protect, and manage riparian and aquatic resources in the Lake Tahoe
Basin requires a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies, scientists, and other stakeholders.
These aquatic features, and their associated riparian areas, are managed as stream environment zones
(SEZs), as described in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Code of Ordinances. A number of
efforts are currently underway to develop a comprehensive strategy for SEZ management. Recently, the
TRPA developed an SEZ Roadmap to review and update the SEZ policies and program in the Lake Tahoe
Basin. In response to the subtheme need for scientifically-based SEZ maps and associated documentation,
our project will provide the following: 1) Recommended revisions to CARI for inclusion of SEZs, 2)
Production of the “TARI” (Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory), 3) An updated classification system used
to identify and map SEZs for mapping and field verification, 4) Scientifically-defensible documentation
of field indicators of SEZ that supports an SEZ delineation approach, 5) Data layers and associated maps
that depict the extent of the various SEZ types across the Lake Tahoe Basin, including LiDAR-based
high-resolution SEZ maps and associated vegetation structure modeling input data that can be utilized for
analysis across multiple disciplines. These products will be fully documented according to FGDC
metadata standards and, to the extent that funds allow, they will be made available on-line through
Wetland Tracker for public distribution once finalized and approved, 6) A peer reviewed report in the
form of a General Technical Report documenting the process, methods, and results of this study.
b. Justification statement: explain the relationship between the proposal and the
subtheme(s)
To appropriately identify, evaluate, protect, and manage riparian and aquatic resources in the Lake Tahoe
Basin requires a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies, scientists, and other stakeholders.
These aquatic features, and their associated riparian areas, are managed as stream environment zones
(SEZs), as described in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Code of Ordinances. A number of
efforts are currently underway to develop a comprehensive strategy for SEZ management. Recently, the
TRPA developed an SEZ Roadmap to review and update the SEZ policies and program in the Lake Tahoe
Basin. In addition, an SEZ Technical Working Group formed to develop an SEZ program to help meet
these complex management needs. As part of a state-federal initiative to implement California’s Wetland
and Riparian Area Monitoring Plan (WRAMP), the SFEI-ASC (the San Francisco Estuary Institute –
Aquatic Science Center) is working with TRPA, the Lahontan Water Board, Tahoe Conservancy, USFS
and other partners to test the suitability of the mapping methods and standards of the California Aquatic
Resource Inventory (CARI) for depicting SEZ. CARI is the resource mapping component of WRAMP,
and also serves to update and intensify the National Hydrologic Dataset (NHD) of the USGS and the
National Wetland Inventory (NWI) of the USFWS. CARI therefore meets federal mapping standards and
can be utilized by federal agencies. Our proposed project will build on these efforts by further evaluating
the efficacy of CARI for SEZ mapping, and by implementing CARI, as appropriate, across the Tahoe
Basin, based on the findings of the WRAMP pilot. More specifically, this project will address the
following question, posed as part of the SEZ Roadmap process:
Research Question: What hydrogeomorphic, vegetation or soils classification system (or combination of
classification systems) is most appropriate for identifying and mapping Stream Environment Zones
(SEZs) in the Lake Tahoe Basin for the purpose of protecting and conserving their desired functions?
The needs for an SEZ functional classification system include, but are not limited to:
1) Developing a science-based SEZ definition;
2) Estimating the distribution of expected SEZ functions and beneficial uses;
3) Stratifying SEZ’s to minimize the variability of SEZ assessment data.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
In addition, our research will rely on the ongoing advice and review of the interagency WRAMP Tahoe
team to assure adequate coordination with the ongoing WRAMP pilot and its supporting federal and state
agencies of the California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup (CWMW) of the California Water Quality
Monitoring Council. It is especially important for this project to use the WRAMP team to assure
alignment between this project and the evolving California Wetland and Riparian Area Protection Policy
(WRAPP) of the California State Water Resources Control Board. The WRAPP is developing formal
definitions and mapping methods for streams, wetlands, and riparian areas for CARI that will be
implemented through the WRAMP. In essence, this project has the potential to add SEZs to CARI, and
thus can enable other regions to develop SEZ maps and protection policies.
