USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics 200110 database USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Congaree National Park Denver, CO USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics Created under contract to the USGS-BRD-CBI by The Nature Conservancy. http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/cong/congplot.zip doi:10.5066/F7W66HQN Vegetation field plots at Congaree National Park were visited, described, and documented in a digital database. The database consists of 2 parts - (1) Physical Descriptive Data, and (2) Species Listings. The vegetation plots were used to describe the vegetation in and around Congaree National Park and to assist in developing a final mapping classification system. On June 30, 1983, Congaree National Park became an International Biosphere Reserve. Congaree is noted for containing one of the last significant stands of old growth bottomland hardwood forest, over 11,000 acres in all. The Park contains over 90 species of trees, 16 of which hold state records for size. Included in this list of records is a national record sweet gum with a basal circumference of nearly 20 feet. 199606 199609 Dates of field sampling Complete None Planned Congaree National Park is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Columbia, the state capitol of South Carolina. Old Bluff Highway (old Highway 48) lies just north of the Park boundary. The eastern boundary is located just northwest of the confluence of the Congaree and Wateree Rivers. The Park extends west to where Cedar Creek and Myers Creek join. -80.864633 -80.702165 33.833777 33.759039 None National Park Service U.S. Geological Service The Nature Conservancy Aerial Information Systems Center for Biological Informatics land cover vegetation community association sampling plots Environmental System Research Institute None Congaree National Park South Carolina USA None Upland Zone Transitional Zone Floodplain Zone Congaree River Bank and Levee Zone Disturbance Areas None Plant Communities National Vegetation Classification System United States Department of the Interior National Biological Survey and National Park Service 19941101 Version 1 Document - Classification System NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Final Draft Redlands, California ESRI Created under contract to the USGS-BRD-CBI by The Nature Conservancy. The criteria differs primarily in that the height and density variables were not mapped at Congaree. Instead, two additional variables were addressed: pre-hurricane Hugo community types and areas of pine that have been logged since the time of the 1976 aerial photography. United States Department of the Interior National Biological Survey and National Park Service 19941101 Version 1 Classification System NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Final Draft Redlands, California ESRI Created under contract to the USGS-BRD-CBI by The Nature Conservancy. See "Photo Interpretation Report, BRD/NPS Vegetation and Inventory and Mapping Program, Congaree National Park," October 12, 1998 http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/cong/congpirpt.pdf Vegetation Alliances of the National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995) Kingdom Plantae s: Plants None Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata, before beginning analysis. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. For purposes of publication or dissemination, citations should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service USGS BRD Center for Biological Informatics 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 http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/cong/congplots.pdf 363 Kbyte, locations of vegetation plot samples; low resolution for web browsing. PDF None None None Microsoft Access mdb Physical description - For 124 sites, contains site code, site name, GPS coordinates, physical factors (elevation, slope, aspect, topographic setting, landform, surface geology, cowardin system type, hydrography, surface materials, soil texture and drainage, leaf characteristics, and physiography. Species listing - Contains species listings for each site, listed by site code one species per line, with species type, plant code, and strata code. Physical description - Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form of consistent groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors. Species - Entries for each of the listed attributes are in the form of consistent groupings of either textual or numerical descriptors. Descriptive entries for each of the 124 plots are complete for each of the applicable attributes listed in the database. Unknown. The coordinates associated with each plot are assumed to be generated from GPS receivers, but no specific information is currently available. Field The methods used for the sampling and analysis of vegetation data and the development of the classification generally followed the standards outline in the Field Methods for Vegetation Mapping document http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/standards/fieldmethodsrpt.pdf