1999 FIELD VERSION
(No protocol changes from 1998; only editorial upgrades)
April 28, 1999
A REGIONAL VEGETATION PROTOCOL1
FOR BIRD POINT COUNT MONITORING STATIONS
IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON
LEVEL 2 QUANTITATIVE SITE CHARACTERIZATION AND
VEGETATION SAMPLING: BASIC AND ADVANCED
MARK H. HUFF
PACIFIC NORTHWEST RESEARCH STATION
USDA FOREST SERVICE
REX SALLABANKS
SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS INSTITUTE
MICHAEL JOHNSON
USDA FOREST SERVICE
1
Adapted from Johnson, Michael D. 1997. Region 6 Inventory and Monitoring System: Field procedures
manual for the Current Vegetation Survey. Version 2.0. On File: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Portland, OR. 118 p.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 4
Program Objectives ...................................................................................... 4
Establishing Regional Priorities.................................................................... 4
Hierarchy for Vegetation Sampling ............................................................... 5
Selecting an Existing and Established Vegetation Protocol ........................... 5
Inventory and Monitoring System/Current Vegetation Survey ...................... 6
Adapting to the Inventory and Monitoring System ........................................ 6
Manual Description ..................................................................................... 7
LEVEL 2 QUANTITATIVE SITE CHARACTERIZATION AND VEGETATION
SAMPLING: BASIC AND ADVANCED ............................................................... 7
I. Background Information ........................................................................... 7
Sample Area ............................................................................................. 8
Station Sample Unit.................................................................................. 8
Basic and Advanced Options for Level 2 .................................................... 9
Level 2 Equipment Needs ........................................................................ 10
II. Site Description Information .................................................................. 10
Sample area information......................................................................... 10
Recorder’s name .................................................................................. 10
Province (5-digit).................................................................................. 10
Land Management ID (3-digit).............................................................. 11
Area ID (5 to 8-digit) ............................................................................ 11
Stand/Location or Vegetation Sample Area (up to 8-digit) .................... 11
Today’s Survey Date (6-digit)................................................................ 11
Photo Number ..................................................................................... 12
Photo Date........................................................................................... 12
State & County (2-digit, ea.)................................................................. 12
Agency/Private Area and District (optional for NON USFS users).......... 13
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)................................................... 16
Township, Range, and Section ............................................................. 16
Elevation (2-digit) ................................................................................ 16
Station unit information ......................................................................... 16
Aspect (3-digit)..................................................................................... 16
Slope (2-digit) ...................................................................................... 16
Physiography (1-digit) .......................................................................... 16
Micro-position (1-digit)......................................................................... 17
Ecoclass (6-digit) ................................................................................. 18
Forest Structural Class (if in forested habitat) (2-4 alpha) .................... 18
Azimuth (3-digit).................................................................................. 20
Sample Area Narrative ............................................................................ 20
Present Condition/Past Disturbance.................................................... 20
Notes ................................................................................................... 21
III. Station Sample Point Establishment and Point Reference Information... 21
2
Station Center Point and Sample Point Reference (CPR and SPR) ............ 21
Name, Stand/Location, and Area ID........................................................ 22
Center Point (CPR) and Sample Points (SPR) References .......................... 22
IV. Subplot and Transect Establishment .................................................... 22
Sample Unit Design ................................................................................ 22
Subplot Establishment ........................................................................... 26
Ground Cover Type Transects ................................................................. 27
Canopy Cover Points............................................................................... 27
Down Woody Material Transects ............................................................. 27
Standing Dead Tree Transects ................................................................ 28
V. Vegetation Data Plot and Transect Information ...................................... 29
Preliminary Instructions ......................................................................... 29
Recording Information ............................................................................ 30
Name, Area ID, and Stand/Location .................................................... 30
Station Number (1-digit) ...................................................................... 30
Vegetation Sample Subplot Number (1-digit) ........................................ 30
Subplot Code (1 to 3-alpha) ................................................................. 30
Vegetation Descriptor Code (2 to 3-digit) .............................................. 31
Species (6-digit) ................................................................................... 34
Diameter (4-digit)................................................................................. 37
Crown Ratio (2-digit)............................................................................ 37
Crown Width (2-digit)........................................................................... 38
Group tally (3-digit) ............................................................................. 39
Ground Cover Segment Number (1-digit).............................................. 39
Ground Cover Type (1-alpha) ............................................................... 39
Height Above Ground/Length (3-digit) ................................................. 40
Condition & Bird Use (2-digit) .............................................................. 40
Percent Cover (3-digit).......................................................................... 43
Field Notes .......................................................................................... 44
APPENDICES ................................................................................................ 45
Appendix A ................................................................................................ 46
Appendix B ................................................................................................ 47
Appendix C ................................................................................................ 48
Appendix D ................................................................................................ 49
Appendix E ................................................................................................ 50
3
INTRODUCTION
To develop and implement conservation strategies for birds and other animals, information is
needed about their distribution, long-term abundance patterns, and suitable habitat
conditions relative to local, landscape, physiographic province, and regional scales.
Conservation efforts to develop, restore, and preserve important habitat sites have been
hampered by slow advancements in understanding animal-habitat relationships, especially
from the broad scale perspectives. Although there are many factors contributing to this
problem, the diverse methods used to characterize animal habitats and incompatibilities of
these data among investigations are often overlooked as major impediments. Approaches used
to characterize animal habitats are usually specific to a given investigation, thus limiting
comprehensive species-habitat analyses from being done. To help resolve this, widespread
collaboration is needed to develop standards for vegetation inventory procedures: ones that are
easily implemented across geographic areas and land ownerships and among resource
specialties.
Program Objectives
Two of the primary objectives of the Washington-Oregon Neotropical Migratory Bird Monitoring
program are to establish consistent regional methods for monitoring birds and their habitat
and to examine relationships between bird abundance and habitat characteristics. These
objectives were developed collaboratively through the Partners-In-Flight (PIF) Program, a
consortium of government agencies, private organizations, and corporations associated with
bird management and conservation. Standard regional protocols have been developed for
monitoring long-term population trends for terrestrial birds in Washington and Oregon (i.e.,
point counts), with emphasis on neotropical migratory species2. The next step, and the
objective of this manual, is the development of a standard regional protocol for sampling
terrestrial bird habitat.
Establishing Regional Priorities
On March 19 and 20, 1996, a work group of 32 people, titled Regional Vegetation Sampling for
Bird Point Count Monitoring, met in Hood River, Oregon to develop a regional framework to
sample vegetation to describe bird habitat. At this meeting, four primary goals were
established. First, vegetation sampling methods should be applicable to a wide range of
environments, bird species, and spatial scales. Related to that, the methods need to describe
sufficiently both the site (e.g., 5 stations in an area of relatively homogeneous vegetation
composition and structure and/or landform) and individual point count stations. Second,
methods need to be compatible with existing vegetation inventories and related sampling
methods that are being used broadly throughout the region. Compatibility of methods was
viewed as an means to extrapolate the bird monitoring results to a much broader geographic
area. Third, methods should provide options for the user to determine how much information
to collect locally based on available resources such as personnel and funding. Lastly, there
2 Huff, Mark H., Bettinger, K, and Ferguson, H. Draft document. Regional protocol for monitoring
terrestrial birds, with emphasis on neotropical migrants. On File: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
4
needs to be consensus and a commitment to the protocol standards among the partners, that
the methods are appropriate and will be carried out the same way by everyone.
Three principal questions were proposed by the work group: (1) How should the regional
standards be organized to provide some discretion and options for the amount and type of
vegetation data collected?; (2) What are the data attributes that should be collected for the
different options?; and (3) What methods should be used to collect the data? The first two
questions were discussed extensively at the Hood River meeting and general agreement was
reached on how to proceed. The third question was more difficult to resolve. Overview
presentations were given on established protocols to describe and classify vegetation
composition and structure. There was, however, insufficient time to have in-depth discussions
and make recommendations on specific methodologies. Further investigation to determine
suitable vegetation inventory methods was assigned to the authors of this manual.
Hierarchy for Vegetation Sampling
At the Hood River meeting, a hierarchical approach was proposed to sample vegetation at point
count stations. The approach requires that the amount and extent of information collected
progressively increases at each of three levels: Level 1 with the least to Level 3 with the most.
Each Level is linked, hierarchically building on information collected at lower levels.
The intent of Level 1 sampling is to collect background information, mostly without equipment,
using ocular estimates and site descriptors. Level 1 is the minimum information gathered for a
monitoring site. Collection of Level 1 type of data was integrated into Levels 2 and 3 using the
methods identified for Level 1 to ensure compatibility among the different levels. Level 1
provides a qualitative characterization of a bird monitoring site that is a quick and inexpensive,
especially if money and personnel are unavailable for protocol methods of Levels 2 or 3.
Primary uses of Level 1 information are for educational purposes; for quick assessment of sites
to apply for funding, especially research proposals; and as a preliminary characterization
before doing Levels 2 or 3 at a later date. Level 1 has limited uses for evaluating bird-habitat
relationships, but can be used for broad habitat classification.
Level 2 is the recommended minimum sampling for characterizing vegetation to evaluate birdhabitat relations at a monitoring site. The procedures are divided into two parts: Basic and
Advanced. Much of the Level 2 data are measured quantitatively and analyzed using
appropriate statistical methods.