In the process of mapping the SEZs of the Basin, this project will also provide a Basin-wide map of all
aquatic resources, as feasible using existing LiDAR maps, using the CARI mapping standards, as revised
by the WRAMP pilot. The resulting “TARI” (Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory) will serve as the Tahoe
version of CARI, and thus it will also serve as the federal and state base map for the Tahoe version of the
California Wetland Tracker Information System and other online map-based environmental information
systems of the region. This project will rely on the SFEI-ASC to transfer the CARI protocols to the
research team. This project will also update and document the field classification system used to delineate
SEZs for mapping and field verification. This update to SEZ definitions, spatially explicit maps, and field
classification system will incorporate new scientific information, help ensure SEZ policies protect desired
SEZ functions, and improve consistency with the EPA's Wetland Program core elements.
In addition to refining and implementing SEZ identification and mapping methods, our study will
recommend hydrogeomorphic, vegetation, and edaphic field indicators of different SEZ types for on-theground SEZ delineation, based on empirical field data.
In response to the subtheme need for scientifically-based SEZ maps and associated documentation, our
project will provide the following:
1) Recommended revisions to CARI for inclusion of SEZs;
2) Production of the “TARI” (Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory);
3) An updated classification system used to identify and map SEZs for mapping and field
verification.
4) Scientifically-defensible documentation of field indicators of SEZ that supports an SEZ
delineation approach;
5)
Data layers and associated maps that depict the extent of the various SEZ types across the
Lake Tahoe Basin, including LiDAR-based high-resolution SEZ maps and associated
vegetation structure modeling input data that can be utilized for analysis across multiple
disciplines. These products will be fully documented according to FGDC metadata standards
and, to the extent that funds allow, they will be made available on-line through Wetland
Tracker for public distribution once finalized and approved.
6) A peer reviewed report in the form of a General Technical Report documenting the process,
methods, and results of this study.
c. Concise background and problem statement
The watercourses, springs, and wetlands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and their association riparian areas, are
essential in providing aquatic and terrestrial habitat, recreational and scenic opportunities, infiltration of
runoff, flood attenuation, and groundwater recharge. Critical first steps toward protecting, conserving, and
managing these sensitive resources include classifying these aquatic features and accurately delineating
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
their spatial locations. Currently, these riparian areas are managed under the framework of the SEZ, and
represent biological communities that owe their characteristics to the presence of surface water or a
seasonally high groundwater table. The SEZs are designed to help protect riparian resources and water
quality by providing filtration, canopy cover (shading), and functional in-stream habitat for beneficial
aquatic species.
The intensity and type of ,management or restoration activities permitted within and adjacent to an SEZ
depend how that SEZ is defined and delineated on the ground. While existing SEZ definitions and maps
have served well for several years, site-specific inconsistencies can lead to unnecessarily complex
management or monitoring efforts. For example, the Round Hill Fuels Reduction Project included
mechanical treatments within an SEZ unit. The Soil Quality Monitoring Report for this project describes
the field verification of the SEZ boundary, stating that “some portions of the SEZ unit were not consistent
with the TRPA SEZ criteria (including soil and vegetation indicators), but had been included in the SEZ
unit because of proximity to the perennial channel” (USDA Forest Service 2011). Despite being
delineated and managed as SEZ, the soil monitoring excluded areas that did not clearly meet SEZ soil and
vegetation requirements.. At a minimum, inconsistencies between layout, implementation and monitoring
can cause confusion. At the other extreme, they can lead to misinterpretation of monitoring data and
insufficient protection of desired SEZ properties. There is a need to review the SEZ classification system
and field indicators to ensure SEZs are delineated consistently to best protect or enhance SEZ conditions
and functions.