produced for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping project. This process began with the development of a provisional list of twenty-five vegetation types from teh International Classification of Ecological Communities (ICEC) that were thought to have a high likelihood of being in the park based on an initial field visit on 13-14 June, 1996. One hundred twenty-eight plots were sampled by two two-person field teams in July, August, and September of 1996. In a devation from the methodology outlined in the Field Methods document, initial sample points were selected in order to have plots in each of the aerial photograph signature types. The gradsect approach was rejected because there appeared to be no potential for stratifying sampling of the park based on slope, aspect, elevation, soil or other natural features due to a lack of available information. Furthermore, because of isolation from roads and trails of many portions of the park, it was deemed not feasible to use a transect to establish plot locations. After sampling, plots were tentatively assigned to the ICEC at the alliance level and our goal was to have at least five plots in each of the twenty-five provisional vegetation types. TIme limitations precluded the ability of the field teams to install ten plots in each of the expected vegetation types as recommended in the Field Methods document. During field reconnaissance in mid-July 1996, it appeared that there could be a geographic segregation, possibly by drainage, within the Park of the vegetation types at the NVCS association level so the methodology for establishing plots was modified. In an effort to ensure that the full reange of vegetation was sampled, we stratified the Park into six zones by drinages and made sure that each signature or vegetation type was sampled at least once in each zone in which it occurred. Plots were subjectively placed using two criteria: first, that the plot be as near the middle of the delineated poolygon as feasible; and second, an dmore importantly, that the plot be located within a homogeneous, representative portion of the polygon. Where a complete 20x50 meter plot would not fit within the representative area, a smaller plot size was used. Number of plots and plot size varied by community and by number of aerial photograph signatures assigned to a vegetation type. Generally, more widespread communities had more plots than rarer ones, and types represented by more than one photo signature had more plots than those with a monotypic signature. The final vegetation classification and descriptions were produced using the plot data. The data were analyzed using an ordination technique, Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), and a clustering algorithm, Unweighted Pair-Group Method Using Arithmetic Means (UPGMA). These clusters were used to derive the final classification units. Field experience and judgment were used while reviewing the fit of each plot within the cluster to which it was assigned. As a result, some plots were placed in clusters other than those to which they were initially assigned based on the quantitative data analyses. Sally Landaal, Alan Weakley, Jim Drake The Nature Conservancy, Southern Conservation Science, 101 Conner Drive, Suite 302, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 and The Nature Conservancy, International Headquarters, 1815 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209 1999 Report Denver, CO USGS, BRD, Center for Biological Informatics Created under contract to the USGS-BRD-CBI. http://www1.usgs.gov/vip/cong/congrpt.pdf American Geographic Data, Inc., Wilmington, NC 28403 19960427 remote sensing image Denver, CO USGS Center for Biological Informatics The aerial photography is near CIR 1:12000 scale. The camera calibration report is USGS report Number OSL/2157 dated January 17, 1996 12000 Near CIR Aerial Photos: Contact paper prints and film transparencies 19960427 Date of aerial photo acquisition AGD These aerial photographs were the basis for the photointerpretation process. See Methodology Description above AGD 19981012 Vector Entity point 124 Universal Transverse Mercator 17 0.999600 -81.000000 0.000000 500000.000000 0.000000 coordinate pair 1 1 Meters North American Datum of 1983 Geodedic Reference System 80 6378137.000000 298.257222 congplot Shapefile attribute table USGS FID Internal feature number. ESRI Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. Shape Feature geometry. ESRI. Coordinates defining the features. AREA Area of feature in internal units squared. ESRI. Area is always zero for point coverages. Values are automatically generated. PERIMETER Perimeter of feature in internal units. ESRI. Perimeter is always zero for point coverages. Values are automatically generated. PLOT_ Internal feature number. ESRI. Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. PLOT_ID User-defined feature number. ESRI. Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. CONG_PLOT Vegetation plot number USGS Plot number. POLY_CODE Polygon code USGS Code indicating the vegetation polygon where the plot was taken. PROV_NAME Provisional Community Name. USGS Textual Provisional community name. CLASS_NAME Classified community name NatureServe Textual classified community name. ELCODE Community Element Global code. USGS Textual and numerical code. QUAD_NAME USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle (1:24,000-scale) of the field site location. USGS Quad name. QUAD_CODE USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle (1:24,000-scale) code. USGS Numerical Quad code. GPS_TECH Error Value of the GPS Point USGS Numerical GPS error value. X_EASTING Easting coordinate of site location. USGS Easting coordinate. Y_NORTHING Northing coordinate of site location. USGS Northing coordinate. SURVEYORS Names of the Surveyors Who Collected the Data USGS Textual surveyors name. XDIM X Dimension of Field Plot USGS Textual and numerical of X dimension (whole numbers). YDIM Y Dimension of Field Plot USGS Textual and numerical of Y dimension (whole numbers). PLOT_SHAPE Shape of vegetation plots. USGS Textual plot shape. SLOPE Degree of Slope in the Plot USGS Numerical of slope in degrees. ASPECT General Aspect of the Point in Degrees USGS Numerical of aspect type. TOPO_POS General Position of the Plot on the Landscape USGS Textual of topology position type description. LANDFORM General Landform that the Plot Occurs On USGS Textual of landform description. GEOLOGY Presence of any Geological Features USGS Textual description of the geology surface. COWARDIN General Wetland Description USGS Textual cowadrin classification description. HYDRO Comments on the Hydrology of the Soils in the Plot USGS Textual hydrology type description. SAL_HAL Salinity and Halinity type. USGS Textual salinity and halinity type description. SOIL_TEXT Soil Texture in the Plot USGS Textual of soil texture description. SOIL_DRAIN Comments on the Soil Drainage within the Plot USGS Soil drainage description type. PHENOLOGY Phenology of the Dominant Stratum in the Plot USGS Textual of leaf phenology type description. LEAF_TYPE General Leaf Type of the Dominant Stratum USGS Textual of leaf type description. PHYSIO Physiognomic Description of the Dominant Stratum USGS Textual of physiology class type description. OTHER Description of the Other Category used in Cover Classes USGS Textual description of other information found within the site. POLYGONID Unknown field created by originator but not documented USGS Numerical. SCALE Unknown field created by originator but not documented. USGS Numerical. ANGLE Unknown field created by originator but not documented. USGS Numerical. Physical Descriptive Data: Plot Code: This field is the unique identifier for a Plot record. It is generated by the system, at the time a new record is entered into the database. The Plot Code is assembled from two parts: the Location Code and the Plot Code Counter, which is a sequential counter field that is increased automatically each time a Plot is entered for that Location. The sequential counter can be reset to any number you would like. SubPlot: ?yes? if the plot is a subplot of another larger plot. Blank if the plot is not a subplot of another plot. Polygon Code: Code indicating the vegetation polygon where the plot was taken. This is entered only if working from previously delineated photos. Provisional Community Name: The name of the vegetation type which most closely resembles this type using the classification system. Entered at the finest level of the classification possible. This is meant to be a field call of the vegetation classification and may change when the data are analyzed. Colloquial names can be used in this field if necessary. Classified Community Name: The community name from the National Vegetation Classification System, once the data are analyzed and the community has been classified. TNC Elcode: The Elcode (Element Code) for the community element corresponding to the Classified Community Name. Quad Name: Appropriate name/scale from survey map used; 7.5 minute quadrangle used if possible. Quad Code: Code of USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle map. GPS Techniques: (empty) The projection and GPS datum, plus any noteworthy comments regarding equipment and/or techniques used to process the GPS data. Corrected UTM X: X coordinate of Universal Transerverse Mercator projection after post-processing correction. Filled in at the office, not in the field. Corrected UTM Y: Y coordinate of Universal Transerverse Mercator projection after post-processing correction. Filled in at the office, not in the field. Survey Date: Date the survey was taken; month, day, year*. *Year is entered as 4 characters, so as to avoid the "Year 2000" computer problem. Surveyors: (empty) Names (and addresses, if appropriate) of surveyors, principle surveyor listed first. X Dimension: The length in meters* of one side of each of the plots in which samples were taken. If the plot is circular, enter the length of its radius. If transects were used, enter their length here. The value of X Dimension should correspond to the plot specified in the Plot Shape field. *NOTE: Dimensions MUST be converted