Level 3 sampling is intended primarily for research or other intensive investigations that, for
example, are designed to examine cause and effect relationships. Level 3 methods are similar
to Level 2, and differ mostly in number of sample replications and options for collecting
information that may be experimental or too expensive for Level 2.
Selecting an Existing and Established Vegetation Protocol
It was established at the meeting that vegetation methods for describing bird habitat needs to
be compatible with one or more existing vegetation inventories. Once selected, the inventory
methods would be used as the foundation for developing a distinct vegetation protocol for bird
monitoring. Locating a generalized vegetation inventory method that could address every
objective and specific need for describing bird habitat across this region was unlikely. Thus,
5
the overall goal was to select one or more existing methods that would require a minimal
amount of changes. The primary criteria used to make a final selection were the breadth of
habitat variables important to describing bird habitat and the present and potential application
of the existing inventory in Washington and Oregon. The vegetation inventory method that met
this criteria best was the Inventory and Monitoring System (IMS) also known as the Current
Vegetation Survey (CVS).
Inventory and Monitoring System/Current Vegetation Survey
IMS or CVS is a permanent vegetative resource inventory procedure implemented widely on
public lands throughout the Pacific Northwest. The data are part of an interagency database
that is being developed to monitor the conditions of public lands on a national, regional, and
local level. This monitoring and inventory system was designed to provide comprehensive
information about the land and vegetation and can be used to examine a wide range of general
and specific questions. However, the inventory procedures, as designed, were not intended to
provide answers to specific resource issues, such as the description of a particular species’
habitat. Rather, the inventory methods were developed by integrating many resource survey
needs to cover a broad spectrum of vegetative and related resource measurements that are
fundamental to characterizing a given location (e.g., monitoring site).
The IMS process was initiated from 1992 to 1994 as part of a plan for a regional and national
grid of permanent plots established for all National Forest System land3. The intent of these
plots is to periodically assess vegetation composition and structure and to monitor change in
vegetation over time. For Washington and Oregon, an advisory group of inventory specialists,
biometricians, and statisticians from Federal agencies was convened to develop inventory
methodologies for broad ecological purposes with a practical and scientifically defensible
design. The advisory group, titled The Pacific Northwest Region Vegetation Inventory and
Monitoring Panel, proposed four primary objectives for the inventory and monitoring system:
(1) Should meet the needs of Federal land management planning and decision-making; (2) Be a
broad assessment of resources; (3) Be flexible to allow for implementing broad-scale studies
compatible with the overall IMS design; and (4) Be useful for evaluations and analyses of
potential relations among response variables, management practices, and environmental and
other anthropogenic factors. The panel consulted with experts in many resource fields to
ensure that these objectives were met.
The IMS sample unit design encompasses 1 hectare (2.5 acres), where 5 sample points are
established for data collection. Subplots of various sizes are installed at each sample point to
measure and describe existing vegetation composition and structure, including information on
live and dead trees, plant indicators, and down woody material. Thousands of plots have been
and will continue to be established and surveyed on land administered by the U.S. Forest
Service throughout Washington and Oregon. In addition, the IMS methods and design has
been adopted to inventory vegetation on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management
in this region.
Adapting to the Inventory and Monitoring System
3 Max, Timothy A. and others. 1996. The Pacific Northwest Region vegetation inventory and monitoring
system. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-493. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific
Northwest Research Station. 22 p.
6
In developing this procedures manual, many of the procedures of the IMS were assumed to be
appropriate for describing bird habitat composition and structure. The methods found in the
handbook Region 6 Inventory and Monitoring System: Field Procedures for the Current
Vegetation Survey (Version 2.0)1 were incorporated directly into this manual, wherever feasible,
to maintain high compatibility between the bird monitoring vegetation data and IMS data
collected elsewhere. Some changes to the IMS procedures were necessary, however, to
sufficiently characterize the diverse bird and terrestrial communities found within Washington
and Oregon. These included minor modifications to existing procedures, sampling some
attributes more intensively (e.g., snags and understory), adding new variables, streamlining
and deleting certain procedures, and adjusting the design to reduce costs (e.g., introducing
different levels of data collection) to ensure that bird habitat monitoring is achievable across
divergent ownership’s of public and private lands.
The procedures presented in this manual are specific for bird point count monitoring, meaning
that, this manual is not a replacement of the IMS field procedures nor are they directly
interchangeable. Moreover, the procedures described in this manual are considered to be
common starting point from which collaborative databases can be built for monitoring
vegetation and, therefore, does not preclude individual investigators from collecting additional
information to build on the information covered in this manual.
Manual Description
This manual explains how to collect vegetation data at bird point count monitoring stations
using a standardized regional protocol. The manual is divided into four sections: methods for
the Levels 1, 2, and 3, and an appendix; included here are Level 2 and the appendix. The
appendix includes all the data forms, which may be copied for field data collection, more
explicit information necessary for implementing the vegetation protocols, and a glossary of
terms and data attributes.
LEVEL 2 QUANTITATIVE SITE CHARACTERIZATION AND VEGETATION
SAMPLING: BASIC AND ADVANCED
This section includes information on establishing and referencing sample points, setting up
subplots, transect emanation, and data collection procedures. The section is divided into five
parts: Background, Site Description Information, Sample Point Establishment and Point
Reference Information, Subplot and Transect Establishment, and Vegetation Data Plot and
Transect Information. Each part contains a description of the data to be collected and
instructions on how to enter data on field forms (three total; shown in Appendix A). Glossary
of terms is in Appendix B.
I. Background Information
Overall, Level 2 is an intermediate level of bird habitat assessment: considerably more
quantitative than Level 1, but less intensive than Level 3. Level 2 is expected to be the most
commonly used set of protocols for assessing habitat in conjunction with avian monitoring.
While Level 2 protocols can provide sufficient habitat information for most analytical
procedures, some elements of vegetation composition and structure may be undersampled at
this level. These potential sampling deficiencies are amended in Level 3 by increasing the
7
replication of some sampling procedures found in Level 2 and by additional sampling
procedures.
Sample Area
For Levels 1, 2, and 3, the sample area is the general location where multiple stations,
customarily 5 stations, have been established to count birds (Fig. 1). Vegetation is sampled at
each station within a sample area.
Sample Area
1st station
randomly
1
selected
2
3
Bird
4
Monitoring
Stations
5
≥150m
stratified
distance
locations
Figure 1. Bird point count sample area with five monitoring stations spaced a minimum of 150
meters apart.
Station Sample Unit
A station sample unit is a set of vegetation sample points and transect lines to measure
vegetation characteristics at a given bird count station. For Level 2, the station sample unit
consists of a central point (center of the 50 m radius bird count circle) where transect lines
originate and other points are located and of sample point(s) where sets of nested subplots,
transect lines, and other data collection points are established. Each sample unit has either
one (Basic) or two (Advanced) sample points (Fig. 2).
8
LEVEL 2
Next station
Sample Reference
Point 1 (Basic)
2.9
11
*
ft
0 m)
cle)
*
ft
1
5.
18
unt cir
bird co
2 .9
of 50 m
(edge
11
(5
164 ft
Center of Bird
Count Station
ft
*
Sample Reference
Point 2 (Advanced)
1 hectare (185.1 ft radius)
Figure 2. Level 2 sample unit design basic and advanced at a bird point count station.
Basic and Advanced Options for Level 2
The procedures for Level 2 are subdivided into two sublevels: Basic and Advanced. The
difference between these sublevels is the number of subplots sampled at a given count station,
with the relative sampling intensity of certain attributes doubling in the advanced option. The
two options give the user options to choose the appropriate sampling intensity for a given
location and vegetation type.
The Basic design is the minimum for Level 2. Most forested systems can be described
adequately with the Basic sublevel. Even so, the Advanced sublevel is preferred for most
situations because of the improved precision (less variability about means for within-stand
habitat data) of two versus one plot per station. The Advanced design can be implemented in
shifts: first the Basic, then the Advanced at some later date. This approach is not
recommended for systems that experience rapid changes in vegetation succession that may
cause high variation among subplots if sampled in different years. Places with rapid vegetation
changes include, for example, areas prone to frequently reoccurring disturbances (e.g.,
flooding, fires) or a location in an early (pioneer) stage of succession. The Advanced sublevel
should be selected over the Basic for vegetation types where forest structure may be
undersampled (e.g., widely spaced trees), open environments, or where variability within and
among stations is relatively high.
To implement the Basic design correctly, a sample area must have 5 or more sample stations
or locations to sample vegetation. If there are less than 5 stations, additional locations for
9
vegetation sampling (vegetation stations) are selected within the sample area to achieve 5
different locations. The locations are chosen randomly and are >328 feet (>100 m) from any
given station and the edge of the sample area.
Level 2 Equipment Needs
Clinometer
Compass
Ocular tube (canopy cover, see Appendix _)
Flagging tape
Survey flags with wire stakes (approx. 20 [basic] and 40 [advanced] per bird point count
station)
150 ft linear tape measure
Diameter tape
Plant identification guide
Key(s) to Ecoclass (Plant Association)
II. Site Description Information
The Site Description Form (Appendix A) is divided into three subsections: Sample Area
Information, Station Unit Information, and a Sample Area Narrative.
