The Colorado Rockies
Global Change Research Program:
Database Information
This booklet contains database information and disks. The Colorado Rockies Global
Change Program has constructed databases for the following studies at sites located in
Rocky Mountain National Park: forest tree plot, soil compaction, seedling, UTM, soil
moisture, sunlight and microclimate.
For help with databases contact:
Rich Bachand
Colorado Rockies Global Change Project
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-1211
richb@lamar.colostate.edu
Introduction
The Colorado Rockies Global Change Research Program was initiated in 1992 as
part of a broader US Global Change research effort to understand the effect of climate
change on biological populations and ecological processes. For nearly four years,
scientists from the National Biological Service investigated the biotic and abiotic controls
on forest ecotones (part of COLR-1) in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. This
document contains digital copies of all data I was responsible for collecting since the fall
of 1992, with documentation of how and where the data was collected and the storage
format.
In short, all data are "raw" data and are updated as of August 1, 1996. They have
been reviewed for consistancy and accuracy by my seasonal research staff and I. All
summer (1996) field data will be updated within existing data structures and update
(final) copies of this document will be distributed at the end of the summer. Each of
these data sets are "GIS" ready since each are spatially explicit and cross-referenced by
study site, plot and subplot, with the possibility of cross-referencing to date and time. We
have also provided detailed directions to study sites and instrument specifications for all
probes, weather stations, etc..
I have done this to assure the long-term availability and documentation of all
datasets. It is our intention that these datasets could serve as baseline data against which
to monitor future change. I hope this document may someday aid in that process.
Richard R. Bachand
Midcontinent Ecological Science Center
National Biological Service (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Estes Park, Colorado
August 22, 1996
2
Table of Contents
DISK INFORMATION
FOREST TREE DATABASE .................................................1
CLIMATE DATABASE .....................................................4
AIR TEMPERATURE (HOBO) DATABASE .....................................6
SEEDLING DATABASE ....................................................8
ROCK DATA DATASET ....................................................11
UTM DATABASE .........................................................15
PAR AND TDR DATABASE ..................................................17
DIRECTIONS TO TRANSECTS ..............................................20
Aspenbrook
Aspenglen
Bear Lake
Cow Creek
Deer Ridge
Eagle Cliff
Emerald Mountain
High Drive
Hitchen's Gulch
Lawn Lake
Long's Peak
Medicine Bow
Meeker Drainage
South Lateral
Thundar Mountain
Upper Beaver
Wild Basin
3
Disk Information
Enclosed on the inner flap of this folder are two 1.44 computer diskettes
containing all datasets found in this document. In some cases the compression software
"pkzip" has been used to compress large files. Below are instructions on how to
decompress those files.
Disk 1 contains:
Global1.zip (after decompression will yield 4 datasets)
Forest.dbf and .db* - dbase IV database
Climate.dbf and .dbk - dbase IV database
Partdr.dbf and .dbk - dbase IV database
GCrock.dat - Ascii data set
Global2.zip (after decompression will yield the datasets)
Utmpts.dbf and .dbk - dbase IV database
Pkzip.exe - this file was used to compress the datasets
Pkunzip.exe - use this file to decompress the file "Global.zip" from Disk 1 and Hobo.zip
and Globseed.zip from Disk 2. When done all original datasets will be in their original
format. After installing pkunzip.exe and copying the other files on your computer, at the
system prompt type the italicized text one line at a time:
pkunzip global1.zip (for above files)
pkunzip global2.zip (for above files)
pkunzip hobo.zip
(see below)
pkunzip globseed.zip (see below)
Be sure that the pkunzip and .zip files are in the same directory on your computer. For
more information on pkzip and pkunzip software (utility shareware version 2.04 2/1/93):
Pkware Inc.
9025 N. Deerwood Dr.
Brown Deer, WI 53223
Disk 2 contains:
Hobo.zip - after decompression will yield Hobo.dbf and .dbk (dbase IV files)
Globseed.zip - after decompression will yield Globseed.dbf and .dbk (dbase IV files)
4
FOREST TREE DATABASE INFORMATION
This database (dBase IV) includes an inventory of the trees in all the transects in
order to monitor long-term growth. We conducted an intensive study measuring each tree
at DBH, crown height, distance from plot center, and estimating plot height.
Structure for database: FOREST.DBF
Field Field Name
1 Site
2 Plot
3 Plot_Ht
4 Date
5 Tr_Num
6 Tr_Sub
7 Species
8 Dbh
9 Basal
10 Status
11 Crn_Ht
12 Canopy
13 Core
14 Distance
15 Azimuth
16 Comments
Type
Width
Character
2
Numeric
2
Numeric
2
Date
8
Numeric
3
Character
2
Character
3
Numeric
4.1
Numeric
9.2
Numeric
1
Character
3
Character
1
Numeric
1
Numeric
5.2
Character
3
Memo
10
Description of fields:
1) SITE = A two letter alphic code for the name of the transect. The transects are named
after a geographic location near the transect or the trailhead that leads to the transect.
Each transect is comprised of continuous plots.
Each transect has a "main transect line" which is determined in the field and indicated by
permanent stainless steel stakes along the edge of the first, middle, and last plots of the
transect. The standard protocol for labeling these stakes entails using identification tools
to imprint the following information on the head of the stakes: 1) GCRP NPS (which
stands for Global Change Research Project, National Park Service); 2) Transect name
abbreviation followed by the plot number (i.e. Aspen Brook plot 1 = AB 1); 3) Transect
line azimuth using magnetic bearings (i.e. AZ = 90). The azimuth bearing is labeled with
an azimuth in the direction of plot 1 to plot "n" for the metal stake at plot 1 and in the
direction of plot "n" to plot 1 for the last stake in plot "n". There is not an azimuth
bearing labeled on the middle metal stake. Note: all plot corners are marked by a stake
with orange flagging tied to it and by orange flagging tied to any nearby object (usually a
tree or shrub) above the stake. See attached diagram.
2) PLOT = 20 x 20 meter area divided into four subplots. The plots are numbered
sequentially, usually starting at the bottom of the elevation gradient. However, Bear
Lake (BL), Cow Creek (CC), Medicine Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) do not start at
the bottom of the elevation gradient. The Bear Lake (BL) transect wraps around the slope
(and the ecotone changes according to aspect, instead of according to elevation),
beginning on the southeast side and moves to the west side. Cow Creek (CC), Medicine
Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) begin at the top of the elevation gradient.
3) PLOT_HT = Plot height, an estimate of the average height of all trees in a given plot.
5) TR_NUM = Tree number. Trees are numbered sequentially. The first tree is chosen
by establishing an azimuth of 0 degrees North from plot center into the plot. The first
tree that falls to the east of that bearing is the first tree measured (tree number 1). In a
case where a tree branches (or splits) below DBH, then they were counted as separate
trees and noted in the "comments" section that they shared the same lower bole stem.
6) TR_SUB = Tree subplot. Each 20 meter square plot is divided into four 10 X 10
meter square subplots: A, AA, B, BB. Subplot center locations are marked by a stake
with yellow flagging tied to it and by yellow flagging tied to a nearby object (usually a
tree or a shrub) above the stake. The two subplots adjacent to the main transect line as
one walks from plot 1 to "n" are labeled subplot "(plot #) A" and "(plot #) B"
respectively. As one walks from any specific plots' subplot center A perpendicular to the
main transect line towards the distant parallel transect line, this specific plots' subplot
center AA should be 10 meters from subplot center A. Similarly, subplot center BB is
"away" from the main transect line and 10 meters from subplot center B. See attached
diagram.