to meters. Y Dimension: The length in meters* of the side of the plot adjacent to the side entered in the X Dimension field. The value entered in the Y Dimension field should correspond to the plot referred to in the Plot Shape and X Dimension fields. Leave this field blank if the plot is circular. Enter a one if a transect was used. *NOTE: Dimensions MUST be converted to meters. Plot Shape: Shape which best describes that used for this sample. Possible values are "rectangular", "square", "circular", "transect/strip", "Other" Photos: "yes" if photos of the plot were taken at the time of sampling. Permanent: "yes" to indicate if the plot has been permanently marked. Slope: Degrees of slope measured using a clinometer. Possible values include "FLAT"=0 degrees=0%, "GENTLE"=0-5 degrees=1-9%, "MODERATE"=6-14 degrees=10-25%, "SOMEWHAT STEEP"=15-26 degrees=26-49%, "STEEP"=27-45 degrees=50-100%, "VERY STEEP"=45-69 degrees=101-275%, "ABRUPT"=70-100 degrees=276-300%, "OVERHANG/SHELTERED"=>100 degrees=>300% Aspect: aspect of the slope; measured using a compass (should have been corrected for the magnetic declination). Possible Values are "flat", "variable", N=338-22 degrees, NE=23-67 degrees, E=68-112 degrees, SE=113-157 degrees, S=158-202 degrees, SW=203-247 degrees, W=248-292 degrees, NW=293-337 degrees Topo Position: Possible values include "INTERFLUVE"=(crest, summit, ridge) linear top of ridge, hill, or mountain; the elevated area between two fluves (drainageways) that sheds water to the drainageways. "HIGH SLOPE"=(shoulder slope, upper slope, convex creep slope) geomorphic component that forms the uppermost inclined surface at the top of a slope. Comprises the transition zone from backslope to summit. Surface is dominantly convex in profile and erosional in origin. "HIGH LEVEL"=(mesa) level top of plateau. "MIDSLOPE"=(transportational midslope, middle slope) intermediate slope position "BACKSLOPE"=(dipslope) subset of midslopes which are steep, linear, and may include cliff segments (fall faces). "STEP IN SLOPE"=(ledge, terracette) nearly level shelf interrupting a steep slope, rock wall, or cliff face. "LOWSLOPE"=(lower slope, foot slope, colluvial footslope) inner gently inclined surface at the base of a slope. Surface profile is generally concave and a transition between midslope or backslope, and toe slope. "TOESLOPE"=(alluvial toeslope) outermost gently inclined surface at base of a slope. In profile, commonly gentle and linear and characterized by alluvial deposition. "LOW LEVEL"=(terrace) valley floor or shoreline representing the former postion of an alluvial plane, lake, or shore. "CHANNEL WALL"=(bank) sloping side of a channel. "CHANNEL BED"=(narrow valley bottom, gully arroyo) bed of single or braided watercourse commonly barren of vegetation and formed of modern alluvium. "BASIN FLOOR"=(depression) nearly level to gently sloping, bottom surface of a basin. Landform: A descriptive term for the landform characteristics of the area. Surficial Geology: a term that describes the geologic substrate influencing the plant community (bedrock or surficial materials). Cowardin System: "Upland" if the system is not a wetland, if wetland, the name of the USFWS system which best describes its hydrology and landform. Values include "ESTUARINE" = Deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are usually semienclosed by land but have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to the open ocean, and in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted by freshwater runoff from the land. The salinity is above 0.5 parts per thousand, and may be periodically increased above that of the open ocean by evaporation. Along some low energy coastlines there is appreciable dilution of sea water. Off shore areas with typical estuarine plants and animals, such as red mangroves and eastern oysters are also included in the Estuarine System. The presence of halophytic plants may be used to differentiate Estuarine from other freshwater systems if there is insufficient data on salinity. "PALUSTRINE" = Nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean derived salts is below 0.5 parts per thousand. It also includes wetlands lacking such vegetation, but with all of the following four characteristics: (1) area less than 8 ha (20 acres); (2) active waveformed or bedrock shoreline features lacking; (3) water depth in the deepest part of basin less than 2m at low water; and salinity due to ocean derived salts less than 0.5 parts per thousand. "RIVERINE" = Includes all wetlands and deepwater habitats contained within a channel, with two exceptions: (1) wetland dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses, or lichens, and (2) habitats with water containing ocean derived salts in excess of 0.5 parts per thousand. A channel is "an open conduit either naturally or artificially created which periodically on continuously contains moving water, or which forms a connecting link between two bodies of standing water". "LACUSTRINE" = Includes wetlands and deepwater habitats with all of the following characteristics: (1) situated in a topographic