Sample area information
The follow information is recorded for each sample area ONLY once (for a given set of bird
monitoring stations in a sample area).
Recorder’s name
Enter the data recorder’s name.
Province (5-digit)
Enter the 5-letter province code for the sample area (Table 1). This should be identical to the
code recorded for bird monitoring.
Table 1. Fifteen physiographic province codes for Washington and Oregon.
Codes
Physiographic Province5
OLPEN
CORAN
KLMOU
WILVA
PUTRO
Olympic Peninsula
Coast Ranges
Klamath Mountains
Willamette Valley
Puget Trough
Franklin, J.F.; Dyrness, C.T. 1973. Natural vegetation of Oregon and Washington. Gen. Tech. Rep.
PNW-8. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
417 p.
5
10
WECAS
SWCAS
NOCAS
HICAS
OKHIG
COBAS
BLMOU
BARAN
OWUPL
HLPLA
Western Cascades
Southern Washington Cascades
Northern Washington Cascades
High Cascades
Okanogan Highlands
Columbia Basin
Blue Mountains
Basin and Range
Owyhee Upland
High Lava Plains
Land Management ID (3-digit)
The Land Management ID is a 3-letter code developed locally to represent the private or public
administration of the land monitored for birds. This code was developed and recorded on the
bird monitoring field forms; therefore the identical code is recorded on the Site Description
Form also. The code is not regionally standardized. Examples are ROS for Roseburg BLM,
BAS for Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge, or WEY for Weyerhaeuser Company. Note that
the Land Management ID code is recorded separately from the Province code on the Site
Description Form, even though they are together on the bird data monitoring form.
Area ID (5 to 8-digit)
The Area ID is a 5 to 8-digit code that identifies the broad geographic area where the
monitoring site is located. This code is predefined for bird monitoring; therefore, the code is
identical to the code used for monitoring birds at this sample area.
The Area ID is an area delineated to define the broad scale for the bird monitoring within a
given physiographic province, such as a watershed, basin, mountain range, etc. Several
different monitoring sites (sample areas) can be located within the same Area ID (often a
minimum of 4 monitoring sites per Area ID). More explanation of the meaning of the Area ID
code used for this sample area is written in the field notes of the bird data.
Code examples: BURUN, TWISP, NFUMA, RPCONSHR.
Stand/Location or Vegetation Sample Area (up to 8-digit)
This code identifies the bird monitoring site established to count birds. Designate a specific
location or stand name, or polygon ID code, or any other topographically meaningful
alpha/numeric code. This code is predefined for bird monitoring; therefore, the code is
identical to the code used for monitoring birds at this sample area.
Code examples: BEARCRK1 AND BEARCRK2, CYCANRIV, MTBLANC.
Today’s Survey Date (6-digit)
Record the date the vegetation sampling begins as a numerical value of Month, Day, and Year.
For example July 12, 1996 as 07/12/96. If the sample area is surveyed for vegetation over a
period longer than one month, indicate in Notes.
11
Photo Number
Record the photography roll number and photo number of the primary aerial photo used for
the sample area. If more than one aerial photo is used, record the supplemental photo
numbers in the Notes. The photo number is in the upper right corner of the photo (e.g., 48829). Leave blank if photos are unavailable and make a note indicating so in the Notes. Note
that there should be a “primary” aerial photograph in the permanent bird monitoring files that
has the bird monitoring site delineated and individual stations pinpricked on the photo for
future reference.
Photo Date
Record the photography date (month/year) found in the upper left hand corner of the primary
photo.
State & County (2-digit, ea.)
Record the States of Oregon as OR and Washington as WA. Record the appropriate code that
identifies the County for each sample area shown (Table 2).
Table 2. County codes for Oregon and Washington.
Oregon
Code County
01
03
05
07
09
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
Baker
Benton
Clackamas
Clatsop
Columbia
Coos
Crook
Curry
Deschutes
Douglas
Gilliam
Grant
East
Dec.
20
20
21
22
22
20
20
20
21
20
20
20
East
Dec.
Code County
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
Harney
Hood River
Jackson
Jefferson
Josephine
Klamath
Lake
Lane
Lincoln
Linn
Malheur
Marion
12
20
21
20
21
20
20
21
20
21
20
19
21
Code County
49
51
53
55
57
59
61
63
65
67
69
71
Morrow
Multnomah
Polk
Sherman
Tillamook
Umatilla
Union
Wallowa
Wasco
Washington
Wheeler
Yamhill
East
Dec.
20
21
21
20
22
20
20
20
20
21
20
21
Washington
Code County
01
03
05
07
09
11
13
15
17
19
21
23
25
Adams
Asotin
Benton
Chelan
Clallam
Clark
Columbia
Cowlitz
Douglas
Ferry
Franklin
Garfield
Grant
East
Dec.
21
20
21
22
23
21
20
22
22
22
21
21
21
East
Dec.
Code County
27
29
31
33
35
37
39
41
43
45
47
49
51
Grays Harbor
Island
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Kittitas
Klickitat
Lewis
Lincoln
Mason
Okanogan
Pacific
Pend Oreille
22
23
23
22
22
21
21
22
23
22
22
22
22
Code County
53
55
57
59
61
63
65
67
69
71
73
75
77
Pierce
San Juan
Skagit
Skamania
Snohomish
Spokane
Stevens
Thurston
Wahkiakum
Walla Walla
Whatcom
Whitman
Yakima
East
Dec.
22
23
23
21
22
21
22
22
22
21
23
21
21
Agency/Private Area and District (optional for NON USFS users)
Record the agency and district location numeric codes shown in Table 3, if given (U.S. Forest
Service only). If numeric code is not given, write in agency or private management organization
and associated “districts.” In Table 3, the first digit of each forest code represents the region
number. The next 2 digits represent the forest number. East- and West-side conditions are
indicated by (E) or (W) after each forest name. District deviation from the forest condition is
also noted. These codes link this survey to the Current Vegetation Survey on federal lands.
Table 3. National forest and district codes.
Code
Forest >
District:
Forest >
District:
Deschutes (E)
Bend
Crescent
Fort Rock
Sisters
Gifford Pinchot (W)
Mount St. Helens NVM
Mt. Adams (E)
Packwood
Randle
Wind River
Code
601 Forest >
Fremont (E)
602
District:
Bly
Lakeview
Paisley
Silver Lake
01
02
03
04
603 Forest >
Malheur (E)
01
02
03
05
01
03
04
05
08
13
District:
Bear Valley
Burns
Long Creek
Prairie City
604
01
02
03
04
Forest >
District:
Forest >
District:
Mt.Baker-Snoqulmie (W)
Mt. Baker
Darrington
North Bend
Skyomish
White River
Ochoco (E)
Big Summit
Paulina
Prineville
Snow Mountain
Forest >
Olympic (W)
District:
Hoodsport
Quilcene
Quinault
Shelton
Soleduck
Forest >
Siskiyou (W)
District:
Forest >
District:
Forest >
District:
Chetco
Galice
Gold Beach
Illinois Valley
Powers
Umatilla (E)
Heppner
Pomeroy
N. Fork John Day
Walla Walla
Wallowa-Whitman (E)
Baker
Wallowa Valley
Hells Canyon NRA
Eagle Cap
La Grande
Pine
Unity
605 Forest >
01
02
05
06
07
District:
607 Forest >
01
02
03
04
District:
609 Forest >
01
02
03
04
05
Mt. Hood (W)
Barlow (E)
Bear Springs (E)
Clackamas
Columbia Gorge
Estacada
Hood River (E)
Zigzag
Okanogan (E)
Tonasket
Twisp
Winthrop
Rogue River (W)
606
01
02
03
04
05
06
09
608
03
04
05
610
District:
Applegate
Ashland
Butte Falls
Prospect
611 Forest >
Siuslaw (W)
612
01 District:
02
03
04
05
Code
Hebo
Mapleton
Alsea
Waldport
01
02
03
05
614 Forest >
Umpqua (W)
02
04
05
06
District:
616 Forest >
01
02
04
05
06
07
09
14
District:
01
02
03
06
Code
Cottage Grove
Tiller
Diamond Lake
North Umpqua
Wenatchee (E)
Chelan
Cle Elum
Entiat
Lake Wenatchee
Leavenworth
Naches
615
01
02
03
06
617
02
03
05
06
07
08
618 Forest >
Forest >
Willamette (W)
District:
Blue River
Sweet Home
Detroit
Rigdon
Lowell
McKenzie
Oakridge
01
03
04
05
06
07
08
Nez Perce (E)
117
Forest>
District:
Salmon River
(Slate Creek)
Winema (E)
620
District:
Chemult
Chiloquin
Klamath
01
02
03
Forest >
Colville (E)
621
District:
03
(01)
Forest>
District:
15
Colville
Kettle Falls
Newport
Republic
Sullivan Lake
Payette (E)
Council
Weiser
New Meadows
01
02
03
04
05
412
01
02
03
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
Record the UTM zone along with the Northing and Easting coordinates. UTM coordinates can
be obtained (and base station corrected) using Global Position System hardware and
associated software.
Township, Range, and Section
Record township, range, and section location information from topographic maps.
Elevation (2-digit)
Record AVERAGE elevation above sea level of the sample area. Elevation is recorded to the
nearest 100 feet. Record 6320 feet as 63, or 0460 feet as 05, etc.