7) SPECIES = Species code of the measured tree
019--Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa)
066--Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
093--Engelmann Spruce (Picea Engelmanii)
096--Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
108--Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)
113--Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis)
122--Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
202--Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
321--Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)
746--Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
999--Dead tree, species unknown
8) DBH = Diameter At Breast Height taken at 4.5 feet above the ground using a DBH
tape scaled to give diameter in centimeters (Protape Loggers Tape made by Spencer
Products Co., USA). DBH is always measured from the upslope side of the tree.
9) BASAL = Calculated basal area of the tree using the formula:
BA=(diam/2)^2*3.14 ......and is in cm2
10) STATUS = The tree is living (1), or dead (0).
2
11) CRN_HT = Crown Height refers to an estimate of the distance between the ground
and the base of where the base of the crown begins. When estimating crown height, a
crown height above 400 cm is recorded on the data sheet as >400 and entered into the
database as 401. In the case where a tree was dead, a "-5" was entered into the database
to imply "no data". A zero implies that tree branches make contact with the ground
surface as many Subalpine Fir do. Any analysis of these data should replace the "-5" with
the appropriate place holder (such as the period in SAS) that indicates no data.
12) CANOPY = This variable describes a tree's structural position in the forest:
dominant = 1, co-dominant = 2, intermediate = 3, or open grown = 4.
13) CORE = indicates whether or not a tree core was taken from this tree (1 = yes, core
taken;
0 = no core taken).
14) DISTANCE = The distance in meters from plot center to the tree being measured.
Distance is always taken from plot center to the tree's DBH. The following transects:
Bear Lake (BL), Wild Basin (WB), Aspen Glen (AG), Cow Creek (CC), Medicine Bow
(MB) and Beaver Meadows (BM), were measured from the plot corner (the "transect"
side). These transects were measured in the beginning stages of the project. In the
summer of 1994 the method of measuring the trees was improved, and trees were
measured from plot center, which was more accurate and easier to complete.
15) AZIMUTH = The magnetic azimuth bearing from plot center to the dbh of the tree
being measured. The Bear Lake (BL), Wild Basin (WB), Aspen Glen (AG), Cow Creek
(CC), Medicine Bow (MB) and Beaver Meadows (BM) were measured from the plot
corner (the "transect" side) as in #14.
16) COMMENTS = Comments can be made in the memo field about the health of tree,
if it is split above or below DBH, or about any other distinguishing marks.
3
CLIMATE DATABASE INFORMATION
Meteorological Data (dBase IV)
Three micro-meteorological stations, each housing a LICOR LI-1000 datalogger,
were set out at regular intervals at each transect to detect variation in micro-climate along
vegetation gradients. Data for air temperature, soil temperature at a 15 cm depth, and
solar radiation (LI-200SA Pyranometer Sensor: 400nm - 1100nm) 1m above the forest
floor, was collected at 15 minute intervals over 4-day periods.
Structure for database: CLIMATE.DBF
Field
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Field Name
Date
Time
Site
Sun_1
Sun_2
Sun_3
AT_1
AT_2
AT_3
ST_1
ST_2
ST_3
Plots
Type
Character
Character
Character
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Character
Width
7
5
2
8.2
8.2
8.2
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
13
Description of field names:
1) DATE = The date the LICOR datalogger began collecting data. The following dates
are available at these sites:
1992
BL 11/01/92 - 11/05/92
CC 11/19/92 - 11/23/92
1993
AG 08/18/93 - 08/26/93
LP 08/28/93 - 09/03/93
MB 09/13/93 - 09/17/93
WB 09/05/93 - 09/10/93
1994
AG 08/24/94 - 08/27/94
MD 08/18/94 - 08/20/94
4
BL 08/28/94 - 08/30/94, 09/02/94
UB 07/17/94 - 07/20/94
DR 07/21/94 - 07/23/94
UB 08/10/94 - 08/13/94
HG 07/28/94 - 07/30/94
LL 08/04/94 - 08/06/94
OZ 07/24/94 - 07/27/94 (site not used in any analysis)
2) TIME = The time at which the LICOR datalogger collected data.
3) SITE = A two letter alphic code for the name of the transect. The transects are
named after a geographic location near the transect or trailhead that leads to the transect.
Each transect is comprised of continuous plots.
4) SUN_1 = Solar radiation was measured in the first plot (first community type), in the
transition area, and in the last plot (second community type). Solar radiation (W/m2) was
measured by a LI-200SA Pyranometer Sensor: 400nm - 1100nm, 1m above the forest
floor. This data was collected at 15-minute intervals over a 4-day period. This field
represents the data for the first community type. See Field 13: PLOTS for more detailed
information about in which plot this was measured.
5) SUN_2 = (as above) Transition area sunlight data.
6) SUN_3 = (as above) Second community type sunlight data.
7) AT_1 = Air temperature (degrees C) was also measured in the first plot (first
community type), in the transition area, and in the last plot (second community type).
This field represents the first community type. See Field 13: PLOTS for more detailed
information about in which plot this was measured.
8) AT_2 = (as above) Transition area air temperature.
9) AT_3 = (as above) Second community type air temperature.
10) ST_1 = Soil temperature (degrees C) was measured at a depth of 15 cm. Soil
temperature was also measured in the first plot (first community type), in the transition
area, and in the last plot (second community type). This field represents the first
community type. See Field 13: PLOTS for more detailed information about in which
plot this was measured.
11) ST_2 = (as above) Transition area soil temperature.
12) ST_3 = (as above) Second community type soil temperature.
13) PLOTS = This field describes which plot each of the LICOR weather stations were
placed in and from where the above data was collected. Because each of the transects are
different lengths, the numbers of plots and where they were placed was different (ie...the
transition and second community type plots differ).
5
AIR TEMPERATURE (HOBO) DATABASE (dBase IV)
The Global Change Project measured air temperature in degrees Celsius at the
transects with HoboXT Temperature Loggers made by Onset Instruments Corp. The
"Hobos" were put out at each transect type (e.g., Ponderosa-Douglas Fir, LodgepoleLimber, etc...) for a three day interval each month (June-August). Each transect type had
3 Hobos placed at it: one in Plot 1, another in the transition or ecotone plot, and the last in
the last plot. This database contains raw data that has not been manipulated in any way.
Due to the way the Hobos were launched from a laptop computer in the field, the data
collection's start time at each location varies. The temperature recording interval differed
according to how long we could leave the Hobos at the sites. Usually the temperature
recording interval was 3.12 minutes. This air temperature data can be used by averaging
the air temperature at certain intervals.
The Global Change team worked with Dr. Nolan Doesken, Asst. State
Climatologist, at the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins,
CO., to verify our methodology of measuring temperature. (See attached article from
"Colorado Climate"). He found that these temperature loggers are accurate and consistent
to 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit with each other. The Hobos were hung from tree branches 56.5 feet off the ground. We also installed radiation shields around the air temperature
probes to insure greater accuracy.
Structure for database: HOBO.DBF
Field Field Name
Type
Width
1 Site
Character 2
2 Plot
Numeric
3
3 Hobo
Character 10
4 Date
Character 9
5 Time
Character 9
6 TempC
Numeric
7.2
Description of field names:
1) SITE = A two letter alphic code for the name of the transect. The transects are
named after a geographic location near the transect or the trailhead that leads to the
transect. Each transect is comprised of continuous plots.