depression or a dammed river channel; (2) lacking trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or lichens with greater than 30% areal coverage: and (3) total area exceeds 8 ha (20 acres). Similar wetland and deepwater habitats totaling less than 8 ha are also included in the Lacustrine System if an active waveformed or bedrock shoreline feature makes up all or part of the boundary, or if the water depth in the deepest part of the basin exceeds 2 m (6.6 feet) at low water. Lacustrine waters may be tidal or nontidal, but ocean derived salineity is always less than 0.5 parts per thousand. Hydro Regime: The appropriate term from the following possible values "SEMIPERMANENTLY FLOODED" = Surface water persists throughout growing season in most years except during periods of drought. Land surface is normally saturated when water level drops below soil surface. Includes Cowardin's Intermittently Exposed and Semipermanently Flooded modifiers. "SEASONALLY FLOODED" = Surface water is present for extended periods during the growing season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in most years. THe water table after flooding ceases is very variable, extending from staurated to a water table well below the ground surface. Includes Cowardin's Seasonal, Seasonal-Saturated, and Seasonal-Well Drained modifiers. "SATURATED" = Surface water is seldom present, but substrate is saturated to surface for extended periods during the growing season. Equivalent to Cowardin's Saturated modifier. "TEMPORARILY FLOODED" = Surface water present for brief periods during growing season, but water table usually lies well below soil surface. Often characterizes flood-plain wetlands. Equivalent to Cowardin's Temporary modifier. "INTERMITTENTLY FLOODED" = Substrate is usually exposed, but surface water can be present for variable periods without detectable seasonal periodicity. Inundation is not predictible to a give season and is dependent upon highly localized rain storms. this modifier was developed for use in the arid West for water regimes of Playa lakes, intermittent streams, and dry washes but can be used in other parts of the U.S. where appropriate. This modifier can be applied to both wetland and non-wetland situations. Equivalent to Cowardin's Intermittently Flooded modifier. "PERMANENTLY FLOODED" = Water covers the land surface at all times of the year in all years. Equivalent to Cowardin's "permanently flooded". "PERMANENTLY FLOODED TIDAL" = Salt water covers the land surface at all times of the year in all years. This modifier applies only to permanently flooded areas irregularly flooded by fresh tidal water. Equivalent to Cowardin's "permanently flooded/tidal". "TIDALLY FLOODED" = flooded by the alternate rise and fall of the surface of oceans, seas, and the bays, rivers, etc. connected to them, caused by the attraction of the moon and sun or by the back-up of water caused by unfavorable winds. "UNKNOWN" = The water regimee of the area is not known. The unit is simply described as "(wetland)'. Salinity/Halinity: Possible values include Coastal Tidal: Saltwater - tidal = > 30 ppt Coastal Tidal: Brackish = 0.5 - 30 ppt Coastal Tidal: Freshwater = < 0.5 ppt Inland: Saltwater = > 30 ppt Inland: Brackish = 0.5 - 30 ppt Soil Texture: Simplified Key to Soil Texture (Brewer and McCann, 1982) A1 Soil does not remain in a ball when squeezed . . . . . . .sand A2 Soil remains in a ball when squeezed . . . . . . . . . . . . B B1 Squeeze the ball between your thumb and forefinger, attempting to make a ribbon that you push up over your finger. Soil makes no ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . loamy sand B2 Soil makes a ribbon; may be very short . . . . . . . . . . . C C1 Ribbon extends less than 1 inch beore breaking . . . . . . . D C2 Ribbon extends 1 inch or more before breaking . . . . . . . .E D1 Add excess water to small amount of soil; soil feels at least slightly gritty . . . . loam or sandy loam D2 Soil feels smooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . silt loam E1 Soil makes a ribbon that breaks when 12 inches long; cracks if bent into a ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F E2 Soil makes a ribbon 2+ inches long; doesn't crack when bent into a ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G F1 Add excess water to small amount of soil; soil feels at least slightly gritty . . . . . . . . . sandy clay loam or clay loam F2 Soil feels smooth . . . . . . . . . . .silty clay loam or silt G1 Add excess water to a small amount of soil; soil feels at least slightly gritty . . . . . . . . . . . sandy clay or clay G2 Soil feels smooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . silty clay Soil Drainage: Soil drainage classes are defined in terms of (1) actual moisture content (in excess of field moisture capacity), and (2) the extent of the period during which excess water is present in the plant root zone. It is recognized that permeability, level of groundwater, and seepage are factors affecting moisture status. However, because these are not easily observed or measured in the field, they cannot be used