Station unit information
The following information is recorded for each sample station unit. Note that the same
attributes are recorded at each station: aspect, slope, physiography, micro-position, ecoclass,
and azimuth. These are the conditions that generally describe a given station.
Aspect (3-digit)
Aspect is the direction the sample unit faces with respect to true north. When variation in
aspect occurs at the station, weight the area to reflect the amount of variation of each
condition. Record aspect from 001 to 360 degrees. When the slope measurement is zero (i.e.,
flat), aspect should represent the broad prevailing aspect for the area where the station is
located.
Slope (2-digit)
Slope is the amount of deviation from horizontal of the environment at the sample station.
When a distinct variation in slope occurs, weight the area to reflect the amount of variation of
each condition. Record slope in percent (%) using a clinometer. Slope is an average of the up
and down slope readings (check manufacturers specifications for scale if percent or degrees or
both are displayed).
Physiography (1-digit)
Physiography indicates the relationship of each sample unit to adjacent major land formations.
The vertical frame of reference is usually more than 1,000 feet. Record a physiography code
that typifies the physical geography of the sample unit (see Table 4 and Fig. 3).
16
Table 4. Description of physiography codes.
Code Physiography
Code Physiography
1
Flat or rounded ridge top or peak > 120 feet
wide
6
Canyon bottom less than 660 feet
wide.
2
Narrow ridge top or peak < 120 foot wide
7
Bench or terrace
3
Sidehill - Upper 1/3
8
Broad flat 660 or more feet wide.
4
Sidehill - Middle 1/3
9
Other - describe in field notes
5
Sidehill - Lower 1/3
Figure 3. Landform position of physiography codes
Micro-position (1-digit)
Micro-position is a description of the local topographic relief. Record the microposition code
(Table 5) that best represents the area immediately surrounding the station center (e.g., a 1
hectare circle). An undulating micro-position represents ground surfaces that typically dips
and rises in a local sense. A concave or convex surface indicates that the local topographic
17
relief is not dipping and rising; meaning that, the convex or concave relief is large. Flat
surfaces occur on bottomlands as well as montane slopes.
Table 5. Micro-position codes.
Code
1
2
3
4
Microposition
Convex
Flat
Concave
Undulating
Ecoclass (6-digit)
Ecoclass is a relatively discrete group of plants that maintain stable populations and occur
over broad areas when similar environmental conditions exist. Determine and record the
predominant ecoclass to the series level for each station from plant indicators immediately
surrounding the station unit center. Record only one ecoclass per station in the site
information section. Where more than one predominant ecoclass occurs, sketch relative
boundaries on the back of the form and label each. Indicate in the Notes that a sketch map is
provided on back of the form. Ecoclass (Plant Association) guides and keys are available for
every national forest in Washington and Oregon. These guides are often applicable to a broad
area beyond the boundaries of the given forest.
Forest Structural Class (if in forested habitat) (2-4 alpha)
Identify which of the broad forest structural class shown in Figure 4 that best represents the
station sample unit. Record the forest structure class code shown in Table 6.
18
Stem Exclusion, Open Canopy
Stand Initiation
Understory Reinitiation
Stem Exclusion, Closed Canopy
Young Forest, Multistory
Old Forest, Single Story
Old Forest, Multistory
Figure 4. Seven forest structural stages.
19
Table 6. Forest structure class codes.
Structure
Codes
SI
Description
Definition
SEOC
Stem Exclusion, Open
Canopy
SECC
Stem Exclusion, Closed
Canopy
UR
Understory Reinitiation
YFMS
Young Forest, Multistory
OFSS
Old Forest Single Story
OFMS
Old Forest Multistory
Stand Initiation
Forest growing space is reoccupied by young
trees following a stand-replacing disturbance.
Occurrence of new trees is excluded (moisturelimited situation); the forest canopy is broken
and trees are open-growing.
Occurrence of new trees is excluded (lightlimited situation); the forest canopy is closed
and the tree crowns are abrading.
A new age group of trees establishes under the
mortality-induced openings of the older
overstory.
Several age groups are established; large trees
are generally absent.
Understory trees are absent; large trees are
present and significant in the overstory.
Diverse horizontal and vertical distributions of
tree sizes occur, with large trees also present
and significant in the overstory.
Azimuth (3-digit)
Record the azimuth used to establish sample point 1. This is the azimuth from the center of
the bird count station to sample point 1.
Sample Area Narrative
In the Sample Area Narrative section, the disturbance history of the sample area is described
and space is provided for additional field notes.
Present Condition/Past Disturbance
Record a clear narrative description of the sample area and the sample stations. Include
relevant information about any past disturbances (natural or human) that have modified the
present composition and/or abundance of tree and ground vegetation occupying the sample
area. Note the absence of disturbance as well as any past disturbance. If not enough
recording space is provided, place an arrow directly above the Notes section and continue with
the narrative on the back of the form.
In Table 7 is a checklist of items to address that may help describe the past disturbances and
present conditions found in the sample area.
Table 7. Past disturbances and site conditions checklist.
Slash disposal method.
Stoniness of soil and abundance of rock.
20
Cultural features.
Specific disease or insect problems.
Evidence of Fire
Evidence of domestic or wild animal use.
Recent thinning.
Openings and nonstockable areas.
Wind throw.
Abundance and type of brush or distinctive ground cover.
Slope stability.
Conditions causing sample point not to be installed.
Evidence of grazing.
No sign of management activity.
Proximity to water.
Notes
In the Notes section, record any additional information that helps describe or clarify the site
description.
III. Station Sample Point Establishment and Point Reference Information
To establish sample point 1 (Basic sublevel) at a given bird count station, stand at the center of
the count station and take an azimuth that roughly approximates the direction to the next
station (Fig. 2 and Table 8). This azimuth is recorded on the Site Description Form in the
Station Unit Information section. Using this azimuth, walk a measuring tape out 112.9 feet
from the center of bird monitoring station. Place a stake in the ground at this point; this is the
center of three nested subplots. Sample point 2 (Advanced sublevel) is located from the center
of the monitoring station in a similar way. The azimuth for locating sample point 2 is 180
degrees in the opposite direction of sample point 1. At the 112.9 foot distance, place a stake in
the ground for sample point 2. At the last count station within a sample area (customarily
station number 5), the azimuth to determine the placement of the sample points is the
approximate direction of the previous station.
Table 8. Azimuth and distances for establishing subplots.
Point to Point
Count center to 1
Count center to 2
1 to 2
Azimuth
(Degrees)
direction next stn.
opposite of point 1
opposite of direction of
next station (1800 )
Distance
(Horizontal Feet)
112.9
112.9
225.8
Station Center Point and Sample Point Reference (CPR and SPR)
Once station center and the one or two sample points are established, they need to be
referenced so that can be relocated over time. Record reference information (CPR and SPR) on
the Reference Point Form (Appendix A). Record Species, DBH (Diameter at Breast Height),
Azimuth, and Distance for each reference point.
21
Name, Stand/Location, and Area ID
Record name, Stand/Location, and Area ID as described in the Sample Area Information
section above.
Center Point (CPR) and Sample Points (SPR) References
Record three objects referenced to the center of the bird monitoring station and to vegetation
sample point 1 (and 2). The reference object should be within 50 feet of a point, but not
limited to this distance. Trees should be larger than 5 inches dbh. The reference information
recorded includes Species, Diameter Breast Height (DBH), Azimuth (AZM) from the center point
to the object (e.g., center of tree), and Distance (DIST) from center to edge of tree or object. If
objects other than trees are used, record OTHER# in the species column and record dashedlines in the DBH column. Fill in a number sequence beginning with the number one where the
# symbol is given with OTHER. Give a legend for the number codes used with OTHER in the
Notes space provided. Examples are OTHER1= fence post, OTHER2= installed metal rod,
OTHER3= nw corner of 5-foot tall boulder, etc.
Distance: Measure the slope distance at ground level from the center of the bird plot or the
center of the vegetation sample point plots to the reference objects. When direct slope
measurements are blocked by down logs or other objects, measure a horizontal distance.
Write "HD" in notes section, indicating the reference point associated with the remark.
Measure reference point distances to the nearest tenth of a foot.
Use the guidelines listed below to select and reference each point:
Try to use references that form 120 degree angles with each other and which are centered
on the sample point stake. References shall meet the following order of priority:
1. Use live tally trees (tally trees are those trees too small to be recorded separately) 3.0
inches dbh and larger within 30 feet of the sample point stake or live trees greater than
5.0 inches dbh between 30 and 50 feet from the stake.
2. Use sound dead trees, stumps, or prominent features such as a fence post within 30
feet of the sample point stake or sound dead trees greater than 10 inches dbh between
30 and 50 feet from the stake.
3. Use live trees, dead trees, or stumps between 30 and 50 feet if sample point references
are unavailable within 30 feet of the stake. If the above mentioned objects are not
available, use additional cedar stakes established 5 to 10 feet from the sample point.
Explain the circumstance clearly in the notes section on the form.