Each transect has a "main transect line" which is determined in the field and marked with
permanent stainless steel stakes along the edge of the first, middle, and last plots of the
transect. The standard protocol for labeling these stakes entails using identification tools
to imprint the following information on the head of the stakes: 1) GCRP NPS (which
stands for Global Change Research Project, National Park Service); 2) Transect name
abbreviation followed by the plot number (i.e. Aspen Brook plot 1 = AB 1); 3) Transect
line azimuth using magnetic bearings (i.e. AZ = 90). The azimuth bearing is labeled with
an azimuth in the direction of plot 1 to plot "n" for the metal stake at plot 1 and in the
direction of plot "n" to plot 1 for the last stake in plot "n". There is not an azimuth
6
bearing labeled on the middle metal stake. Note: all plot corners are marked by a stake
with orange flagging tied to it and by orange flagging tied to any nearby object above the
stake.
2) PLOT = 20 x 20 meter area divided into four subplots. The plots are numbered
sequentially, usually starting at the bottom of the elevation gradient. However, Bear
Lake (BL), Cow Creek (CC), Medicine Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) do not start at
the bottom of the elevation gradient. The Bear Lake (BL) transect wraps around the slope
(and the ecotone changes according to aspect, instead of according to elevation),
beginning on the southeast side and moves to the west side. Cow Creek (CC), Medicine
Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) begin at the top of the elevation gradient.
3) HOBO = name of the Hobo. The Hobos were named in order to keep the data
organized, and to be able to identify which instrument the data came from. The names of
the Hobos: Huck, Tom, Rich, Therese, Jeff, Tim, April, Marsha, and Sylvia.
4) DATE = day of the data collection.
5) TIME = time of the data collection: hours, minutes, seconds.
6) TEMPC = temperature in degrees Celsius, at that specific time on that day. This
temperature reading is only good for one decimal place.
7
SEEDLING DATABASE INFORMATION
The seedling database (dBase IV) contains data about all the seedlings growing in
the transects. We collected seedling data to monitor long-term seedling growth patterns.
Structure for database: GLOBSEED.DBF
Field Field Name
1 Site
2 Plot
3 Supplot
4 Date
5 Species
6 Density
7 Height
8 Diameter
9 Basal
10 Status
11 Comments
Type
Width
Character 2
Numeric
3
Character 2
Character 11
Numeric
3
Numeric
5
Numeric
4
Numeric
6.1
Numeric
9.2
Numeric
2
Character 45
Description of field names:
1) SITE = A two letter alphic code fro the name of the transect. The transects are
named after a geographic location near the transect or the trailhead that leads to the
transect. Each transect is comprised of continuous plots.
Each transect has a "main transect line" which is determined in the field and indicated by
permanent stainless steel stakes along the edge of the first, middle, and last plots of the
transect. The standard protocol for labeling these stakes entails using identification tools
to imprint the following information on the head of the stakes: 1) GCRP NPS (which
stands for Global Change Research Project, National Park Service) 2) Transect name
abbreviation followed by the plot number (i.e. Aspen Brook plot 1 = AB 1), 3) Transect
line azimuth using magnetic bearings (i.e. AZ = 90). The azimuth bearing is labeled with
an azimuth in the direction of plot 1 to plot "n" for the metal stake at plot 1 and in the
direction of plot "n" to plot 1 for the last stake in plot "n". There is not an azimuth
bearing labeled on the middle metal stake. Note: all plot corners are marked by a stake
with orange flagging tied to it and by orange flagging tied to any nearby object (usually a
tree or a shrub) above the stake.
2) PLOT = 20 x 20 meter area divided into subplots. The plots are numbered
sequentially, usually starting at the bottom of the elevation gradient. However, Bear
Lake (BL), Cow Creek (CC), Medicine Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) do not start at
the bottom of the elevation gradient. The Bear Lake (BL) transect wraps around the slope
(and the ecotone changes according to aspect, instead of according to elevation),
beginning on the southeast side and moves to the west side. Cow Creek (CC), Medicine
Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) begin at the top of the elevation gradient.
8
3) SUBPLOT = Subplot. Each 20 meter square plot is divided into four 10 by 10 meter
square subplots: A, AA, B, BB. Subplot center locations are debarked by a stake with
yellow flagging tied to it and by yellow flagging tied to a nearby object above the stake.
The two subplots adjacent to the main transect line as one walks from plot 1 to "n" are
labeled subplot "(plot #) A" and "(plot #) B" respectively. As one walks from any
specific plots' subplot center A perpendicular to the main transect line towards the distant
parallel transect line, this specific plots' subplot center AA should be 10 meters from
subplot center A. Similarly, subplot center BB is "away" from the main transect line and
10 meters from subplot center B.
4) DATE = Date of measurement.
5) SPECIES = Species code of the measured seedling
019--Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa)
066--Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
093--Engelmann Spruce (Picea Engelmanii)
096--Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
108--Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)
113--Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis)
122--Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
202--Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
321--Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)
746--Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
999--Dead seedling, species unknown
6) DENSITY = The number of stems the database record represents. Typically the
density = 1. In the case where there are no seedlings on the subplot, the density = 0. In
the case of low-growing trees, like a krummholtz or a Rocky Mountain Maple, which
have more than one stem, the density > 1, and the dbh is an average value of those stems.
7) HEIGHT = Seedling height (cm) was taken to the top of the lead apical node and
measured with a meter stick. Sprawling seedlings were not lifted up by technicians when
measuring height. An example of this would be layered subalpine fir.
8) DIAMETER = Diameter of the seedling, taken just above the root collar using
Vernier Type 6914 calipers. This measurement is in cm as well.
9) BASAL = Calculated basal area of the seedling using the formula:
BA=(diam/2)^2*3.14 ......and is in cm2
10) STATUS = The seedling is living (1), or dead (0) .
11) COMMENTS = Comments can be made in the memo field about health of the
seedling or any other notable characteristics.
NOTES:
9
Due to a high volume of seedlings at Bear Lake (BL) and Hitchen's Gulch (HG), smaller
sample units (rather than entire subplot) were used. In all cases, the smaller sample units
were centered over a subplot center:
At Bear Lake (BL) a 5m by 5m (25m square) was used at the following subplots:
5A, 5AA, 9A, 9AA, 10A, 10AA, 10B, 10BB, 11A, 11AA, 11B, 11BB. Since one subplot
= 10m by 10m = 100m2, the data for Bear Lake needs to be multiplied by 4 to get
accurate seedling information.
At Hitchen's Gulch (HG) seedling measurements were taken within a 4 meter
radius circle at subplots 6AA and 6B. Since one HG subplot = 10m by 10m = 100m,
these values need to be multiplied by 1.99 for comparable information.
All seedlings were completely enumerated at all other transects.
10
ROCK DATA DATASET
Rock coverage and depth measurements were taken using a stainless steel rod
marked with ten centimeter intervals. At each location, the steel rod was depressed by
hand into the soil until a rock was reached. If there was a rock at the surface, the
measurement is "0". The maximum depth recorded for rock measurements was 40
centimeters. If the rod was depressed greater than this distance, a >40 was recorded in the
field notebook and a "41" is recorded in the computer database located in the file
gcrock.dat. in ASCII format.
The rock dataset contains the following fields:
1) TRANSECT = A two letter alphic code which is the name of the transect. The
transects are named after a geographic location near the transect or trailhead that leads to
the transect. Each transect is comprised of continuous plots.
