U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 20120601 vector digital data NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Buffalo National River Vegetation Mapping Project Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program A detailed report on how this data set was created is available to download from the program's website. The report discusses methods and results, and includes descriptions and dichotomous keys to vegetation types, map classification and descriptions, and accuracy assessment (AA) contingency tables. It also provides information on the aerial photographs and how they were interpreted. Detailed background information for each map class and attribute code contained in this data set is provided in the project report, which is available at the program's websites (website locations provided in Online_Linkage). http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/buff/buffgeodata.zip doi:10.5066/F7NZ85MB The geographic information system (GIS) format spatial data set of vegetation for Buffalo National River (BUFF) was created for the National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program (VIP). The BUFF administrative boundary covers an area of nearly 38,000 ha. The map classification scheme used to create the vegetation data set is designed to represent local vegetation types at the finest level possible using the National Vegetation Classification Standard (NVCS) Version 2. Physiognomic information was also recorded, including height (woody vegetation), canopy density, and coverage patterns. The vegetation data set was developed by interpreting aerial photographs collected in October of 2006 and extensive field surveys. Individuals who cooperated in this project include; National Park Service (NPS) Vegetation Inventory Program, NPS BUFF, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (UMESC), USGS Mid-Continent Geographic Science Center (MCGSC), NatureServe, and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC). The vegetation data are distributed as a polygon feature class in the geodatabase for the project, stored in Universal Transverse Mercator zone 15 mapping coordinates, North American Datum 1983. The NPS VIP is an effort to classify, describe, and map existing vegetation of national park units. Managed by the NPS Biological Resources Management Division, the NPS VIP provides baseline vegetation information for the NPS Natural Resource I&M Program. The USGS Vegetation Characterization Program lends a cooperative role in the NPS VIP and serves the data sets on the Internet. Vegetation layers and associated information support a wide variety of resource assessment, park management, and planning needs. They also provide structure for framing and answering critical scientific questions about vegetation communities and their relation to environmental processes across the landscape. 200610 ground condition Complete None planned Buffalo National River -93.437028 -92.400548 36.172573 35.907852 None National Park Service U.S. National Vegetation Classification Buffalo National River NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Land Cover USNVC U.S. Geological Survey National Vegetation Classification System Vegetation Mapping National Vegetation Classification NVCS Photointerpretation National Scenic River NVC Photo Interpretation BUFF Vegetation Map National Vegetation Classification Standard Land Use USGS Vegetation Characterization Program National Park Service Theme Category Thesaurus Remote Sensing Monitoring Biology Land Use / Cover National Park System Unit Name Thesaurus Buffalo National River None United States of America Arkansas Buffalo National River BUFF National Park System Unit Code Thesaurus BUFF None Standardized National Vegetation Classification System vegetation classification alliance community association Kingdom Plantae Restriction Code: other restrictions; Other Constraints: Access constraints: A computer software program capable of reading and displaying data stored as an ESRI format file geodatabase is required. 1) Those using the spatial database should understand the data and determine for themselves the fitness of the data prior to use. 2) Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis; Vegetation Characterization Program Vegetation Characterization Program Manager mailing and physical address