Newly available scientific information can bolster the SEZ revision effort. The recent acquisition of highresolution LiDAR and multispectral imagery provides the unique opportunity to implement the CARI,
including its riparian mapping tool, with greater accuracy and precision than ever before. In addition, the
recent Lake Tahoe Basin soil survey provides updated data on soil characteristics and mapping unit
locations that can improve soil classification within SEZs. The Science Management Integration Team
(SMIT) SEZ Technical Working Group is currently reviewing the SEZ classification scheme and spatial
locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The WRAMP pilot with San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI-ASC)
and TRPA is testing novel approaches to combine LiDAR data, the most recent soil survey effort, and
other spatial information to map SEZ features in two pilot watersheds — the Upper Truckee and Third
Creek watersheds. There is a need to evaluate and expand this mapping protocol to the entire Lake Tahoe
Basin.
d. Goals, objectives, and hypotheses to be tested
Primary Research Goal: Working with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations, the Tahoe
WRAMP team, and the Science Management Integration Team (SMIT) SEZ Technical Working Group
(TWG), our team of PSW and SIG scientists will: 1) identify the most scientifically defensible process to
define and classify SEZs that best meets overall management objectives of SEZs, 2) translate this
classification system to actual spatial locations of SEZs on the ground using existing LiDAR and other
existing spatial data, and 3) prepare a General Technical Report or other peer reviewed scientific report
documenting the process of updating the SEZ management approach, including updated the classification
system, definitions, maps, and a field guide for delineating SEZs.
Table 1. Specific research questions and objectives identified for this proposal
Research Questions
Research Objectives
What are the current criteria for defining an SEZ,
and are there conflicts, ambiguities or shortcomings
in the current definition?
Close examination of the current the current criteria
defining SEZ classifications
What modifications to the current SEZ definition
can protect, improve, or conserve riparian
Interagency collaborative discussion and analysis
of potential changes to the existing SEZ definition
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
Research Questions
Research Objectives
ecosystem function and condition over time?
How does the updated spatial location of the SEZ
compare with existing SEZ locations?
Develop spatially explicit maps of SEZs using
methods consistent with California Aquatic
Resource Protocols (CARI), in collaboration with
mapping efforts conducted by the Tahoe WRAMP
team
What field criteria and protocols can be used to
delineate SEZ features in the field?
Identify field indicators that can be used to
delineate SEZs in the field.
Using a modified SEZ definition, where are SEZs
spatially located across the Lake Tahoe Basin?
Approach, methodology and location of research
This project will encompass all lands with LiDAR data available within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Our
general approach will be to define and collaboratively refine the definition of an SEZ. This will include
developing a typology (classification systems), structural function, and condition using the GIS-based
tools of WRAMP. These tools will be used to map all surface aquatic features of the Basin to create
TARI. TARI will be the base map for developing new SEZ GIS layers for lakes, rivers, streams,
wetlands, and springs (where possible), utilizing the most recently available LiDAR data and WorldView2 multispectral imagery. For consistency and efficiency, this project will integrate spatial and other data
produced from 3 previously funded SNPLMA Round 11 Projects, as well as other available information.
Existing stream network data available for the Lake Tahoe Basin, such as the existing National
Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and national Wetlands Inventory (NWI), were derived from relatively
coarse-resolution topographic data sets and out-dated imagery. When compared to the higher-resolution
LiDAR Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and existing high-resolution imagery, it is clear that the NHD
flow lines (streams) do not accurately represent the stream network (Figure 1). A detailed stream
network, containing both intermittent and perennial streams will be generated from the existing highresolution LiDAR DEM using the CARI methods and standards, which include detailed QA/QC
procedures affirmed by the USGS and USFWS (Figure 2). The stream network data will be integrated
into the other aquatic resource layers of CARI to create a seamless and comprehensive network of surface
water conveyance and storage features for each watershed of the Basin. The CARI standards will have the
advantage of assuring consistency with other state and federal mapping efforts.
The TIFFS (Toolbox for LiDAR Data Filtering and Forest Studies) software will be used to derive
vegetation structural characteristics within SEZs (Chen 2007, Chen et al. 2007a, Chen 2009), leveraging
datasets generated from projects completed under SNPLMA Round 11. The stand boundaries will be
delineated from the LiDAR surface models and WorldView-2 multispectral imagery using an objectbased approach that accounts for both the structural and spectral characteristics of the stand. An
individual tree crown delineation algorithm (Chen et al. 2006; Chen 2007) will be used to generate SEZ
spatially-explicit individual tree crown map. The individual tree crown canopy structure metrics derived
from LiDAR data will be combined to the vegetation type mapped from the WorldView-2 imagery to
develop a vegetation type dependent foliage biomass model for estimating crown bulk density. The
LiDAR metrics that are not sensitive to tree crown delineation errors will be used to estimate foliage
biomass (Chen et al. 2007b).