Each transect has a "main transect line" which is determined in the field and
indicated by permanent stainless steel stakes along the edge of the first, middle, and last
plots of the transect. The standard protocol for labeling these stakes entails using
identification tools to imprint the following information on the head of the stakes: 1)
GCRP NPS (which stands for Global Change Research Project, National Park Service) 2)
Transect name abbreviation followed by the plot number (i.e. Aspen Brook plot 1 = AB
1), 3) Transect line azimuth using magnetic bearings (i.e. AZ = 90). The azimuth bearing
is labeled with an azimuth in the direction of plot 1 to plot "n" for the metal stake at plot
1 and in the direction of plot "n" to plot 1 for the last stake in plot "n". There is not an
azimuth bearing labeled on the middle metal stake. Note: all plot corners are marked by a
stake with orange flagging tied to it and by orange flagging tied to any nearby object
above the stake.
2) PLOT = 20 x 20 meter area divided into subplots. The plots are numbered
sequentially, usually starting at the bottom of the elevation gradient. However, Bear
Lake (BL), Cow Creek (CC), Medicine Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) do not start at
the bottom of the elevation gradient. The Bear Lake (BL) transect wraps around the slope
(and the ecotone changes according to aspect, instead of according to elevation),
beginning on the southeast side and moves to the west side. Cow Creek (CC), Medicine
Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) begin at the top of the elevation gradient.
3) SUBPLOT = subplot. Each 20 meter square plot is divided into four 10 by 10 meter
square subplots: A, AA, B, BB. Subplot center locations are debarked by a stake with
yellow flagging tied to it and by yellow flagging tied to a nearby object above the stake.
The two subplots adjacent to the main transect line as one walks from plot 1 to "n" are
labeled subplot "(plot #) A" and "(plot #) B" respectively. As one walks from any
specific plots' subplot center A perpendicular to the main transect line towards the distant
parallel transect line, this specific plots' subplot center AA should be 10 meters from
subplot center A. Similarly, subplot center BB is "away" from the main transect line and
10 meters from subplot center B.
11
4) DATE = Date of measurement.
5) N1 = Point measurement 1m away from subplot center in the direction of the transect.
Data value is depth in cm. EXAMPLE: Transect direction = 270...then N=270, NE =
315 degrees, E=0 (or 360) etc.
6) N2 = Point measurement 2m away from subplot center in the direction of the transect.
Data value is depth in cm.
7) N3 = Point measurement 3m away from subplot center in the direction of the transect.
Data value is depth in cm.
8) N4 = Point measurement 4m away from subplot center in the direction of the transect.
Data value is depth in cm.
9) NE1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center 45 degrees northeast of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
10) NE2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center 45 degrees northeast of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
11) NE3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center 45 degrees northeast of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
12) NE4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center 45 degrees northeast of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
13) E1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center 90 degrees East of the
main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
14) E2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center 90 degrees East of the
main Southeast of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
15) E3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center 90 degrees East of the
main Southeast of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
16) E4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center 90 degrees East of the
main Southeast of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
17) SE1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center at 135 degrees Southeast
of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
18) SE2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center at 135 degrees Southeast
of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
19) SE3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center at 135 degrees Southeast
of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
12
20) SE4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center at 135 degrees Southeast
of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
21) S1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center at 180 degrees South of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
22) S2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center at 180 degrees South of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
23) S3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center at 180 degrees South of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
24) S4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center at 180 degrees South of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
25) SW1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center at 225 degrees
Southwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
26) SW2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center at 225 degrees
Southwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
27) SW3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center at 225 degrees
Southwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
28) SW4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center at 225 degrees
Southwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
29) W1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center at 280 degrees West of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
30) W2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center at 280 degrees West of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
31) W3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center at 280 degrees West of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
32) W4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center at 280 degrees West of
the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
33) NW1 = Point measurement 1m away from the subplot center at 325 degrees
Northwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
34) NW2 = Point measurement 2m away from the subplot center at 325 degrees
Northwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
35) NW3 = Point measurement 3m away from the subplot center at 325 degrees
13
Northwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
36) NW4 = Point measurement 4m away from the subplot center at 325 degrees
Northwest of the main transect line. Data value is depth in cm.
37) HERB = Herbaceous cover. If herbaceous species were present around each point
(area of 10 cm radius around the place of the point measurement), it was counted as 1. If
there wasn't any herbaceous covering, it counted as 0.
38) SHRUB/TREE = Shrub or tree covering. If shrub or tree species were present
around each point (area of 10 cm radius around the place of the point measurement), it
was counted as 1. If there wasn't any shrub or tree covering, it counted as 0.
39) FALLEN = Fallen tree. If a fallen tree was present at the point of measurement, it
was counted as 1. If there wasn't a tree fallen there, it counted as 0.
14
THE UTM DATABASE (dBase IV)
The Global Change Program was involved in collecting UTM locations for
various projects occurring in Rocky Mountain National Park from 1993 - present. We
used a Trimble Pathfinder Professional to receive satellite signals and used "Pfinder"
differential correction software to increase accuracy of the data points. (Note: we feel
that while UTM positions are pretty good (within 10m or so), associated elevations are
not as accurate).
Structure for database: UTMPTS.DBF
Field Field Name
1 Obs_Num
2 Site
3 UTM1
4 UTM2
5 Elev
6 Location
7 Project
8 Comment
Type
Width
Numeric
3
Character 2
Numeric
11.1
Numeric
11.1
Numeric
6.1
Character 30
Character 7
Character 10
Description of field names:
1) OBS_NUM = Record number
2) SITE = Transect initials. If the record pertains to the Global Change Project, a "GC"
is in this field. If this field is blank, the record pertains to a different project.
3) UTM1 = easting (Universal Transverse Mercator)
4) UTM2 = northing (Universal Transverse Mercator)
5) ELEV = elevation of site in meters
6) LOCATION = geographic location detail
7) PROJECT
global = Global Change Project (mostly transect boundary locations)
soil = Global Change soil projects
moth = Dr. Paul Opler's lepidoptera study site locations
snow = snow course locations (SCS)
elk = ROMO's Elk Project exclosure/grazing sites
Ingolf = Ingolf Kuehn's (student working under Tom Stohlgren) study site locations in the
summer of 1995. He compared the use of Modified Whittaker Transects on the
tundra to Dr. Beatrice Willard's tundra study site methodology.
15
soilpit = Soil Mapping Project's soilpit locations, summer 1995.
archeo = archeological sites
landgap = Tom Stohlgren's Landscape-Scale Gap Analysis study sites, summer of 1995.
weather = Bureau of Reclamation weather station locations in and around ROMO
8) COMMENT = Provides more description about the UTM location or project if
necessary.
16
PAR and TDR DATABASE (dBase IV)
One database combined the PAR (sunlight wavelengths 400-700nm) and TDR
(percent soil moisture) data since the readings were taken in the same spatial location.
PAR is "photosynthetically active radiation" as measured by a Sunfleck Ceptometer and
TDR is Time Domain Reflectometry by Soil Moisture Equipment. At present missing
data in the dataset is represented as either a period "." or as a "-5". This occurred since
this database was created from a SAS dataset where missing values or "no data" is
represented as a period. However is some cases a zero was returned in which case we
replaced that "no data" with a -5 since it would not accept a period.
