EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING FOR STREAMS AND RIPARIAN AREAS

WITHIN THE UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN

SAMPLING PROTOCOL

VEGETATION PARAMETERS

U.S.D.A. Forest Service, PIBO Effectiveness Monitoring Program,

Logan, UT

June 2004

Crane Creek, Umatilla National Forest

EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING

FOR STREAMS AND RIPARIAN AREAS WITHIN THE UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN

SAMPLING PROTOCOL

VEGETATION PARAMETERS

Prepared By: Marc Coles-Ritchie, Alison Kelly, and Rick Henderson

U.S.D.A. Forest Service, PIBO Effectiveness Monitoring Program, Logan, UT May 2004

Acknowledgements

Important contributions to this protocol have been made by Alma Winward and many other Forest Service personnel.

CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions or comments about this protocol contact:

Marc Coles-Ritchie US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station 860 North 1200 East Logan, UT 84321 435 755-3560 ext. 3535 435 757-4108 (cell phone) mcolesritchie@fs.fed.us

If you have questions or comments about the project contact:

Rick Henderson US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station 860 North 1200 East Logan, UT 84321 435 755-3578 rhenderson01@fs.fed.us

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 4 The Sample Area ............................................................................................................................... 5 Sampling Order .................................................................................................................................. 6 Estimating Cover in Quadrats ............................................................................................................ 7 Greenline............................................................................................................................................ 8 Riparian cross-sections...................................................................................................................... 11 Tree Species Data Collection............................................................................................................. 13 Unknown (or Uncertain) Species ....................................................................................................... 15 Collecting Specimens......................................................................................................................... 16 Notes on Use of the PDA................................................................................................................... 18 Miscellaneous Information ................................................................................................................. 20 Literature Cited................................................................................................................................... 21 Appendix A (Data Entry Using PDA’s) .............................................................................................. 23 Appendix B (Equipment List) ............................................................................................................ 27 Appendix C (Riparian Vegetation Classifications) ............................................................................ 28 Appendix D (Sheets for Greenline and Cross-section data collection)............................................. 29 Appendix E (Plant labels).................................................................................................................. 30

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INTRODUCTION

The PACFISH/INFISH effectiveness monitoring program for aquatic and riparian resources was developed in response to monitoring needs addressed in the Biological Opinions for bull trout (USFWS 1998) and steelhead (NMFS). An interagency team representing the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was convened to develop a large-scale monitoring program with the primary objective of determining whether PACFISH/INFISH management practices are effective in maintaining or restoring the structure and function of riparian and aquatic habitats throughout the upper Columbia River Basin. A list of attributes that were thought to be important in defining aquatic habitat conditions and their relationship with listed species were identified. The team also specifically stated that existing methods be used to measure each attribute.

Given this direction, riparian vegetation sampling methods were developed based on existing sampling protocols. We use modifications of two methods of Winward (2000): 1) greenline composition, and 2) riparian cross-section composition. Another method seeks to assess the effective ground cover in the riparian area, which is loosely based on soil quality monitoring methods developed by the USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region. The effectiveness monitoring program has a companion protocol for stream data collection (available through contact information on title page). The individual methods in the program’s protocols were modified initially to describe each attribute at a reach scale and to increase repeatability among observers. Additional changes were made following two years of use, evaluation, and peer review.

The protocol and the individual methods were designed and tested specifically to sample a stream “reach” and to monitor the effects of management activities in a specific set of stream types. That is done by collecting data about the vegetation—species, cover, and height—at the reach scale. The vegetation sampling area corresponds to a reach length that is 20 bankfull widths (160 m to 480 m). All reaches are within unconstrained valley bottoms with gradients < 3% and have wadeable channels with bankfull widths between 1 and 15 meters. We feel strongly that it should not be used in other stream types without additional review and testing.

Data, at the reach and basin scale, are analyzed to detect change over time as well as spatial variability due to environmental or management differences. The data analysis techniques are presented in separate documents (available through contact information on title page).

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THE SAMPLE AREA

The vegetation sampling area is the same length as the stream reach (determined by the stream technicians according to the “Channel Protocol”). The downstream end of the reach will be determined and flagged (Fig. 1 flag “1”) by the stream technicians. For integrator reaches the distance upstream from that point will be 160 m to 480 m of stream, depending on the average bankfull width. At key reaches (designated monitoring areas) the reach length will always be 120 m, so the stream technicians will set up the channel transects at 6-m intervals.

Riparian cross-sections are perpendicular to the valley bottom. In addition to the greenline, quadrats are placed at 3m, 6m, and 9m from the greenline

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9m 6m 3m

0

Greenline quadrats are placed parallel to the stream bank at the channel transects

Valle

y bo

ttom

Downstream portion of reach

Figure 1. Layout of the greenline quadrats and cross-section quadrats for a reach (quadrat size is exaggerated).