This project will focus on addressing the identified outstanding questions using systematic, scientifically
sound, previously published methods and providing updated SEZ maps to be used in related projects.
Specifically, the team working on this project will complete the following tasks:
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
Task 1. Pre-Work Conference(s): Meet with agency stakeholders to begin discussion and
review of SEZ definitions. Stakeholders will include, but not be limited to, the Tahoe Regional
Planning Agency, The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, The State of Nevada Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources-Division of State Lands and State Parks, CALFIRE, the
Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, the Tahoe Conservancy, the Tahoe WRAMP team, and other local
management agencies to review the proposed Scope of Work as submitted in this proposal within
one month of both parties signing the contract. This meeting will take place in person. A second
goal of this meeting will be to modify work plan tasks, deliverables, report formats, and other
related logistics based on review and produce the final Scope of Work and Plan of Work
schedule.
Task 2. Project Management: SIG will be the prime contractor and provide project
management services, including monthly and annual progress reports to TRPA and regular
communication and coordination via meetings (including conference calls) with the TRPA.
Task 3. Work with the Science Management Integration Team SEZ Technical Working
Group to Complete a Collaborative Technical Review of Existing SEZ Standards: Review
existing data, reports, and publications to clearly explain how SEZs are currently defined using
existing methods. Work with agency partners to modify and refine SEZ definition.
Task 4. Use Updated Technical SEZ Standards to Spatially Locate Potential SEZs
Consistent with California Aquatic Resource Inventory Protocols (CARI) and WRAMP
Methodologies: Using criteria for SEZs summarized in Task 3 and LiDAR analysis methods
learned from the WRAMP pilot for the Upper Truckee and 3rd Creek watersheds, recommend an
approach to spatially define SEZs using Arc GIS. Use the available high-resolution LiDAR data
and multispectral imagery to characterize the Stream Environment Zones (SEZs) in terms of
vegetation type(s) and structure, soil type(s), topography, and other features.
Task 5. Comparative Analysis: Comparative analysis of existing, rule defined, and LiDAR
defined SEZ locations. Determine key soil, geomorphic, and/or vegetation features that best
define SEZs as “optimally” mapped using the methods above.
Task 6. Determine Additional SEZ Defining Characteristics, if needed: Work with agency,
private sector, non-profit, and other stakeholders to define or refine SEZ definitions-add
additional defining characteristics if necessary, based on results of Task 5.
Task 7. Develop Field Guide for SEZ Identification: Work with Science Management
Integration Team, SEZ Technical Working Group to Develop a Field Guide for SEZ
Identification. The field guide shall be consistent for use with or as an amendment to Section
37.3 (“Procedure for Establishing SEZ Boundaries and Setbacks”) of the Tahoe Regional
Planning Agency Code of Ordinances.
Task 8. Draft Final Report and Maps: Based upon information and findings assimilated in
tasks 1 through 7, a draft final report will be generated. This report will be written so that the
target audience (defined by TRPA) will be able to easily interpret its contents. The report will
include a discussion on the methods used to define SEZs, comparative analysis of these methods,
and suggested refined SEZ map.
Task 9. Final Report: Within 30 days of receiving comments on the draft final report, a final
copy will be prepared and delivered.
Task 10. Prepare General Technical Report: Purpose, methodologies, results, and final SEZ
definitions and maps shall be published for public distribution in a peer reviewed General
Technical Report or other equivalent peer reviewed document. Additional supporting peer
reviewed studies may be submitted for publication to appropriate scientific journals as part of this
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
research project.