Structure for database: PARTDR.DBF
Field
Site
Plot
Subplot
Location
Pdate_1
Par_1
Pdate_2
Par_2
Tdate_1
Tdr_1
Tdate_2
Tdr_2
Tdate_3
Tdr_3
Type
Character
Numeric
Character
Numeric
Character
Numeric
Character
Numeric
Character
Numeric
Character
Numeric
Character
Numeric
Width
2
3
2
2
9
5
9
5
9
5
9
5
9
5
Description of Field Names:
1) TRANSECT = A two letter alphic code for the name of the transect. The
transects are named after a geographic location near the transect or the trailhead that leads
to the transect. Each transect is comprised of continuous plots.
Each transect has a "main transect line" which is determined in the field and
indicated by permanent stainless steel stakes along the edge of the first, middle, and last
plots of the transect. The standard protocol for labeling these stakes entails using
identification tools to imprint the following information on the head of the stakes: 1)
GCRP NPS (which stands for Global Change Research Project, National Park Service);
2) Transect name abbreviation followed by the plot number (i.e. Aspen Brook plot 1 =
AB 1); 3) Transect line azimuth using magnetic bearings (i.e. AZ = 90). The azimuth
bearing is labeled with an azimuth in the direction of plot 1 to plot "n" for the metal stake
at plot 1 and in the direction of plot "n" to plot 1 for the last stake in plot "n". There is
not an azimuth bearing labeled on the middle metal stake. Note: all plot corners are
marked by a stake with orange flagging tied to it and by orange flagging tied to any
17
nearby object above the stake.
2) PLOT = 20 x 20 meter area divided into four subplots. The plots are numbered
sequentially, usually starting at the bottom of the elevation gradient. However, Bear
Lake (BL), Cow Creek (CC), Medicine Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) do not start at
the bottom of the elevation gradient. The Bear Lake (BL) transect wraps around the slope
(and the ecotone changes according to aspect, instead of according to elevation),
beginning on the southeast side and moves to the west side. Cow Creek (CC), Medicine
Bow (MB), and Eagle Cliff (EC) begin at the top of the elevation gradient.
3) SUBPLOT = Subplot. Each 20 meter square plot is divided into four 10 by 10 meter
square subplots: A, AA, B, BB. Subplot center locations are debarked by a stake with
yellow flagging tied to it and by yellow flagging tied to a nearby object above the stake.
The two subplots adjacent to the main transect line as one walks from plot 1 to "n" are
labeled subplot "(plot #) A" and "(plot #) B" respectively. As one walks from any
specific plots' subplot center A perpendicular to the main transect line towards the distant
parallel transect line, this specific plots' subplot center AA should be 10 meters from
subplot center A. Similarly, subplot center BB is "away" from the main transect line and
10 meters from subplot center B.
4) LOCATION = is a position relative to a subplot center where PAR and TDR readings
were taken. Reading at location 1 is at subplot center and the other locations can be
thought of directions of the compass if the direction of the transect (from 1 to n) were
considered "north". . Thus location 2 is directly 1m in the direction of the transect
("north"), location 3 1m in distance and 90 degrees to the right of that or "east", location 4
would be 1m "south" of subplot center, and location 5 would be 1m "west" of subplot
center. For the PAR data each distance is 2 meters from subplot center (same
arrangement).
2
5 -1 - 3
4
- 1 is subplot center
- each point is 1m from subplot center
- direction of transect is the same line
that would be made is points 4,1 and
2 were connected in that order.
5) PDATE_1 = a first date in character format where PAR was measured for a given site.
6) PAR_1 = PAR value in nm for PDATE_1
7) PDATE_2 = a second date in character format where PAR was measured for a given
site.
8) PAR_2 = PAR value in nm for PDATE_2
9) TDATE_1 = a first date in character format where percent soil moisture was
measured.
18
10) TDR_1 = percent soil moisture for TDATE_1
11) TDATE_2 = a second date in character format where percent soil moisture was
measured.
12) TDR_2 = percent soil moisture for TDATE_2
13) TDATE_3 = a third date in character format where percent soil moisture was
measured.
14) TDR_3 = percent soil moisture for TDATE_3
19
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRANSECTS
Our directions for each transect consist of:
-1. 7.5 minute quadrangle topographical map showing approximate transect location
within the park,
-2. hand-drawn maps with more precise details
-3.written descriptions/directions with helpful information including number of plots,
vegetation type, elevation, azimuth and UTM points
We used the measurement "paces" (2 steps=1 pace). When taking azimuths we never
accounted for declination. These directions were written by two biotechnicians, Joanne
Skidmore and Marisa Howe (1996), who are both 5'7'' in height and whose one pace is
approximately 1.3 meters. The permanent line of the transect is indicated on the handdrawn maps and the labeling on the gold stakes marking the permanent line is also
indicated.
20
ASPEN BROOK (AB)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Douglas Fir
# of plots: 6
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2727 - 2764m
Transect Azimuth: 270 from plot 6 (magnetic north)
UTMs: Easting
453724.0
453730.0
453734.0
453824.0
453838.0
453834.0
Northing
4461068.0
4461089.0
4461075.0
4461062.0
4461071.0
4461052.0
Elevation
2749
2751
2756
2794
2794
2789
Location
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1, southwest corner
Plot 1 center
Plot 6 center
Plot 6 northeast corner
Plot 6, southeast corner
Trailhead: Lily Lake
Hiking time to transect: 15 minutes
Directions: Take Mary's Lake Road to Route 7. Turn south (right) at Route 7 and follow Route 7
until you reach Lily Lake, which will be on the right side of the road. Go south through the gated, unpaved
road in the Lily Lake parking lot (you'll need a park key to get throught this gate). Follow this road past big
rock piles until the road ends and a brown weather station is near. To the right (west), and through the trees
are power lines. Walk the trail under the power lines until the trail intersects with the park boundary.
Follow the boundary away from highway 7 (west) for 88 paces until you reach the top of the hill and are
parallel with the private house that sits just across the boundary line to the south. To the north of the house
and the 88th pace is a small rock outcrop. Take a bearing of 310 degrees (magnetic north) and walk 20
paces to the top of plot 6 and the permanent marker.
II
ASPEN GLEN (AG)
Vegetation Type: Ponderosa Pine and Lodgepole Pine
# of plots: 24
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2530 - 2610m
Transect Azimuth: 315 (magnetic north)
UTMs: Easting
449574.1
449327.6
449305.0
449494.5
449573.7
449555.3
Northing
4471465.3
4471846.7
4471837.3
4471570.3
4471460.6
4471455.9
Elevation
Location
2672.0
Aspenglen plot 1
2569.0
Aspenglen east corner plot 1
2576.0
Aspenglen west corner plot 1
2624.0
Aspenglen east marker plot 16
2663.0
Aspenglen east corner plot 24
2674.0
Aspenglen west corner plot 24
Trailhead/Where to start: Aspen Glen campground
Hiking time to transect: 10-15 minutes
Directions: Turn into the Aspen Glen campground road. Drive to the first and only bridge
crossing Fall River. Park near the bridge. On the southwest side of the bridge there is a horse trail. Follow
the Deer Ridge Loop Trail (heads southwest). Walk on the trail for about 5-8 minutes until you pass into a
brief open meadow area and you see a large (approx. 30 ft. tall), lone Ponderosa tree (1996 DBH=14.7cm)
5 feet to the left of the trail. You will have passed other Ponderosa trees on the left side of the trail, but they
are 20-30 feet away from the trail and in closer groups. When you reach the lone Ponderosa, take a bearing
of 155 degrees (magnetic north) and walk 50 meters in that direction across the open meadow to the edge of
the forested area to the permanent stake marking Plot 24.