IV. Subplot and Transect Establishment
Sample Unit Design
The Level 2 sample unit is comprised of a center point to the bird count station point, which is
center of the one hectare sample unit; 1 (Basic) or 2 (Advanced) sample point locations (for
plots 1 or 2); 2 down woody debris transect lines; 1 (Basic) or 2 (Advanced) cover type
22
transect(s) and 5 (Basic) or 10 (Advanced) canopy cover measurement points. At each sample
point, 3 nested subplots of varying sizes are established (Fig. 5). Here, much of the live and
dead vegetative information is collected. Down woody material and cover type are tallied on
the line transects. Three standing dead tree transects are established between bird count
stations.
LEVEL 2
Next station
Subplots 1
Sample
*
Basic
Point 1
Center of Bird
Count Station
*
Advanced
Sample
*
Point 2
Subplots 2
Large
Extensive
1 hectare (185.1 ft
Medium
Subplots
Small
0.076 ha. (51.1'
0.017 ha. (24.0'
0.004 ha. (11.8'
Figure 5. Level 2 establishment of sublpots 1 (Basic) and 2 (Advanced).
The nested subplots at each sample point consist of 3 concentric, fixed-radius plots (Fig. 5): a
"small" subplot with 11.8-foot, "medium" with 24.0-foot, and "large" with 51.1-foot radii. In
additional to the nested subplots, a one hectare (2.47 acres) "extensive" subplot with a 185.1foot radius is established from the center of the bird point count station. One line transect is
established one (Basic) or both (Advanced) sample points to identify cover type and estimate
amount of different cover types (Fig. 6). Similarly, five canopy cover points are established one
or both of the sample point subplots (Fig. 7). Two transects are established at the station
center point to measure down woody material (Fig. 8).
23
LEVEL 2
Next station
Subplots 1
(Basic)
*
100 ft
Center of Bird
Count Station
Cover Type
Transects
*
100 ft
Subplots 2
(Advanced)
*
Large
Extensive
1 hectare (185.1 ft
Medium
Small
0.076 ha. (51.1'
0.017 ha. (24.0'
0.004 ha. (11.8'
Subplots
Figure 6. Level 2 establishment of Basic and Advanced cover type transects.
24
LEVEL 2
Next station
.. .
..
Subplots 1
2
(Basic)
Sample
1
Canopy
cover point
3
Point 1
5
4
Center of Bird
Count Station
*
.. .
..
90 degrees
2
Sample
Subplots 2
(Advanced)
1
3
Point 2
5
4
Large
Extensive
1 hectare (185.1 ft radius)
Medium
Small
0.076 ha. (51.1' radius)
0.017 ha. (24.0' radius)
0.004 ha. (11.8' radius)
Subplots
Figure 7. Level 2 location of canopy cover points in subplots for Basic and Advanced designs.
25
LEVEL 2
Next station
t (5
4f
16
*
Sample Point 1
0m
16
t(
4f
50
m)
)
90 0
*
Center of Bird
Count Station
*
Sample Point 2
1 hectare (185.1 ft radius)
Figure 8. Level 2 establishment of down woody material transects.
Subplot Establishment
Sample unit establishment begins at the center of a bird monitoring station and extends out
112.9 feet to sample point 1 (and 2). Complete installation for the small, medium, and large
subplots at sample point 1 before proceeding to the Advanced subplots at sample point 2 (Figs.
2 and 5). A subplot is a circular fixed area or a sample plane associated with each sample
point. Each sample point contains subplots of 0.004, 0.017, and 0.076 hectare sizes with
horizontal radii for each circular fixed area subplot 11.8, 24.0, and 51.1 feet, respectively. A 1
hectare, 185.1 foot-radius, extensive plot is associated with the center of the bird monitoring
station. Install subplots at each sample point using horizontal distance measurements.
Install the 1 hectare plot after all subplots for all sample points have been installed. Complete
all subplot installations at each sample point before starting the next sample point.
Sampling criteria are divided into Eastside and Westside designations because of broad
differences in vegetative growth and climate that exists on either side of the Cascade Crest.
Designations for Eastside and Westside should follow whether the sample area lies east or west
of the Cascade Crest (see Table 3). In Table 9 are the tally attributes and sampling criteria for
the small, medium, large, and extensive subplots according to the Eastside or Westside
geographic designations. The code recording requirements for each subplot are summarized in
Appendix C and discussed in detail beginning in subsection V. Vegetation Data Plot and
Transect Information.
26
Table 9. Plot and subplot tally attributes and criteria.
Extensive plot:
1 hectare (185.1 foot radius) Fixed Radius Plot
Live & dead trees
32.0 inches dbh and larger (Eastside).
Live & dead trees
48.0 inches dbh and larger (Westside).
Large subplot:
.076 hectare (51.1 foot radius fixed radius plot)
Live & dead trees
13.0 to 31.9 inches dbh (Eastside).
Live & dead trees
13.0 to 47.9 inches dbh (Westside).
Stumps
13.0 inches stump diameter (sd) and larger (group tally).
Medium subplot:
.017 hectare (24.0 foot radius fixed radius plot)
Live & dead trees
Stumps*
Hardwood clumps
Indicators species
Dominant (non indicator) species cover
Other species cover
Small subplot:
.004 hectare (11.8 foot radius fixed
Live trees
Dead trees & Hardwood stems
Live seedlings
3.0 to 12.9 inches dbh.
5.0 to 12.9 inches sd (group tally).
3.0 to 12.9 inches dbh.
(determined for local management area)
radius plot)
1.0 to 2.9 inches dbh.
1.0 to 2.9 inches dbh. (group tally by species).
6 inches tall to 0.9 inches dbh (group tally by species).
Ground Cover Type Transects
A 100-foot Ground Cover transect line (slope distance) is established within each subplot (Fig.
6). The transect line is established for 50 feet on opposite sides of the center of each subplot
using the same azimuth that subplots 1 (Basic) and 2 (Advanced) are established. Total
distances of different ground cover categories that intersect the transect line in 10 foot
segments are estimated to the nearest tenth foot. The first transect segment begins at the end
closest to the center of the bird count station (details below).
Canopy Cover Points
At each established sample point, five separate canopy cover points are established (Fig. 7).
The first reading point is located at the sample unit center (point number 1). Point number 2
is located on the periphery of the 0.017 ha subplot (24’ from the sample unit center)
established at the same azimuth used to establish the subplot. Points 3, 4, and 5 are located
at the periphery at 90 degrees from point number 2, respectively.
Down Woody Material Transects
27
Establish two Down Woody Material line transects beginning at the center of the bird count
station for 164 feet (50 m) (Fig. 8). The first line follows the exact same azimuth used to locate
subplot number 1. The second transect line is taken 90 degrees to this one. There are no
Down Woody Material line transects associated with subplots 2 (station no. 2). Tally only those
pieces where the transect line crosses their central longitudinal axis and fifty percent or more
of the piece is above the duff layer (details below). Tally each piece which intersects the
transect that has 8 inches basal diameter and larger. Record each piece as an individual line
item. Uprooted tree boles and woody stems or branches which intersect the transect are
included.
Standing Dead Tree Transects
Four sets of three Standing Dead Tree (belt) transect lines are established between the five bird
count stations (Fig. 9). Each set is established at 164 feet (50 m) from the count station, at the
edge of the bird count circle, in the azimuth of the next station (Fig. 10). There are no sets of
transect lines before station 1 and after station 5. Each transect line is 150 feet, extending
close to the minimum distance 164 feet (50 m) between count circles of two stations. The
transects are 60 feet wide, with the observer counting and measuring standing dead trees
within 30 feet on either side of the transect azimuth. Twenty feet separate the extent of each of
the belt transects between stations.
LEVEL 2 & 3
Bird point count
1
2
sample area
3
Bird
monitoring
station
4
5
Figure 9. Level 2 location of standing dead tree supplemental belt transects.
28
LEVEL 2 & 3
Bird count
Station 1
*
150 ft
164 ft (50m)
60 ft
Bird Count
Station 2
20 ft
Figure 10. Level 2 establishment of standing dead tree supplemental belt transects between
stations.
V. Vegetation Data Plot and Transect Information
Preliminary Instructions
Most of the vegetation data are recorded on the Vegetation Data Plot and Transect Form (see
Appendix A). Make an entry in each field of a line item where a tally is required. Evaluate the
field and record the appropriate code. Zero (0) fill the field if no code is appropriate. Dash-out
(-) all unused data boxes on the data form within completed line entries. Right justify all
numeric and alpha/numeric fields.
For the nested subplots, each are divided into 4 pie-shaped quadrants as they are established.
That is, flagged markers are placed at 11.8, 24.0, and 51.1 feet from the sample point center
along the line of the azimuth used to locate sample point 1, and in 3 other directions, 90
degrees from each other. Tree tally for each subplot begins in the first quadrant, that is, the
quadrant clockwise from the sample point azimuth and continues around the sample point
29
center in a clockwise rotation. Record each vegetation code as a separate line entry on the
data form. Tally requirements vary by the size of each plot being established (details below).
All distance measurements will be horizontal unless otherwise noted. See Appendix D
for slope corrections.
Recording Information
Listed below are all the variables on the Vegetation Data Plot and Transect Form.
Name, Area ID, and Stand/Location
Record name, Area ID, and Stand/Location codes as described in the Sample Area Information
section above.
Station Number (1-digit)
Record bird monitoring station number. Always begin a new set of vegetation data forms for
each station.