Task 11. Prepare and Post Updated SEZ Maps, Other Relevant GIS Data, and Final GTR
to a Publically Accessible Site for Distribution: This information will be made publically
available for internal and public distribution by TRPA and posted on SIG’s own website for
public distribution.
f. Relationship of the research to previous and current relevant research, monitoring,
and/or environmental improvement efforts
Our proposed research builds directly upon previous and concurrent efforts to evaluate SEZ polices and
programs in the Lake Tahoe Basin. We will integrate with the ongoing SEZ Roadmap effort to establish a
classification system of different SEZ types based on soils, hydro-geomorphology and vegetation that is
protective of identified SEZ desired functions. We will work closely with the Science Management
Integration Team SEZ Technical Working Group and the Tahoe WRAMP team to develop the
classification system based on revised SEZ definition and delineation criteria. We will collaborate with
the Tahoe WRAMP team to apply the CARI protocols to the Lake Tahoe Basin to produce the Tahoe
Aquatic Resource Inventory (TARI). Presently, these mapping protocols are being tested in two pilot
watersheds in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Our efforts will be supported with the most recent research and
resource data available. For example, the SNPLMA-funded 2010 acquisition of LiDAR and WorldView-2
multispectral imagery data will be used to map riparian vegetation and terrain features. Following the
revised SEZ classification scheme, these data, along with the recent (2007) Lake Tahoe Basin soil survey
will be used to map SEZ locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Where appropriate, information will be gleaned from previous monitoring efforts within SEZ areas. For
example, monitoring information from the Heavenly Valley Creek SEZ Demonstration Project and Round
Hill Fuels Reduction Project (USDA 2011), both on public lands, and the Celio Ranch Fuels Reduction
Project on private lands may provide useful data related to SEZ characteristics and tolerances. These data
currently inform SEZ management decisions (for example, SEZ treatments in the South Shore Fuel
Reduction and Healthy Forest Restoration Project are based on findings from the Heavenly Creek
monitoring). In consultation with David Weixelman (USDA Forest Service), we will integrate field
information from 60 riparian and meadow permanent plots that are used to track ecological condition and
trend into this mapping and analysis effort. These data provide complete plant species and soil data for
specific locations at a cross section of hydrogeomorphic types in riparian SEZ sites within the Tahoe
Basin. Monitoring from SEZ restoration and improvement projects may be similarly useful in assessing
on-the-ground applications of SEZ definition, delineation, or condition.
g. Strategy for engaging with managers and obtaining permits
If the proposal is funded, collaborators will work directly with federal, state, and local land management
agencies and organizations through the SMIT and the Tahoe WRAMP team to identify existing policy,
scientific, and GIS questions and existing datasets for SEZs in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Via our current
outreach and meeting efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin, we have already communicated with several
agency partners about the concept of this proposal. We will meet and work directly with representatives
from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, The State of
Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-Division of State Lands and State Parks,
CALFIRE, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, California State Parks, the Tahoe Conservancy, the San
Francisco Estuary Institute, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension ,USDA Forest Service (Lake
Tahoe Basin Management Unit), UC Cooperative Extension and other partners to disseminate the results
of this study. Results will be presented directly to interested stakeholders through direct meetings, in
cooperation with University of California Cooperative Extension, and via the on-going California Fire
Science Consortium. In addition, final results and reports will be made available on-line in pdf format to
the public.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
Project data will be derived using provided LiDAR data, existing GIS databases, and field visual
verification. There will be no treatments specifically implemented for this study, no destructive sampling,
no ground disturbing activity, and no permanent marking of any research plots or points in the field,
greatly limiting or eliminating the need for further CEQA and NEPA analysis or sampling permits.
h. Description of deliverables/products and plan for how data and products will be
reviewed and made available to end users
SIG will create and manage a website that will be accessible to the TRPA, all agency collaborators, and
all team members. This site will serve as a distribution point for project documents and data.
Deliverables

Pre-Work Conference(s): Final Scope of Work and Plan of Work schedule. This will be made
available via the web on the project site.

Project Management: Monthly and annual progress reports to the TRPA. These will be made
available via the web on the project site.

Collaborative Technical Review of Existing SEZ Standards: Review existing data, reports,
and publications to clearly explain how SEZs are currently defined using existing methods. Work
with agency partners to modify and refine SEZ definition.

Updated Technical SEZ Standards to Spatially Locate Potential SEZs: Using criteria for
SEZs summarized in Task 3, recommend and apply a method to spatially define SEZs using GIS.