II
III
BEAR LAKE (BL)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Engelmann Spruce/Subalpine Fir
# of plots: 11
QUAD: McHenry's Peak Elevation: 2870m
Transect Azimuth: 342-270 (magnetic north)
UTMS:
Easting
445031.6
445050.3
445001.4
444900.2
444900.2
Northing
4462176.4
4462184.3
4462301.4
4462320.5
4462335.3
Elevation
2939.0
2951.0
2942.0
2966.0
2964.0
Location
Plot 1 top south corner
Plot 1 bottom north corner
Plot 5/6 bottom north side
Plot 11 top south corner
Plot 11 bottom north corner
Trailhead: Bear Lake
Hiking time to transect: 15 minutes
Note: This transect is based on aspect, not elevation. Instead of the transition up and down the hill, it
occurs horizontally across the slope. The azimuth changes accordingly.
Directions: Start from the Bear Lake parking lot. Walk towards Bear Lake. When you reach Bear
Lake turn 90 degrees to the left (south) and walk into the trees. Find the Snotel Station to the left (west).
From the fence on the west side of the Snotel Station walk 147 paces uphill on the trail. At the 147th pace
take an azimuth (magnetic north) and walk up the slope 35 paces to find the permanent marker.
III
IV
COW CREEK (CC)
Vegetation Type: Ponderosa Pine and Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir, Douglas Fir
# of plots: 13
QUAD: Estes Park
Elevation: @2110m
Azimuth: 135 degrees
UTMS:
Easting Northing
456652.5 4475457.6
456670.3 4475470.8
2457.0
456785.5 4475309.1 2434.0
456801.6 4475252.2 2448.0
456818.8 4475260.8 2443.0
Elevation
Location
Cow Creek west corner plot 1
2467.0
Cow Creek east corner plot 1
Cow Creek east side plot 6
Cow Creek west corner plot 12
Cow Creek east corner plot 12
Trailhead: Cow Creek Trailhead
Hiking time to transect: 10 minutes
Directions: Park at the Cow Creek trailhead. From the trail junction of the North Boundary Trail
and the Cow Creek trail walk towards Bridal Veil Falls for 463 paces. Near 450 paces there will be an
aspen grove on the right side of the trail. The transect runs from the south facing slope (to the north) into
the meadow, just past the aspen grove. At 463 paces (just past the aspen grove) take a bearing of 326
degrees. Follow the bearing for 100 meters up the hill to the first plot's permanent marker.
IV
V
DEER RIDGE (DR)
Vegetation Type: Ponderosa Pine and Lodgepole Pine
# of plots: 14
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2740 - 2800m
Transect Azimuth: 270 (magnetic north)
UTMs:
Easting
447531.3
447526.3
447267.6
447264.0
447520.5
447399.9
447391.0
447274.2
Northing
4470786.3
4470764.7
4470842.0
4470824.0
4470776.5
4470812.5
4470794.5
4470827.9
Elevation
2782.0
2780.0
2853.0
2866.0
2781.0
2814.0
2813.0
2854.0
Location
Deer Ridge northeast corner
Deer Ridge southeast corner
Deer Ridge northwest corner
Deer Ridge southwest corner
Deer Ridge plot center of 1
Deer Ridge 7/8 north
Deer Ridge 7/8 south
Deer Ridge plot center of 14
Trailhead/Where to start: Deer Ridge Junction
Hiking time to transect: 5 minutes
Directions: Take Trail Ridge Road through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station to Deer Ridge
Junction. From Deer Ridge Junction, drive 0.4 miles until, on the left (south) side of the road, there are two
small turn-off areas. Park in the second (farthest west) turn-off area. From here follow an azimuth of 182
degrees (magnetic north) for 98 paces, which takes you through an open corridor in the trees (which used to
be an old road). After the paces, turn left and follow an azimuth of 92 degrees (magnetic north) approx.
30m to where the permanent stake is for plot one. The transect heads up the hill at a magnetic north
azimuth of 270 degrees.
V
VI
EAGLE CLIFF (EC)
Vegetation Type: Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine
# of Plots: 15
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2471 - 2540m
Transect Azimuth: 20 (magnetic north)
UTM
Easting
451265
451247
451260
451395
451392
451412
Northing
4467687
4467701
4467700
4467923
4467939
4467932
Elevation
2573
2581
2572
2479
2477
2481
Location
Plot 1 southwest corner
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1 center
Plot 15 center
Plot 15 northwest corner
Plot 15 southeast corner
Trailhead/ Where to start: RMNP Maintenance Storage (Boneyard) near seasonal apartments.
Hiking time to transect: 15 minutes
Directions: Start from the RMNP "boneyard" (maintenance outdoor storage area). Walk past the
seasonal apartment complex to the south (left) side of the maintenance area. After you pass the
maintenance area and reach a sign designating the park boundary "You are now entering RMNP...no
firearms...," follow the trail upslope (south) that leads towards the resort cabins that are about 60 meters
away. When you reach the dirt road turn right and walk towards the trail sign and the trail. The sign reads
"Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows 3.3 miles." Follow this trail for approximately 0.4 miles (170
paces) until you see a power line pole downslope of the trail. If you walk past this power line (power pole
#15), you have gone too far. Walk to power line pole # 15 and walk 32 meter at a bearing of 92 degrees
(magnetic north). to the heart-shaped rock that rises about 1.5-2 feet off the ground. On the south-east side
of this rock is the permanent marker for the last plot (plot 15).
VI
VII
EMERALD MOUNTAIN (EM)
Vegetation Type: Douglas Fir and Lodgepole Pine
# of plots: 7
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2746 - 2762m
Transect Azimuth: 282 (magnetic north)
UTMs: Easting
450317.0
450252.0
452885.0
452897.0
450227.0
450209.0
450228.0
Northing
4464529.0
4464574.0
4463026.0
4463013.0
4464606.0
4464601.0
4464615.0
Elevation
2754.0
2762.0
2675.0
2664.0
2752.0
2749.0
2746.0
Location
Plot 1 southwest corner
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1 center
Plot 5 center
Plot 7 center
Plot 7 northwest corner
Plot 7 northeast corner
Trailhead/ Where to start: Mountainside parking lot, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center
Hiking time to transect: 25 minutes
Directions: Follow Route 66 west until you reach the Estes Park Center, YMCA of the Rockies
entrance. Turn right into the YMCA entrance. Continue up Kallenberg Drive (main road) past the
administration buildings. You will come to a four-way stop. Turn to the far left onto Rainbow Drive. Stay
on Rainbow Drive. It will eventually become unpaved (1996). Follow the signs to Mountainside Lodge.
The road will fork, to the south and north. Follow the road south in between two stone pillars. Pass the
brown house on your right. Mountainside Lodge is a two story old lodge in front of you on the left. Park in
the vicinity of the lodge. Walk down the road towards the three cabins (Beacon Hill, Bambi, and Bison).
When you reach Beacon Hill walk on the west, uphill side of it to the south. You will come to the park
boundary. Follow the boundary (the treeless corridor as of 1996) uphill. A trail will bisect the boundary
line. When you reach the trail start counting paces as you walk uphill. Hike uphill for 48 paces and you
should see a large rock cairn in front of you. From the cairn take a bearing of 116 degrees (magnetic north).
Walk 23 paces at 116 degrees and you will be in the vicinity of the permanent stake marking the end of plot
7.