generally as criteria of moisture status. It is further recognized that soil profile morphology, for example mottling, normally, but not always, reflects soil moisture status. Although soil morphology may be a valuable field indication of moisture status, it should not be the overriding criterion. Soil drainage classes cannot be based solely on the presence or absence of mottling. Topographic position and vegetation as well as soil morphology are useful field criteria for assessing soil moisture status. RAPIDLY DRAINED - The soil moisture content seldom exceeds field capacity in any horizon except immediately after water addition. Soils are free from any evidence of gleying throughout the profile. Rapidly drained soils are commonly coarse textured or soils on steep slopes. WELL DRAINED - The soil moisture content does not normally exceed field capacity in any horizon (except possibly the C) for a significant part of the year. Soils are ussually free from mottling in the upper 3 feet, but may be mottled below this depth. B horizons, if present, are reddish, brownish, or yellowish. MODERATELY WELL DRAINED - The soil moisture in excess of field capacity remains for a small but significant period of the year. Soils are commonly mottled (chroma < 2) in the lower B and C horizons or below a depth of 2 feet. The Ae horizon, if present, may be faintly mottled in fine textured soils and in medium textured soils that have a slowly permeable layer below the solum. In grassland soils the B and C horizons may be only faintly mottled and the A horizon may be relatively thick and dark. SOMEWHAT POORLY DRAINED - The soil moisture in excess of field capacity remains in subsurface horizons for moderately long periods during the year. Soils are commonly mottled in the B and C horizons; the Ae horizon, if present, may be mottled. The matrix generally has a lower chroma than in the well drained soil on similar parent material. POORLY DRAINED - The soil moisture in excess of field capacity remains in all horizons for a large part of the year. The soils are usually very strongly gleyed. Except in high chroma parent materials the B, if present, and upper C horizons usually have matrix colors of low chroma. Faint mttling may occur thoughout. VERY POORLY DRAINED - Free water remains at or within 12 inches of the surface most of the year. The soils are usually very strongly gleyed. Subsurface horizons usually are of low chroma and yellowish to bluish hues. Mottling may be present but at depth in the profile. Very poorly drained soils usually have a mucky or peaty surface horizon. Leaf Phenology: The value which best describes the leaf phenology of the dominant stratum. EVERGREEN - Greater than 75% of the total woody cover is never without green foliage. DECIDUOUS - Greater than 75% of the total woody cover sheds its foliage simultaneously in connection with the unfavorable season. COLD DECIDUOUS - Unfavorable season mainly characterized by winter frost. DROUGHT DECIDUOUS - Unfavorable season mainly characterized by drought, in most cases winter-drought. Foliage is shed regularly every year. Most trees with relatively thick, fissured bark. MIXED EVERGREEN - DECIDUOUS - Evergreen and deciduous species generally contribute 5-75% of the total woody cover. MIXED EVERGREEN / COLD DECIDUOUS - Evergreen and cold-deciduous species admixed. MIXED EVERGREEN / DROUGHT DECIDUOUS - Evergreen and drought-deciduous species admixed. HERB - PERENNIAL - Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50% perennial species. HERB - ANNUAL - Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50% annual species. Leaf Type: The value which best describes the leaf form of the dominant stratum. BROADLEAF - Woody vegetation primarily broadleaved (generally contribute to greater than 50% of the total woody cover). NEEDLELEAF - Woody vegetation primarily needleleaved (generally conribute to greater than 50% cover). MYCROPHYLLOUS - Woody cover primarily microphyllous. GRAMINOID - Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50% graminoid / stipe leaf species. BROADLEAF HERBACEOUS (FORB) - Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50% broadleaf forb species. PTERIDOPHYTE - Herbaceous vegetation composed of more than 50% species with frond or frondlike leaves. Physio Class: Physiognomic classes are determined by assessing the relative percent cover and height of the lifeform comprising the uppermost strata with cover greater than 0%. (Note: Percent canopy cover and height ranges are provided as guidelines, not strict cutoff points). FOREST - Trees (>5m) with crowns interlocking (generally forming 60-100% cover). WOODLAND - Trees (>5m) with corwns not touching (25-60% cover). SPARSE WOODLAND - Trees (>5m) with crowns widely spaced (10-25% cover). SHRUBLAND - Shrubs/Trees (0.5 - 5m) with 25-100% cover. SPARSE SHRUBLAND - Shrubs/Trees (0.5 - 5m) with 10 - 25 % cover. DWARF SHRUBLAND - Dwarf Shrubs/Shrubs/Trees (<0.5m) with 25-100% cover SPARSE DWARF SHRUBLAND - Dwarf Shrubs/Shrubs/Trees (<0.5m) with 10-25% cover. HERBACEOUS - Herbaceous plants with 10-100% cover. SPARSE VASCULAR / NON-VASCULAR - 1-10% Vascular Vegetation. T1 Hgt: Average height of emergent trees. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m T1 Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole emergent tree stratum. T2 Hgt: Average height of tree canopy. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m T2 Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole tree canopy stratum. T3 Hgt: Average height of tree subcanopy. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m T3 Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole tree subcanopy stratum. S1 Hgt: Average height of tall shrubs (<5 m). 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m S1 Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole tall shrubs stratum. S2 Hgt: Average height of short shrubs (< 2m). 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m S2 Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole short shrubs stratum. H Hgt: Average height of Herbaceous stratum. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m H Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole Herbaceous stratum. N Hgt: Average height of Nonvascular stratum. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m N Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole Nonvascular stratum. V Hgt: Average height of Vine / Liana stratum. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m V Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole Vine / Liana stratum. E Hgt: Average height of Epiphyte stratum. 01=<0.5m, 02=0.5-1m, 03=1-2m, 04=2-5m, 05=5-10m, 06=10-15m, 07=15-20m, 08=20-35m, 09=35-50m, 10=>50m E Cover: class value that represents the average percent cover of the whole Epiphyte stratum. Other Measure1 Defined: Non-standard cover classes; 0=No data; 1=<1%; 2=1-10%; 3=10-25%; 4=25-50%; 5=50-75%; 6=75-95%; 7=>95 Other Measure2 Defined: Animal Use Evidence: Comment on any evidence of use of the plot / polygon by non-domestic animals (i.e., tracks, scat, gopher or prairie dog mounds, etc.). Notes on domestic animals should be made in the field Disturbance Comments. Disturbance Comments: Comment on any evidence of natural or anthropogenic disturbance and specify the source. Other Comments: Use this field for general comments, or any comments that don't seem to fit elsewhere. Update: User: Species Counter: Optional Fields Defined: Hydrologic zones Opt1: Hydrologic zone number Species Listing Data for Plots: Plot Code: This field is the unique identifier for a Plot record. It is generated by the system, at the time a new record is entered into the database. The Plot Code is assembled from two parts: the Location Code and the Plot Code Counter, which is a sequential counter field that is increased automatically each time a Plot is entered for that Location. The sequential counter can be reset to any number you would like. Plant Symbol: The symbol field provides a quick and easy way to search for a species name in the PLANTS database. It generally consists of the first two characters of the Genus name, plus the first two characters of the Species name. Identical symbol codes that are for different species names are appended with tie-breaker characters. Scientific Name: The scientific name for an individual species record within the NRCS PLANTS Database. As supplied by the NRCS, this field also contains authority information. This field is used as validation data when a species' name is entered into the Species Scientific Name field in either the Plots or the AA Observations table. Common Name: The common name for an individual species record within the NRCS PLANTS Database. Family: The family name for an individual species within the NRCS PLANTS Database. Used PLANTS: This field will be automatically checked if the name appearing in the Species Scientific Name field is found in the PLANTS database. Note that the automatic check-off will only take place if there is an exact match betwen the Species Scientific Name and the name as listed in PLANTS. Source: This field indicates the source of the name record in the PLANTS Database. Values are: SS=Standard Source (e.g. the NRCS PLANTS list), NS=Non-standard Source (any source other than NRCS), SY=Accepted synonym by NRCS list. Within Plot: Stratum Sort: The stratum in which this species occurs. T1=Emergent Tree, T2= Tree Canopy, T3=Tree Subcanopy, S1=Tall Shrub (>5m), S2=Short Shrub (<2m), S3=Dwarf-Shrub, H=Herbaceous, N=Nonvascular, E=Epiphyte, V=Vine/Liana. Diagnostic: This is to be checked if the species is known to be diagnostic of the vegetation type. Other Measure1: Other Measure2: Update: User: Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Project, Standardized National Vegetation Classification System 209 pp. USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis USGS-NPS Vegetation Characterization 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/cong.html Internet Access None 200110 20100518 USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis USGS-NPS Vegetation Characterization 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.usgs.gov/core_science_systems/csas/metadata/index.html