Use the available high-resolution LiDAR data and multispectral imagery to characterize the
Stream Environment Zones (SEZs) in terms of vegetation type(s) and structure, soil type(s),
topography, and other features.

Updated Field Classification System Used to Identity SEZ for Mapping and Field
Verification: Completion of this project will result in a peer reviewed, scientifically accurate,
field classification system for users to identify SEZs in the field for mapping and field
verification.

Draft Final Report and Maps: Based upon information and findings assimilated in tasks 1
through 7, a draft final report will be generated. This report will be written so that the target
audience (defined by TRPA) will be able to easily interpret its contents. The report will include
a discussion on the methods used to define SEZs, comparative analysis of these methods, and
suggested refined SEZ map.

Final Report and GIS Data: Within 30 days of receiving comments on the draft final report, a
final copy will be prepared and delivered. GIS datasets will be made available for download on
project site.

Scientific Publications and/or GTR: Final report will be formatted for and submitted to a peer
reviewed journal
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
III. Schedule of Milestones and Deliverables
Milestone/Deliverables Start Date End Date Description
Annual
September, September, Prepare annual summary of accomplishments in
accomplishment reports
2012
2013 September.
Progress reports
October, September, Submit brief progress report to Tahoe Science
2012
2013 Program coordinator by the 1st of July, October,
January, and April.
Pre-Work
Conference(s)
July 2012
Project Management
July 2012
August Meet with TRPA and representatives from local
2013 land management agencies discuss proposal
October Spatial Informatics Group will complete all
2013 project management, including preparation of
submission of progress reports
Collaborative Technical
Review of current SEZ
definitions
August
2012
December Work with agency partners to review and refine
2012 existing SEZ definitions.
Initial Spatial Mapping
of SEZs
January
2013
May 2013 Use the available high-resolution LiDAR data
and multispectral imagery to develop and refine
spatially explicit Stream Environment Zones
(SEZs)
Field Work, including
field GPS work of SEZs
May 2013
September Collect additional GPS field data to ground truth
2011 and refine SEZ map
Draft Final Report:
May 2013
July 2013 Based upon information and findings assimilated
in tasks 3 through 7, a draft final report will be
generated.
Final Report and GIS
Data
Scientific Publications
and GTR
August
2013
September Within 30 days of receiving comments on the
2013 draft final report, a final copy will be prepared
and delivered. GIS data will be made available
online.
September
2013
October Report will be formatted for and submitted to a
2013 peer reviewed journal.
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011
IV. Literature Cited
Chen, Q., 2009. Improvement of the Edge-based Morphological (EM) method for LiDAR data filtering,
International Journal of Remote Sensing, 30(4), 1069-1074.
Chen, Q., P. Gong, D.D. Baldocchi, and Y. Tian, 2007b. Estimating basal area and stem volume for
individual trees from LIDAR data, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73(12),
1355-1365
Chen, Q., 2007, Airborne LiDAR data processing and information extraction, Photogrammetric
Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73(2), 109-112 (cover story)
Chen, Q., P. Gong, D.D. Baldocchi, and G. Xie., 2007a, Filtering airborne laser scanning data with
morphological methods, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73(2),175-185
Chen, Q., D.D. Baldocchi, P. Gong, and M. Kelly, 2006. Isolating individual trees in a savanna woodland
using small footprint LIDAR data, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 72(8), 923932
Collins, J.N., E.D. Stein, M. Sutula, R. Clark, A.E. Fetscher, L. Grenier, C. Grosso, and A. Wiskind.
2008. California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) for Wetlands, v. 5.0.2. 157 pp.
USDA. 2011. Round hill Fuels Reduction Project Soil Quality Monitoring Report. USDA Forest Service.
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, South Lake Tahoe, CA
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Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2010
V. Figures
Figure 1. Stream data from the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) overlaid on the 2010 LiDAR
DEM. As the NHD streams were derived from much coarser resolution topographic data they fail to
accurately portray the location of the stream channels.
Figure 2. 3D perspective generated from the 2010 LiDAR for a SEZ within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The
high-resolution LiDAR provides an unprecedented view of both the geomorphic and vegetation
characteristics within the SEZ.
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