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6

SAMPLING ORDER

The vegetation of the riparian area is assessed using quadrats to determine the abundance of species at the reach. Vegetation data are collected in two settings: the greenline (generally the streambank); and riparian cross-sections. The amount of bare ground is also assessed. The following list outlines the order of the sampling procedure at each site, and the rest of this document explains these items in detail: 1. Collect greenline vegetation data, beginning at the downstream end of reach.

a. If the stream technicians have not set up more transects by the time you finish collecting greenline data at the first transect (both banks), then collect riparian cross-section data at the first transect. Otherwise, complete the greenline data collection before beginning the cross-section data collection.

2. Collect riparian cross-section data at all channel transects (includes bare ground assessment and tree species data collection).

3. Collect two samples of the dominant vegetation at the reach for the project herbarium.

At two reaches per hitch, specimens of all species will be collected from a random quadrat. At these sites, pick a random quadrat number to determine where to collect the specimens (described in “Collecting Specimens” section). Later in the day, when collecting data at that quadrat, collect and label the specimens. Always label these specimens as “Random” in the PDA and on the label, even if they are unknown or dominant.

Time to complete a site If 5 minutes were spent per quadrat, the 40 greenline quadrats (20 transects on each bank) would take 200 minutes (3 hours and 20 minutes) and the 30 riparian cross-section quadrats would take 150 minutes (2 ½ hours). The time to do all 70 quadrats would be about 6 hours. At most sites there will be more than 6 hours available. But if a long hike is involved, then the site may need to be completed in 6 hours. Plan accordingly.

At the beginning of the day you will often need to spend extra time identifying the dominant species. Therefore, quadrats early in the day may take longer than those later in the day. If extra time is taken for quadrats early in the day, then quadrats later in the day will need to be done much quicker. Later in the day you will see many of the species that you have already identified, so data collection should go faster as the day progresses. For example, if you spend 15 minutes at some quadrats early in the day, later in the day quadrats will need to be done in 3 minutes, so that you will be able to do all 70 quadrats in the day.

If you finish before the stream technicians, then you should help complete the site by doing the site map or working with the stream technicians (holding the tape or stadia rod). Ask how you can help.

ESTIMATING COVER IN QUADRATS

A

C

D

B

B

SpeSpe SpeSpe

vepacoabfroobexca

hequ

Thqurigtheto thr

Ta

Co

Figure 2. The Daubenmire quadrat frame used to define the area where species cover will be estimated.

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A 50 cm x 20 cm quadrat frame (Fig. 2) of Daubenmire (1959) is used to determine

getation cover over the quadrat. Cover is considered to be “the vertical projection of all verts…onto the ground” (Bonham 1989). Consider all live vegetation in, or over, the quadraunt leaves of previous season or dead branches as cover. To determine cover, first look out 1 m above the ground, and estimate the cover of species that are visible. When lookm the 1-m level, do not count vegetation that is obscured by a layer of vegetation, i.e. smscured by sedges or under a branch. Second, look up to determine what species have brtending over the quadrat, i.e. shrubs and trees. When looking up, only consider the vegen see from the quadrat (do not move to see what may be over the quadrat).

If there is only herbaceous cover then the total cover should not exceed 100%. If thrbaceous (generally below 1 m) and woody cover (often over 1 m), the total may be up toadrat.

The painted areas on the quadrat frame (Fig. 2) are to help in assigning cover classe rectangle surrounded (on 3 sides) by the black paint on the left side of the frame is 25%adrat. Adding the area to the right, surrounded by white is 50% of the frame. Adding theht, indicated by black would be 75% of the frame. The rectangle surrounded (on 2 sides) bottom right of the frame indicates 5% of the area. In order for cover to be 95% a specie

cover everywhere within the frame except the corner representing 5% (or a similar area doughout the frame).

ble 1. Cover classes and cover ranges.

ver Class Range of Cover (%)

Cover class midpoint

1 0 to 5 2.52 5 to 25 15.03 25 to 50 37.54 50 to 75 62.55 75 to 95 85.06 95 to 100 97.5

Cover classes

cies A: 0-5% cies B: 25-50%cies C: 0-5% cies D: 5-25%

the getation t. Do not down, from ing down all forbs anches

tation that you

ere is 200% for a

es (Tab. 1). of the

area to the by black at s would have istributed

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GREENLINE

Objectives: • Estimate the abundance of plant species on the greenline. • Estimate the height of woody species adjacent to the stream. What data to collect: 1. Collect species cover data for a 0.5 m x 0.2 m area associated with each channel transect, on both

sides of the stream (Fig. 1). For each quadrat record the species and canopy cover using the Daubenmire cover classes (Tab. 1), for all species that can be identified, or for unknown species over 5% cover (see section on “Uncertain and Unknown Species” below).

2. Record the height of woody plants with cover over the quadrats, using the following 3 categories: < 1 m; 1 - 2 m; or > 2 m tall. Consider only the greatest height of that species over the quadrat.