USGS

PO BOX 25046, DFC, MS302

Core Science Systems

Building 810, Room 8000

Denver CO 80225-0046 United States of America (303) 202-4220 303-202-4229 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, NatureServe, Heartland Network of the NPS Natural Resource Inventory and Monitoring Program, NPS Vegetation Inventory Program, and USGS Vegetation Characterization Program Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Version 6.1 (Build 7601) Service Pack 1; ESRI ArcGIS 10.0.2.3200 Based on a thematic AA study that was conducted of map classes representing floristic types in the NVCS, the vegetation map of the Buffalo National River has an overall attribute accuracy of 78.9% (Kappa index of 77.3%); calculated using field data collected at 889 accuracy assessment observation sites. Most individual map-class themes exceed the NPS VIP standard of 80% with a 90% confidence interval. The project report provides details pertaining to the methods of the accuracy assessment study and the results from the analysis. All polygon features were checked for potential topology and attribute errors using the software program ArcGIS (9.3). Topology checks were performed to make sure each polygon was closed, no dangling features were present, each polygon contained a labeling point, and to make sure that no duplicate lines, polygons, or labels were present. All features identified by the photointerpreters were georeferenced. Map-code information produced by the photointerpreters (e.g., vegetation type, vegetation cover) is stored in the attribute table of the data set and in a series of lookup tables. The map codes are cross-referenced to the NVCS (Vr2) at all physiognomic and floristic levels. The NPS VIP standard minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 0.5 ha (1.24 acres) was applied for mapping. For select map classes, we applied a MMU of 0.25 ha to address management preferences. Also, when vegetation types were found unique to their immediate surroundings (e.g., a rocky open-canopy pine woodland within a closed-canopy oak forest), we allowed for mapping below the MMU. A set of MMU templates were used to help photointerpreters determine minimum polygon size during the interpretative process. Because of angle distortions inherent to nonrectified aerial photos, and slight scale changes from high ridges to valley bottoms, the MMU was applied liberally. United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Unknown online database Baton Rouge, Louisiana USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center Program partners who participated in the development of the Plants Database include; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, Farm Services Agency, USDA, Forest Service, USDA, Rural Development, USDI, Bureau of Land Management, USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetland Inventory, USDI, Geological Survey, USDC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), University of Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota State University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, FNA/Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Biota of North America Program. None Unknown Unknown Plants Database The online plants database of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that was used as the source for plant names used in this project, both scientific and common names. U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center NatureServe 20110901 ArcGIS polygons NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Buffalo National River Vegetation Mapping Project Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program A map classification was developed specifically for the Buffalo National River Vegetation Mapping Project. It includes a crosswalk to the NVCS (Vr2) floristic and physiognomic levels (names and codes), and the 2001 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) classification for non-vegetation features. The final report for this mapping project contains a detailed listing of this classification scheme. None Unknown Unknown Final Vegetation Classification of Buffalo National River Map classification defining polygon data (vegetation and general land cover). Eros Data Center U.S. Geological Survey Unknown imagery Sioux Falls, SD U.S. Geological Survey The National Elevation Dataset (NED) 1/3 Arc Second is a raster product assembled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NED 1/3 Arc Second is designed to provide National elevation data in a seamless form with a consistent datum, elevation unit, and projection. Data corrections are made in the NED 1/3 Arc Second assembly process to minimize, but not eliminate, artifacts, perform edge matching, and fill sliver areas of missing data. NED 1/3 Arc Second has a resolution of 1/3 arc-second (approximately 10 meters) for the conterminous United States. None Unknown Unknown National Elevation Data (NED) - 1/3 Arc Second Data Provided elevation data for the study area. NPS Vegetation Inventory Program USGS Vegetation Characterization Program 200610 imagery NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Buffalo National River Vegetation Mapping Project Fort Collins, Colorado NPS Natural Resource Inventory & Monitoring Program None Unknown Unknown 1:12,000-scale Color Infrared Diapositive and Contact Print Aerial Photographs In October 2006, BUFF was photographed using color infrared film at a scale of 1:12,000. The timing of these photographs was intended to capture peak leaf color change so distinctions between various deciduous forest types would be easier to see. These photographs were the primary source used during the photointerpretation process. National Resources Conservation Service U.S. Forest Service U.S. Geological Survey The Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium National Park Service Office of Surface Mining National Aeronautics and Space Administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service LANDFIRE Bureau of Land Management Unknown database Sioux Falls, South Dakota Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium None Unknown Unknown NLCD 2001 Landcover Database Classification Definitions One of the lookup tables created for use with the BUFF vegetation data can be used to link those data to the classification used in the 2001 National Landcover Database (NLCD). National Spatial Data Infrastructure, Federal Geographic Data Committee, Vegetation Subcommittee 20080101 document Standards Vegetation Classification and Information Standards Reston, Virginia Federal Geographic Data Committee Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). 2008. National vegetation classification standard, Version 2, FGDC-STD-005-2008 (Version 2). NOTE: The classification names and codes of the NVCSvr2 hierarchy that are represented in this mapping project are those as they were known fall 2010. Modifications to some of those hierarchical names and codes, particularly the upper levels, have since occurred. None Unknown Unknown National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version 2 (2008) Standard vegetation classification standard used for classification structure. Buffalo National River 19380101 imagery NPS Vegetation Inventory Program Buffalo National River Vegetation Mapping Project Unknown Unknown Early imagery was used to help identify and classify forest types. None Unknown Unknown 1938 Imagery Early imagery was used to help identify and classify forest types. U.S Department of Agriculture varies database USDA Soils U.S. Dept of Agriculture USA U.S. Dept of Agriculture Soil pH was used to help isolate forest types None Unknown Unknown Soils Soil pH was used to help isolate forest types NPS Vegetation Invetroy Program 2005 Raster Data Set Fort Collins, CO NPS Vegetation Inventory Program 12000 Photograph 200511 Unknown 2005 Aerial Photography 2005 photos to fill a photo holiday in the 2006 set Heads-up 3D digitizing was performed. Unknown Map Classification: The ultimate goal of the map classification was to represent the vegetation types of BUFF as determined by the vegetation classifiers (NatureServe). The photointerpreters cooperated with the vegetation specialists to determine which vegetation types and communities could be accurately identified using the aerial photographs. Some of the classes appearing in the final vegetation map might be comprised of a single vegetation type as identified by the vegetation classifiers, and others may contain one of several different types. Not all vegetation types visible on the ground are identifiable in an aerial photograph. 20091001 Creation of the Geodatabase: The attribute table of the initial GIS format vegetation map contained only the map attribute codes that were assigned by the photointerpreters. To make these data more meaningful, a series of lookup tables were created, which contained items such as the map class names, physiognomic information (woody plant heights, area of coverage, distribution patterns), and all NVCS Vr2 hierarchy codes and nomenclature (when known and applicable), including the finest floristic level of the hierarchy, association. An ESRI format File Geodatabase was created to hold these data, as well as the vegetation plot data that were collected for developing the vegetation classification and for the accuracy assessment of the vegetation map, the project boundary extent, and aerial photograph information. A series of relationship class files were added to the file geodatabase, to make it easier for users to associate the lookup tables with the GIS datasets. 20110101 Preliminary Map Classification and Field Reconnaissance: Prior to field reconnaissance, mappers (UMESC) met with vegetation classifiers (NatureServe) to discuss the vegetation classification and how vegetation types might best be represented in a workable map classification. This built a working draft of the map classification to be used during field visits by the mappers. Before photointerpretation was initiated, photointerpreters made several visits to BUFF to perform field reconnaissance. Field visits were performed to a variety of locations within the BUFF Printed copies of the aerial photos that would be used during the photointerpretation process were brought along so conditions on the ground could be compared to images contained in the photos. These trips helped the photointerpreters further establish the map classification, determine what vegetation types could be identified within the aerial photos, and establish mapping convention on how best to apply the mapping of the vegetation types. These field efforts were conducted during 2009. 20090601 Vegetation Mapping: The vegetation mapping of the BUFF was performed at the UMESC via digital-onscreen three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic workflow systems using GIS software. The mapping team performed onscreen photointerpretation of digital imagery that was spatially referenced in GIS. 20100601 Accuracy Assessment: An in-depth accuracy project was performed on the geographic information system (GIS) format vegetation polygon data set (vegetation map). This was done to measure the probability of map accuracy (or, the absence of error). A series of computer selected random sampling sites were chosen for each map class in the data set. The mapping coordinates of these sites were then provided to field crews, who used global positioning system (GPS) receivers to locate each site. The field data and calls at each of these sites were compared to polygon data and calls made by the photointerpreters to determine the thematic accuracy of the vegetation map. Detailed information on how this assessment was performed and its results are available in the project report. 20111101 U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center Resource Mapping Team Leader Unknown