Vegetation Sample Subplot Number (1-digit)
Record the sample point number to distinguish it and associated information from other
sample point records. Record the sample point number (1 or 2) for each line entry, then using
a downward arrow after the subplot number on the first line of each page fill in the rest with a
line arrow.
Subplot Code (1 to 3-alpha)
Record the appropriate subplot code for each line entry. Subplot code relates to a specific set
of information that is designated for tallying at that subplot (see Table 10). Codes to
distinguish between different measurements made east and west of the Cascade Range are
required.
30
Table 10. Subplot codes and tally descriptors.
Subplot
Code
Name
EE
Extensive
(east)
EW
Extensive
(west)
LE
Large
(east)
LW
Large
(west)
M
Medium
Subplot
size
1 ha
Subplot
Radius Tally
185.1’ Live & Dead trees, 32.0” dbh and greater (eastside)
1 ha
185.1’
0.076 ha
51.1’
0.076 ha
51.1’
0.017 ha
24.0’
S
Small
0.004 ha
11.8’
GC
Ground
cover
Down
woody
material
Canopy
cover
Standing
dead
tree
transect
100.0’
length
328.0’
length
DWM
CC
SDT
transect
point
belt
transect
5 points/
subplot
450.0’
(length)
60.0’
(width)
Live & Dead trees, 48.0” dbh and greater (westside)
Live & Dead trees, 13.0” to 31.9” dbh (eastside)
Stumps 13.0” sd and greater (group tally)
Live & Dead trees 13.0” to 47.9” dbh (westside)
Stumps 13.0” sd and greater (group tally)
Live & dead trees 3.0” to 12.9” dbh
Hardwood clump 3.0” to 12.9” dbh
Indicator, dominant, and other vegetative species
Stumps 5.0” to 12.9” sd (group tally)
Live trees 1.0” to 2.9” dbh
Dead trees & Hardwoods 1.0” to 2.9” dbh (group
tally by species)
Live seedling 6” tall to 0.9” dbh (group tally by
species)
Total distance estimates of ground covers
intersecting lines in 10 foot segments.
Down woody material 8.0” diameter and greater
Number of gridded intersections on instrument
covered by canopy
Standing dead trees >13.0” dbh
Transect in 3-150 segments
Vegetation Descriptor Code (2 to 3-digit)
Record vegetation descriptor code for all line items to identify the type of resource information
being collected (Table 11).
31
Table 11. Vegetation descriptor codes.
Code4
10
111
15
20
22
221
25
40
401
402
60
701
90
901-905
Description
Live Tree
Intensive Site Tree (measure height, canopy ratio, and width)
Live Tree group tally
Standing Dead Tree
Stump - cut
Stump - natural
Standing Dead Tree group tally
Indicator Species
Dominant (non indicator) Species at Ground Layer
Other Vegetation at Ground Layer (optional)
Hardwood Clump
Down Woody Material
Ground Cover distances
Canopy Cover
Listed below are the recording criteria for the individual vegetation codes.
Code 10
Live Tree
Record species and diameter with this code.
Conifer: Record all individuals 1.0 inch dbh and larger not selected as an
Intensive Sample Tree (vegetation descriptor code 111).
Hardwood: Record all individuals 3.0 inches dbh and larger not selected as an
Intensive Sample Tree (vegetation descriptor code 111).
Code 111
Intensive Sample Tree (IST)
An IST is a tree selected in specified diameter groups to measure height, canopy
ratio, and canopy width. Tree selection process begins for each subplot in the
first quadrant, or quarter of the plot circle. The first quadrant is located in a
clockwise direction from the sample point azimuth. Tree selection (from plot
center outward) proceeds to each quadrant around the sample point center in a
clockwise rotation. Record the IST code 111 and related data for the first live
standing trees of each species per diameter group per subplot (e.g., subplot 1).
Diameter groups are shown in Table 12. The tree species that qualify as IST
candidates are identified under Species later in this manual. Use the checklist
provided on the data form to tally which DBH groups have been completed by
candidate species.
Table 12. Diameter at breast height groups (inches) for selecting Intensive Sample Trees.
DBH Group (inches)
1.0 to 2.9
3.0 to 7.9
8.0 to 12.9
13.0 to 17.9
18.0 to 22.9
DBH Group (inches)
23.0 to 27.9
28.0 to 31.9
32.0 to 47.9
Largest ≥ 48.0
4 Vegetation descriptor codes with 3 digits are changes or additions to vegetation descriptor codes used by
the Current Vegetation Survey.
32
Code 15
Live Tree Group Tally
Group tally, by species, the number of individual seedling and hardwoods
indicated below.
Seedlings: Live conifer and hardwoods from 6 inches tall to 0.9 inches dbh.
Note that the diameter code for this group tally is 000.1.
Hardwoods: Live hardwoods 1.0 to 2.9 inches dbh not selected as vegetation
descriptor code 10 (hardwoods 3 inches dbh and larger). Note that the
diameter code for this group tally is 002.0.
Code 20
Standing Dead Tree
Record all dead conifers and hardwoods 3.0 inches dbh and larger in the plot
and subplots and >13 inches dbh for the Standing Dead Tree (belt) Transect
(subplot code SDT). Record all trees as individuals by species.
Code 22
Stump - cut
A cut stump is the remains of a tree that was harvested (cut surface) that is
<4.5 feet tall and >5 inches sd (top-of-stump diameter). Group tally by species
for all stumps by subplot code (the subplot code indicates which stump size is
associated with a specific group tally). The rule of thumb for evaluation of
stumps is that a stump should have approximately 50% of its bark intact at
ground line, otherwise do not record.
Code 221
Stump - natural
A natural stump is the remains of a tree that was NOT harvested that is <4.5
feet tall and >5 inches sd. Group tally by species for all stumps by subplot code
(the subplot code indicates which stump size is associated with a specific group
tally). The rule of thumb for evaluation of stumps is that a stump should have
approximately 50% of its bark intact at ground line, otherwise do not record.
Code 25
Standing Dead Tree Group Tally
Record, by species, dead trees 1.0 to 2.9 inches dbh as group tally.
Code 40
Indicator Species
Record all species (shrubs, herbs, lichens, and mosses) identified (classified) as
indicator species for the local area that are alive during the sampling growing
season (June to mid-July). Record each species once per sample point (subplot
code M). Shrubs (see appendix for definition ) of any height are included.
Average height and percent cover are recorded for each species. If indicator
species list is unavailable use code 401 (below) for all species that have cover of
5 percent or more.
Code 401
Dominant (non indicator) Ground Vegetation
Record all non indicator species (shrubs, herbs, lichens, and mosses) that have
cover of 5 percent or more and are alive during the sampling growing season
(June to mid-July). Record each species once per sample point (subplot code
M). Shrubs (see appendix for definition ) of any height are included. Average
height and percent cover are recorded for each species.
Code 402
Other Ground Vegetation (optional)
Record all non indicator species (shrubs, herbs, lichens, and mosses) that have
cover less than 5 percent and are alive during the sampling growing season
(June to mid-July). Record each species once per sample point (subplot code
33
M). Shrubs (see appendix for definition ) of any height are included. Average
height and percent cover are recorded for each species.
Code 60
Hardwood Tree Clump
Record all live stems in a hardwood tree clump (2 or more live stems arising
from a common root collar that are ≥4.5 feet tall and < 3.0 inches dbh. Do not
tally dead clumps or dead stems within clumps. Note that code 10 (hardwoods
3 inches dbh and larger) can be intermixed with stems less than 3.0 inches dbh
within a hardwood clump; the larger stems should not be group tallied nor
included in the other clump measures.
Code 701
Down Woody Material
Record the species, condition class, length, and large-end diameter of down
woody material that intersect the plane of the Down Woody Material transect
with a basal diameter 8.0 inches and larger. Basal diameter is 2 feet above
ground-root collar zone if roots are attached.
Code 90
Ground Cover
Total distance estimates of ground cover by species that intersect transect lines
divided into 10 foot segments.
Code 901
Canopy Cover Point 1 of 5
The number of 25 possible instrument-gridded intersections that are covered by
the tree canopy, multiplied by 4.
Code 902
Canopy Cover Point 2 of 5
Code 903
Canopy Cover Point 3 of 5
Code 904
Canopy Cover Point 4 of 5
Code 905
Canopy Cover Point 5 of 5
Species (6-digit)
A complete list of species codes is beyond the scope of this manual. Standardized code for all
plant species in North America can be found by accessing the national standards file called
PLANTS via INTERNET by inputting the command:
http://trident.ftc.nrcs.usda.gov/plants
The data entry program FLIGHT ATTENDANT version 4 that is a companion to this manual has
a lookup table with codes of >6,000 plant from the Pacific Northwest. The program can be
downloaded from the internet site:
www.spiritone.com/~LM/flight4.htm
Only use standardized codes. Do not make up codes.
Trees: Record tree species using the appropriate code (above); a list of the IST species is shown
in Table 13.
34
Table 13. Codes for Intensive Sample Trees (IST).