VII
VIII
HIGH DRIVE (HD)
Vegetation Type: Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir
# of plots: 8
QUAD: Estes Park
Elevation: 2926 - 2942m
Transect Azimuth: 135 (magnetic north)
UTM: Easting
450744
450734
450652
450671
Northing
4469524
4469510
4469633
4469644
Elevation
2824
2817
2889
2901
Location
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1 southwest corner
Plot 8 northweast corner
Plot 8 northeast corner
Trailhead/Where to start: Upper High Drive, RMNP house #718
Hiking time to transect: 30 minutes
Directions: Drive east on Hwy 36 until the Mary's Lake Road/High Drive/Hwy 36 intersection.
Turn left (north) onto High Drive. Park at the Johnson house (park house 718). Ultimately you will want to
start at the "pump house," the small brown building with the green roof to the east of the Johnson house.
Walk from the Johnson house to the pump house. From the northeast corner of the pump house take an
azimuth (magnetic north) of 10 degrees. Walk 10 paces in the direction of this bearing to find a trail
leading uphill. Follow the trail to the junction near the ridge. The sign reads "North Deer Mountain Trail/
Estes Park 2.2 MI" (with an arrow pointing to the left/east) and "Deer Mountain Summit 2.5 MI"(with an
arrow to the left/west). Go west, following the trail to Deer Mountain Summit. From the junction with the
sign, go 1.1 miles. Pass only one major switchback that swings from heading in the southerly direction to
heading in the northerly direction. 95 paces from the switchback there will be two very large (DBH >60cm)
downed trees. Look up the slope to the west/northwest in the direction of 326 degrees. Look for two
HUGE rock outcrops about 40 meters apart from each other with mostly Ponderosa filling the gap between
the two rock outcrops (the Ponderosa are 20-30 meters up the hill from the trail). From the second downed
tree take a bearing of 326 degrees and walk straight up the slope between the outcrops. You will find a
permanent stake on the left side of the transect as you are looking up at it.
VIII
IX
HITCHEN'S GULCH (HG)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Englemann Spruce/Subalpine Fir
# of plots: 7
QUAD: Fall River Pass Elevation: 2960 - 2990m
Transect Azimuth: 270 (magnetic north)
UTMS: Easting
426809.9
426801.7
426802.1
426687.0
Northing
4475873.2
4475856.0
4475867.4
4475888.9
Elevation
3087.0
3087.0
3092.0
3114.0
Location
Northeast corner 1
Southeast corner 1
Plot center 1
Plot center 7
Where to start: Where Hitchen's Gulch transects the Grand Ditch Road
Hiking time to transect: less than 5 minutes
Directions: From the East Side Park headquarters take Trail Ridge road to the west side. Drive
into the Never Summer Ranch parking area which is about 50 minutes to 1 hour driving time. Drive west
through the gate and follow this road across the Colorado River. Turn right at the small cabins and follow
this jeep road all the way to the Grand Ditch. Head north along grand ditch for about 5 miles until Big
Dutch Creek goes under the Grand Ditch road. Continue to drive along the ditch eastward for about 0.25
miles and the road makes a U-turn to the west. Park at this curve and look for flagging on the downhill side
of the road. Descend east (downhill) following a small game trail at the flagging and then hike down about
100 feet to the transect. (Note: This site takes about three hours to reach because the road is very rough after
Trail Ridge Road, so rough that it requires a 4wheel drive, high clearance vehicle.)
IX
X
LAWN LAKE (LL)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Limber Pine
# of plots: 10
QUAD: Trail Ridge
Elevation: 3020 - 3080m
Transect Azimuth: 90 (magnetic north)
UTMS:
Easting
446134.7
446131.1
446227.1
446235.4
446361.2
446359.0
Northing
4475378.8
4475363.8
4475343.1
4475365.0
4475330.3
4475324.8
Elevation
3084.0
3073.0
3109.0
3112.0
3156.0
3154.0
Location
Corner plot 1, bottom, north
Corner plot 1, bottom, south
Plot 6, south side
Plot 6, north side
Corner plot 12, top, north
Corner plot 12, top, south
Trailhead: Lawn Lake trailhead
Hiking time to transect: 70 minutes-1.5 hours
Directions: Start from the Lawn Lake trailhead and hike towards Lawn Lake. Hike on the trail for
approximately 2 miles (or one mile after junction to Ypsilon Lake--do not go towards Ypsilon Lake--stay
on the trail towards Lawn Lake) until you reach the first major switchback to the south in the trail. At the
second switchback heading back north, head due east up Bighorn Mountain (through the Aspen grove and
rocks) until you reach the permanent stake marking the transect. It lies quite a ways up the mountain side, it
will seem like you are almost at the top and takes about 25 minutes of hiking from the trail.
X
XI
LONG'S PEAK (LP)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir
# of plots: 7
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 3010 - 3031m
Transect Azimuth: 240 (magnetic north)
UTMS:
Easting
451600.1
451585.0
451493.5
451510.3
451449.9
451435.9
451440.2
451446.4
Northing
4459430.8
4459459.4
4459413.1
4459403.3
4459393.1
4459379.0
4459406.0
4459385.8
Elevation
3023.0
3010.0
3012.0
3017.0
3031.0
3036.0
3029.0
3031.0
Location
LP corner plot 1, bottom, south
LP corner plot 1, bottom, north
LP plot center 6
LP south side plot 6
LP plot center 8
LP south side of 8
LP corner plot 8, top, north
LP corner plot 8, top, south
Trailhead: Long's Peak Trailhead
Hiking time to transect: 30 minutes
Directions: Drive to the Long's Peak Trailhead. Follow the Long's Peak trail until the junction for
Estes Cone. Follow the trail to Estes Cone to Eugenia Mine. From the bridge crossing Inn Brook walk 180
paces. Look for two logs (or the remains of two logs) that were placed on either side of the trail
perpendicularly (see map). From the 180th pace (or better: if you find the remains of the logs, stand in the
trail at the end of the lefthand log) and take a bearing of 319 degrees (magnetic north). Go 44 meters to the
northwest/permanent marker.
XI
XII
MEDICINE BOW (MB)
Vegetation Type: Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir and Tundra
# of plots: 17
Elevation: not taken (plot 1 @ 11,460ft)
QUAD: Trail Ridge
Transect Azimuth: 333 (magnetic north)
Trailhead: Pullout off Trail Ridge Road at Medicine Bow Curve
Hiking time to transect: 10 minutes
Directions: Drive west on Trail Ridge Road to Medicine Bow Curve just west of the Alpine
Visitor Center to Medicine Bow Curve. From unmarked trailhead which heads northeast, walk 260 steps.
You will pass the only krummholz on the trail and come to an upright boulder about the size of a breadbox
on the left (west) side of the trail. The small boulder is the shape of a baseball's "homeplate" and is marked
on the surface by two parallel scribes. From this boulder MB1 is 45 meters downhill at a 5 degree azimuth
(magnetic north). The permanent gold stake is on the downhill side of a large boulder in the tundra.
XII
XIII
MEEKER DRAINAGE (MD)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Limber Pine
# of plots: 10
QUAD: Allen's Park
Elevation: 3000 - 3050m
Transect Azimuth: 270 (magnetic)
UTMS: Easting
Northing
Elevation
Location
451746.8
4455089.8
3025.0
Plot 1 northeast corner
451742.1
4455069.3
3019.0
Plot 1 southeast corner
451736.7
4455086.5
3027.0
Plot 1 center
451560.1
4455132.5
3077.0
Plot 10 northwest corner
451558.8
4455113.0
3076.0
Plot 10 southwest corner
451569.7
4455121.9
3077.0
Plot center 10
Trailhead/Where to Start: St. Malo Center parking lot
Hiking time to transect: 1 hour
Directions: Take Mary's Lake Road to Route 7. Turn right at Route 7 and continue driving south
until you reach the St. Malo Retreat Center on the right side (west side) of the road. Turn right and drive
past their buildings and park in their rear parking lot. Cabin Creek flows under the road and into their pond.