2630 Fanta Reed Road

La Crosse Wisconsin 54603-1223 United States of America (608) 783-6451 (608) 783-8058 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, M-F Ask receptionist to connect you with the Resource Mapping Team Leader. Vector GT-polygon composed of chains 11279 Universal Transverse Mercator 13 0.999600 -93.000000 0.000000 500000.000000 0.000000 coordinate pair 0.000100 0.000100 meters North American Datum of 1983 Geodetic Reference System 80 6378137.000000 298.257222 buff_vegpoly Feature class attribute table Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center OBJECTID Internal feature number. ESRI Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. Shape Feature geometry. ESRI Coordinates defining the features. Map_Code Unique identifier for each polygon NPS Unique plot code. Map_Class Code used to represent the Map Unit NPS Map unit code. Mod_Physio Code used to represent the Modifiers Physiognomic NPS Modifiers physiognomic code. Mod_Alt Code used to represent the Modifiers Altered NPS Modifiers altered code. Mod_Dvlp Code used to represent the Modifiers Developed NPS Modifiers devloped code. MC_Name Full Map Unit name NPS Map unit common name. Map_Dsply Map Display name NPS Map display common name. Shape_Length Length of feature in internal units. ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Shape_Area Area of feature in internal units squared. ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Perimeter Perimeter (unknown units) ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Area Area (unknown units) ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Acres Acres (unknown units) ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Hectares Hectares (unknown units) ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Basic information about the polygons are contained in the Map-Code, Map_Class, Mod_Physio, Mod_Alt, and Mod_Dvlp fields. Additional information is brought to the dataset via relationship classes. For feature class and relationship table field information, see scheme_buff_vegpoly within the geodatabase. none USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator mailing and physical address

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302

Denver Colorado 80225 (303) 202-4220 303-202-4219 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Downloadable Data The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data. The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service. HTML http://www.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/vip/parks/buff.html Internet Access None 20120220 20121003 USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator mailing and physical address

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, MS 302

Denver Colorado 80225 (303) 202-4220 303-202-4219 gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt/community/fgdc_metadata/255