Code
Pines
Code
Douglas-fir - Redwood
PIJE
PICO
PIPO
PIMO
PILA
PIAT
PIFL
PIAL
Jeffrey pine
Lodgepole pine
Ponderosa pine
Western white pine
Sugar pine
Knobcone pine
Limber pine
Whitebark pine
PSME
SEGI
SESE2
Douglas-fir
Giant Sequoia
Coast redwood
Cedar - Larch
CHNO
CADE3
CHLA
THPL
LAOC
LALY
True firs
ABGR
ABPR
ABAM
ABMAS
ABLA2
ABCO
ABMA
Grand fir
Noble fir
Pacific silver fir
Shasta red fir
Subalpine fir
White fir
California red fir
CUBA
JUOC
TABR
Other
Cypress
Western juniper
Pacific yew
Alaska-cedar
Incense-cedar
Port-Orford-cedar
Western redcedar
Western larch
Subalpine larch
Spruce - Hemlock
PIBR
PIEN
PISI
TSHE
TSME
Brewer Spruce
Engelmann spruce
Sitka spruce
Western hemlock
Mountain hemlock
When Species for a Dead Standing Tree, Down Woody Material, Stump, Shrub, or Object is not
identifiable use the following codes:
Table 14. Codes for unknowns.
Code
Description
TREEC
TREED
TREE
SHRUB
Unknown Conifer
Unknown Hardwood
Unknown tree species
Unknown shrub
Hardwood trees: The hardwood species in Table 15 can be Intensive Sample Trees, depending
on the importance of the species locally. If 2 or more individuals of a given species occurs on
either subplot that are 3 inches dbh or larger, then record as an IST and collected related tree
data. Classification of a plant as either a hardwood tree or a shrub or will depend on local
conditions within a given physiographic province or subareas within a province. Consult with
botanists and ecologist in your area for local classification of a species as a tree or shrub. The
tradeoffs are shrubs are measured by cover estimates, so smaller plant sizes are included,
whereas trees are tallied by diameter classes which is more information rich on bigger than
smaller plants. One a species is declared a shrub or tree, it is necessary is to be consistent
among stations and sites within a given physiographic province or subarea on recording a
species as a shrub or a tree.
35
Table 15. Codes for harwood Intensive Sample Trees (IST).
Code
Hardwoods
Code
Hardwoods
ALRU
ARME
BEPAC
CACH
FROR
LIDE3
PREM
QUKE
QUCH
QUGA
Red alder
Pacific madrone
Western paper birch
Golden chinkapin
Oregon ash
Tanoak
Cherry
California black oak
Canyon live oak
Oregon white oak
ALRH
POTR2
ACMA
SALIX
POTR
UMCA
CONU
MAD13
CRATA
White alder
Black cottonwood
Bigleaf maple
Willow
Quaking aspen
Oregon myrtle
Dogwood
Apple
Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Shrub Species: The species in Table 16 may occasionally attain tree size, but will not be tallied
as trees on the fixed radius plots (see above, Hardwood Trees, for information on distinguishing
shrubs and hardwood trees):
Table 16. Codes for shrub species.
Code
Common Name
Scientific Name
ACCI
ACGL
ACGLD
ALIN
ALSI
ALTE
AMELA
ARCTO
BEOC
CEANO
CEMO
CORYL
GARRY
HODI
OSCE
PHILA
PHYSO
PRVI
RHODO
RHPU
SAMBU
SORBU
TOXIC
VIBUR
Vine maple
Rocky mountain maple
Douglas maple
Mountain Alder
Sitka alder
Thinleaf alder
Serviceberry
Manzanita
water birch
Ceanothus
Mountain mahogany
Hazel
Silktassel tree
Ocean spray
Indian plum
Mockorange
Ninebark
Chokecherry and Klamath plum
Rhododendron
Cascara buckthorn
Elderberry
Mountain ash
Poison oak
Arrowood or moosewood
Acer circinatum
Acer glabrum
Acer glabrum douglasii
Alnus Incana
Alnus sinuata
Alnus tenuifolia
Amelanchier spp.
Arctostaphylos spp.
Betula occidentalis
Ceanothus spp
Cercocarpus spp.
Corylus spp.
Garrya spp.
Holdodiscus discolor
Osmaronia cerasiformis
Philadelphus spp.
Physocarpus spp.
Prunus spp.
Rhododendron spp.
Rhamnus purshiana
Sambucus spp.
Sorbus spp.
Toxicodendron spp.
Viburnum spp.
36
Diameter (4-digit)
Take diameter measurements for live and dead trees and down woody material (plots and
transects). Record all diameters to the last whole tenth of an inch. Diameter irregularities are
discussed in Appendix E.
Tree diameter (dbh): Establish the dbh point on the up hill side of the tree. Measure along
the tree bole from the ground line or prominent root collar 4.5 feet. All measurements of dbh
on live and dead vegetation will be done with a diameter tape.
No adjustment of dbh is necessary for the presence of an individual root or down material at
the base of the tree. Kick slight litter accumulations aside before measuring. Record dbh as
follows:
Group tally: Seedlings - 6 inches tall to .9 inches dbh record as 000.1 and for hardwood
trees 1 to 2.9 inches record as 002.0.
Trees 1 - 2.9 inches dbh: For those trees tallied as individuals measure to the last whole 0.1
inch.
Trees 3 inches dbh and larger: Measure dbh and record to the last whole 0.1 inch.
All measurements of dbh will be actual diameters. Do not reconstruct diameter to account
for missing bark or rotten wood. Record the actual diameter present with no adjustment for
minor irregularities.
Measuring dbh at positions other than 4.5 feet along the bole are discussed in diameter
irregularities, Appendix F.
Stump diameter: See Vegetation Descriptor Code 22 or 221 (above) for definition of stump.
Measure inside bark diameter to the last whole tenth of an inch for all cut and natural stumps.
Measure diameter at the top of the stump. Mark the geometric center of the top of the stump.
Take the average of two measurements across the top of the stump (inside bark) at right angles
to each other to determine stump diameter. Take the first measurement across the shortest
axis for the stump and the second at a right angle to it. Both measurements should cross the
geometric center of the stump.
Down woody material large-end diameter: Record large-end diameter by species for all 8.0
inches and larger down woody material (vegetation descriptor code 701) encountered along the
line transects. Record to the nearest inch; put a dash line in the tenths column (e.g., 21.-).
For down trees with roots, record large-end diameter at 2 feet above the approximated ground
root collar.
Record actual diameter for wood slabs and other non circular pieces. Do not reconstruct
diameter to account for voids.
Crown Ratio (2-digit)
Crown ratio or percent live crown is the ratio between that portion of the bole supporting live
green foliage and the total height of the tree, expressed as a percentage. Crown ratio is used in
combination with other variables to determine the vertical-structure characteristics
(complexity) of forest and shrubland habitats.
37
Record crown ratio for all IST trees to the nearest percent (1 to 99%) of total height. Record a
fifty percent crown ratio as 50.
The ratio is determined by where the branches meet the tree bole.
Crown Ratio = portion of bole supporting live green foliage
total tree height
Visually redistribute uneven crowns to attain a full even crown distribution. Do this by
visually transferring branches from the long side to the short side to create an even crown
length. Recognize that some species (Ponderosa Pine) develop sparse crowns. Use judgment
and do not abnormally pack crowns when adjusting for voids.
Crown Width (2-digit)
Crown width is used in combination with other variables to determine the vertical-structure
characteristics (complexity) of forest and shrubland habitats. Record crown width for all live
Hardwood Clumps and Intensive Sample Trees. Measure width of live crown to the nearest 1
foot increment:
Hardwood clumps (code 60): Determine live crown width by averaging two measurements
taken through the center of the clump. Take one measurement through the widest part of the
crown and the other perpendicular to the first (Fig. 11).
IST (code 111): Determine the live crown width by taking one measurement perpendicular to
an imaginary straight line sighted from the tree center to the center of the sample subplot (Fig.
11).
8 ft
6 ft
9 ft
view from the top of a hardwood clump
Figure 11. Examples of crown width measurements for trees and hardwood clumps.
38
Group tally (3-digit)
Seedlings: Group live seedlings by species in the .004 hectare subplot. Record each species
group as a single line entry denoting the number of seedlings represented up to 100 (stop tally
if 100 is reached).
Hardwoods 1.0 to 2.9 inches dbh: Group tally individual stems by species not recorded as
individual live trees in the .004 hectare subplot, up to 100 (stop tally if 100 is reached).
Hardwood Clumps: Record the number of live stems less than 3.0 inches dbh within each
hardwood clump, up to 100 (stop tally if 100 is reached).
Standing Dead Trees 1.0 to 2.9 inches dbh: Group tally by species in the .004 hectare
subplot, up to 100 (stop tally if 100 is reached).
Stumps by vegetation descriptor code (subplot code indicates stump size).
Ground Cover Segment Number (1-digit)
Ground cover is recorded in 10-foot segments. Each segment has a code. Record the ground
cover segment code appropriate for the segment being measured: 0 to 10 ft = 0; 10 to 20 = 1;
20 to 30 = 2; ..., 90 to 100 = 9.
Ground Cover Type (1-alpha)
Record the appropriate code (Table 17) for each ground cover type intersected by the sample
plane for each segment. (Note, the total distance to the nearest tenth foot for each ground
cover type for each segment is recorded in height/length field.)
Table 17. Codes and descriptions for ground cover types.