To the north of where the creek flows under the road there is a trail. Follow the trail, which is marked by
slashes cut into the tree trunks and black spray painted dots on the trees. The trail stays by the creek for
about 0.5 miles and then cuts up through the trees. Away from the creek the trail can be tricky to follow,
but it is still marked by cairns, slashes in the trees, and black spray paint on the uphill side of the trees. The
trail will eventually go back down towards Cabin Creek. There is a sign at a small two-log creek crossing
that points across the creek to Meeker Park, and back in the direction that you just came from, towards St.
Malo. Do not cross the creek. Continue on the north side of the creek. You will come to a steep section in
the trail and a large (4m x 3m) outcrop. Go past this first large outcrop until you reach a second, larger
outcrop. From the bottom of the outcrop take a bearing of 0 degrees, and walk over the outcrop. Walk 15
paces from the end of the rock into the trees (0 degree bearing still ). Then take a bearing of 348 degrees.
Follow this through the trees until you reach a large outcrop (one from which there are few trees growing on
top of it and if you stood on top of it you would be above the trees). Plot 1 begins to the southwest of that
large outcrop.
XIII
XIV
SOUTH LATERAL (SL)
Vegetation Type: Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir
# of plots: 6
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2614 - 2628m
Transect Azimuth: 330 (magnetic north)
UTMS:
Easting
448497
448519
448507
448482
448469
448489
Northing
4465907
4465917
4465923
4466011
4466017
4466020
Elevation
2662
2260
2653
2651
2644
2639
Location
Plot 1 southwest corner
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1 center
Plot 6 center
Plot 6 northwest corner
Plot 6 northeast corner
Trailhead: Hollowell Park
Hiking time to transect: 15 minutes
Directions: Go west through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Turn left onto Bear Lake
Road. Turn right at Hollowell Park and park close to the trailhead. From Mill Creek/Steep Mountain
trailhead walk 65 paces along path to the first tall, lone Ponderosa Pine on the left (with a 1996 DBH of
16.8) next to the trail. From there follow a 342 degrees (magnetic north) azimuth uphill where you will
intersect another trail. Still following the same azimuth you will climb north up the slope of the moraine
until you run into the permanent stake for plot 1, which will be where the land becomes level on top of the
moraine.
XIV
XV
THUNDER MOUNTAIN (TM)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Douglas Fir
# of plots: 6
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2620 - 2630m
Transect Azimuth: 250 (magnetic north)
UTMs: Easting
452998.0
452986.0
450310.0
450317.0
452994.0
450305.0
Northing
4463016.0
4463023.0
4464500.0
4464516.0
4463035.0
4464517.0
Elevation
2620.0
2626.0
2771.0
2760.0
2633.0
2764.0
Location
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1 northeast corner
Plot 1 center
Plot 6 northwest corner
Plot 6 southwest corner
Plot 6 center
Trailhead: Highway 66 to private road
Hiking time to transect: 15-20 minutes
Directions: Follow Route 66 past the YMCA and past Wind Cliff Estates. Take the second left
after Wind Cliff Estates onto a private dirt road with lots of signs naming residents of the road. Procede
until the road is no longer driveable or you have passed a trail sign saying "Entering Rocky Mountain Natl.
Park." Walk down the road past abandoned houses to the largest abandoned house (number 1630), walk
215 paces until you see a subtle, old road (very over grown with vegetation) on the right leading down to
the stream. This old road goes down an incline to Aspen Brook. There is an old, rusty, approximately 1 ft.
diameter drainage pipe there. Cross the stream. Looking uphill take a bearing of 250 degrees (magnetic
north). This bearing will lead you directly into a meadow and uphill through a treeless area. Follow the
bearing and the corridor and it will lead you to the center of plot 1. When in the transect, if you look east,
directly across the valley, you will be in line with the first and tallest outcrops of the mountain ridge across
from you.
XV
XVI
UPPER BEAVER (UB)
Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine and Lodgepole Pine
# of plots: 9
QUAD: Long's Peak
Elevation: 2230 - 2250m
Transect Azimuth: 180 (magnetic north)
UTMs: Easting Northing
449385 4468536
449361 4468475
449356 4468399
Elevation
na
na
na
Location
West Side of plot 1
West Side of plot 5
West Side of plot 9
Trailhead/Where to start: Upper Beaver Meadows road
Hiking time to transect: 5 minutes
Directions: Take Trail Ridge Road through the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station to Upper
Beaver Meadows Road (dirt) and turn left at Upper Beaver Meadows Road. Drive about 200 ft. west until
you reach the trail on the south side of the road. Follow this trail southwest up and over the small rock
outcropping until you reach the creek. At the creek, take a left and follow the trail to a trail junction with a
sign reading "Moraine Park" and "Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead". Take a left, following the sign to
Moraine Park. Follow the trail up the hill to a switchback in the trail. Go 15 more paces. Turn uphill
(south), walk uphill 5 paces and start looking for the gold stake. The first stake is hidden behind a rock. The
transect heads due south (180 azimuth). Another way to check exact transect location is to site a 230
azimuth (magnetic north) from the first transect stake to the intersection of Trail Ridge Road and Upper
Beaver Meadows Road.
XVI
XVII
WILD BASIN (WB)
Vegetation Type: Lodgepole Pine and Limber Pine
# of plots: 13
QUAD: Allenspark
Elevation: 2980 - 3080m
Transect Azimuth: 0 (magnetic north)
UTMs: Easting
452184
452203
452194
452233
452248
452229
Northing
4452136
4452139
4452145
4452354
4452358
4452363
Elevation
2967
2960
2973
3087
3095
3095
Location
Plot 1 southwest corner
Plot 1 southeast corner
Plot 1 center
Plot 13 center
Plot 13 northeast corner
Plot 13 northwest corner
Trailhead: Sandbeach Lake Trailhead
Hiking time to transect: 1.5 hours
Directions: Take Mary's Lake Road south to Highway 7. Turn right onto Highway 7 and head
south for the Wild Basin area of RMNP. Turn right into Wild Basin Area and right again into the
Sandbeach Lake trailhead parking area. Hike on the Sandbeach trail west about 2 miles until you reach
"Hole-in-the-Wall" campsite. From there continue west another 125 paces along the trail. (At about 90
paces there will be 2 big slabby rocks, which you need to go past.) From that point hike due north (0
degrees) up the south facing slope of Lookout Mountain until you reach the transect. The entire time you
will be aiming for the large pointed rock outcrop on at the top of Lookout Mtn. Walk uphill about 1/4 to
1/2 a mile. After reaching an aspen grove, continue uphill for about 79-80 ft of Lodgepole to another aspen
grove. The second stand of aspen is thinner than the first one, and the transect is about 30 ft. above the
second aspen stand (total hiking time off-trail is 25 minutes).
Another way to reach this transect is to hike below the tallest, most dominant rock outcrop on
Lookout Mountain (see hand-drawn map). There are four large needle-less snags in a row below the largest
outcrop. Stand between the two lowermost snags (of the four) and take a bearing of 180 degrees. Follow
this bearing for about 100 ft. to the permanent marker.
XVII