Code
E
C
D
R
B
H
L
Description
Code
Exposed Soil (exclusive of roads)
Cryptogam (moss/lichen)
Down Woody Material
Rock, Rock Fragments
Debris (e.g., slash pile, stump,
twigs, decayed log fragments,
stumps, roots—see glossary)
Herb/Forb
Live Stem (Tree)
39
Description
P
S
G
W
A
Perennial Grass Stems & parts
Shrubs
Annual Grass Stems & parts
Water
Abandoned roads (see code E)
O
Organic material (e.g., litter,
incorporated material—see glossary)
Height Above Ground/Length (3-digit)
Height: Record total height above ground, to the nearest whole foot, for IST live trees, dead
trees, live hardwood clumps, and Indicator Species. While measuring heights, use a
clinometer percent scale, the expansion factor table in Appendix D for horizontal distance
adjustments, and the basic formula for calculating heights diagrammed in Appendix E. The
total height is recorded only. Distance and top and bottom % clinometer readings can be
recorded in the Field Notes if height calculations are preferred to be made elsewhere at a later
date soon after sampling.
1. Individual Trees: Measure from ground level, on the uphill side of its base, to the terminal
leader. Measure height upslope from the tree using a clinometer. Measure height for trees
that lean greater than 15% at a point perpendicular to the lean. Choose a position that gives
optimum visibility of the tip and base of the item being measured. Collect total height for:
1. First live tree per species, per IST diameter class, per sample point (vegetation descriptor
code 111).
2. All standing dead trees (or portions) 3 inches dbh and larger which have broken or
missing tops (more than 10 percent missing) located in the sample unit plots and
transects.
In the Field Notes space provided, record slope distance in feet from the position where the
height was measured to the base of the tree (e.g., 94 feet) and azimuth in degrees (e.g., top of
tree minus base of tree readings on clinometer = 126°); see Appendix E for more details.
2. Hardwood clumps: Determine the average height for each hardwood clump.
3. Indicator species: Record the average height for indicator species (nontrees) for each
species ≥ one foot tall. Record ‘000’ if the average is less than one foot.
Length:
1. Down Woody Material: Measure the total length of down woody material that intersects the
plane of the Down Woody Material transect and has a large-end basal diameter 8.0 inches and
larger. Basal diameter is 2 feet above ground-root collar zone if roots are attached; length is
measured from this point or large end break point to the small-end diameter where it narrows
to no smaller than 3 in.
Define the limits of each piece before measurement. Measure the length of each piece in
question, from the 3 inches small end diameter, to points of abrupt physical change or
discontinuity (breakage, advanced decomposition or branching). Abrupt discontinuity marks
the end of the length in a woody piece where no further measurements are made. If a broken
piece had splintered, measure the length and/or diameter at a point where the splintering
begins back near the wood cylinder. Appendix E has further discussion of DWM.
2. Ground Cover: The total distance is recorded for each ground cover type within each 10foot segment to the nearest tenth foot (using a decimal point, e.g., 3.2 feet). Use the field notes
to keep running tallies for each ground cover type in each segment.
Condition & Bird Use (2-digit)
40
Record for all standing dead trees 3.0 inches dbh and larger and Down Woody Material 8.0
inches basal diameter and larger. The application varies by Vegetation Descriptor Code
(whether Standing Dead Tree [20] or Down Woody Material [701]). The first digit of each code
(left-most) describes the physical characteristics of the tree while the second digit indicates the
presence or absence of bird use (see below).
Condition:
1. Standing Dead Trees:
Record only the standing portions of dead trees 3.0 inches dbh and larger. The upright portion
must be at least 4.5 feet tall or taller to be considered standing dead.
Provide descriptions of general physical conditions. Use the following descriptions and
diagrams as an aid for determining the appropriate condition code of the dead tree or tree
portion.
Use codes 1_ through 5 to describe dead trees (and standing portions thereof) which are taller
than 4.5 feet and have the general characteristics shown in Table 18 and Figure 12.
Table 18. Standing dead tree decay condition codes and descriptions.
Bark
Heartwood
Decay
Code 1_
Tight Intact None to
Recent (1-5 yr)
Minor
Code 2_
50% loose none to
Loose Bark
or Missing Advanced
Code 3_
75%+
Incipient to
Clean
Missing
Advanced
Code 4_
75%+
Incipient to
Soft
Missing
Advanced
Code 5
75%+
Advanced
Decomposed
Missing
to Crumbly
Sapwood
Decay
None to
Incipient
None to
Incipient
None to
25%
25%+
50%+
Advanced
41
Limbs
Mostly
present
Small Limbs
Missing
Few
remaining
Few
remaining
Absent
Top
Breakage
May be
Present
May be
present
Usually
1/3 top
Usually
1/3 to 1/2
Usually
1/2+
Bole Form
Intact
Intact
Mostly
Intact
Starting to
lose form
Form
mostly lost
1
Recent
2
Loose
Bark
3
No
Bark
4
5
Soft
Decomposed
Figure 12. Approximate decay conditions of trees in 5 code classes.
2. Down Woody Material
Recorded for all down woody pieces that are 3.0 inches or larger along the Down Woody
Material transect. The first digit of each code (left-most) describes physical characteristics of
the piece while the second digit indicates the presence or absence of bird use (see below).
Assign Condition codes based on the characteristics of the piece observed at the point of plane
intersection. Record the codes shown in Table 19 as the first digit based on the general
characteristics.
Table 19 . Down woody material decay condition codes and descriptions.
Code
1
2
3
4
5
Bark
Twigs
Texture
intact
intact
trace
Absent
absent
present
absent
absent
Absent
absent
intact
round
Color of wood
original
original
Bole portion on
ground
none,
elevated on
supports
parts touch, bole on
still elevated ground
soft, blocky
pieces
round to
oval
light brown
to faded
brown
partially
below
ground
soft, powdery
Shape
intact to soft hard, large
pieces
round
round
original to
faded
oval
faded to light
yellow or
gray
mostly below
ground
Bird Use codes: provide an indication of bird-use based on the presence or absence of
excavations 1.0 inch diameter or larger. This includes only excavations made by birds
(roosting, resting, feeding, etc.). The excavations do not have to be current, only present. Use
42
the codes shown in Table 20 as the second digit to record the presence or absence of wildlife
use.
Table 20 Bird use codes.
Code
_0
_1
Use
No excavations present 1.0 inches in diameter or larger or can not identify
an excavation as bird use.
One or more excavations 1.0 inches in diameter or larger present.
Percent Cover (3-digit)
Indicator, Dominant, and Other species: Record the nearest whole percent (%) cover
estimations for species identified as indicators, dominant cover species, or other cover
(optional) species found in the .02 hectare subplot. Use local plant indicator species lists. For
“other cover” species with less than 1% cover use zero (00) to indicate a trace amount. If no
indicator or dominant species are present, use NONE in the Species field/column.
Canopy Cover: At each station sample unit, five canopy cover readings are taken (Fig. 7) using
a ocular tube (for example, a moosehorn: contact Moosehorn Coverscopes, 1907 Canyon Ave,
Medford, OR 97504; the use of a trade or firm name in this publication is for reader
information and does not imply endorsement by the United States Government). At each of the
five canopy cover sampling points, level the ocular tube and count the number of intersections
covered by vegetation (“hits”) out of the 25 possible (Fig. 13). Canopy cover is defined as all
vegetation above 15 feet in height. Branches as well as foliage are included in the cover
readings. Weather conditions must be suitable to see the upper canopy; foggy and rainy
conditions should be avoided. Take the raw count (number of hits), multiply it by 4, and
record in the percent cover data field. Each canopy cover recording point has a separate
vegetation descriptor code 901 to 905, for recording points 1 to 5, respectively. Each reading is
therefore recorded on a separate line of data, each line with the appropriate vegetation
descriptor code, subplot number, and subplot code.
43
CANOPY COVER ESTIMATION USING AN
OCULAR TUBE
Vegetation
Ocular tube
Grid with 25 possible
intersections
Figure 13. View through an ocular tube for estimating canopy cover. Note that that 12 of 25
possible intersections are covered which equals 48 percent canopy cover.
Field Notes
Field Notes are space provided for additional information used to highlight specific items and
clarify measurement irregularities. Record problems related to implementing the procedures in
field notes.
Examples include:
Distance: For trees receiving heights record slope distance from the position the height is
being taken to the base of the tree.
Azimuth: For trees receiving heights record the azimuth in degrees from the position the
height is being taken to the base of the tree.
Riparian Areas: Record in the Field Notes "upland" for a tree or shrub or indicator plant within
the appropriate plot that is located outside the known area of riparian vegetation.
44
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Site Description Form (Levels 1, 2, 3)
Reference Point Form (Levels 2&3)
Vegetation Data Plot and Transect Form (Levels 2&3)
Appendix B
Glossary
Appendix C
Vegetation code by subplot
Appendix D
Transverse slope adjustment table
Appendix E
Diameter irregularities at 4.5 feet
Stump diameter
Diameter at down wood planar intercepts
Height for live and standing dead trees
Defining down woody material
45
Appendix A
Site Description Form (Levels 1, 2, 3)
Reference Point Form (Levels 2&3)
Vegetation Data Plot and Transect Form (Levels 2&3)
46
Appendix B
Glossary
47
Appendix C
Vegetation code by subplot
48
Appendix D
Transverse slope adjustment table
49
Appendix E
Diameter irregularities at 4.5 feet
Stump diameter
Diameter at down wood planar intercepts
Height for live and standing dead trees
Defining down woody material
50