Where to collect data: • Collect data at all channel transects. There are at least 20 and sometimes a few more. The channel

transects will be 8 m -24 m apart depending on the channel width category, or 6 m apart at key sites (designated monitoring areas).

• Each channel transect will have a flag on each bank, and they will be labeled as “O” for odd, and an “E” for even numbered transects.

• At each channel transect find the two flags (one on each bank) associated with that transect. These flags may or may not be on the greenline. Determine where that imaginary line connecting the two flags would cross the greenline (defined below) and place the quadrat frame so that the line would go through the middle of the long sides of the quadrat. Orient the quadrat with the long side (50 cm) parallel to the greenline (see Figs. 1 and 3), while keeping the stream side of the frame on the imaginary line (that would be the pivot point).

• On a steep bank make sure the quadrat frame rests on the ground at a 45 degree angle or less (or flatter). If necessary move up the bank until the quadrat frame is 45 degrees or less.

• Defining the greenline (Figs. 4 and 5): i. The greenline is the first perennial vegetation adjacent to the stream channel that has at

least 25% cover of vegetation in the quadrat. Tips for determining perennial vegetation: has woody tissue (above or below ground), leaves/stems present from previous year.

ii. Do not consider bare or sparsely vegetated ground, i.e. less than 25% cover, as the greenline (right side of Fig. 3).

iii. When encountering an obstacle such as a boulder or log, move away from the stream until you find the first line of perennial vegetation.

imaginary line Unvegetated point bar

50 x 20 cm quadrat frame

Figugree

Figure 3. The relationship of the stream transect flags and the greenline vegetation, which determines the placement of the quadrat frame.

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iv. Consider the greenline to be at the base of the first line of perennial vegetation on the streambank of interest. Most of the time the canopy (especially with sedges and other low growing vegetation) is sufficient to determine the greenline. But canopy alone is not the greenline. If plants are hanging over the edge of the stream, but are not the first line of rooted vegetation on that bank, then walk away from the stream until the first line of rooted perennial vegetation is encountered. Place the stream side of the quadrat at that rooted point (right side of Fig. 4).

re 4. Location of greenline for herbaceous vegetation (left) and shrubs (right). Note that the nline is located at the rooted point when there is only woody vegetation (right).

v. Early in the season the greenline may be partially submerged, but it is still the greenline as long as it is perennial species. Later in the summer the greenline may be some distance from the water.

vi. When banks are eroding or when a stream becomes entrenched, the greenline may be located high above the stream and consist of upland plants. Record whatever the species are at the first line of perennial vegetation, whether sedges or sagebrush (Fig. 5).

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Figure 5. Example of a bank (right) with upland vegetation. On the left, CAAQ would be the greenline vegetation, whereas on the right sagebrush would be the greenline vegetation.

vii. Always place the quadrat on the main banks of the channel, not islands. The stream technicians can help you determine whether something is an island or the main bank. In general, it is an island if it is not connected to the bank/greenline on both ends by a strip of vegetation with at least 25% cover and > 0.3 m (1 ft.) in width.

viii. Aquatic species are not counted as the greenline because of their temporary nature.

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RIPARIAN CROSS-SECTIONS Objective: • Estimate the abundance of species and bare ground in the riparian area near the stream. What data to collect:

1. Bare ground: For each quadrat look at the cover over each corner of the frame. Slide the flag pin against the corner of the frame, and observe what it first touches. If it does not touch live vegetation, litter (leaves, twigs, etc.), or rock >2.5 cm then count it as bare ground. For each quadrat record the number of points (0 to 4) that are bare ground.

2. Collect species cover data for a 0.5 m x 0.2 m area associated with each channel transect, on both sides of the stream (Fig. 1). For each quadrat record the species and canopy cover using the Daubenmire cover classes (Tab. 1), for all species that can be identified, or for unknown species over 5% cover (see section on “Uncertain and Unknown Species” below).

3. It is essential that quadrat information (quadrat position, bare ground, etc.) be recorded for all 30 cross-section quadrats. If there is no vegetation then in the XS species section record “not veg: rock” or log or trail if one of those categories applies, or leave it blank and explain it in the quadrat comment. For example: “the quadrat was on a cliff.”

Where to collect data: 1. Collect data at channel transect numbers 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20. These flags will be a different color

(pink) than the others, in addition to having an “O” for odd, and an “E” for even. The corresponding channel transect will be across the channel, perpendicular to the direction of the stream flow.

2. The riparian cross-sections extend into the riparian area perpendicular to the valley bottom, not necessarily perpendicular to the stream.

3. Use a compass to determine the direction of the valley bottom where the sample reach is located. Add 90 degrees to the bearing and align the compass spindle to the new bearing. Use this bearing for all five cross-sections and record it in the PDA (Reach form).

4. From the greenline, walk the direction of the compass bearing (or 180 degrees from that when walking the other direction).

5. At each riparian cross-section collect data at quadrats 3 m, 6 m, and 9 m from the greenline. Use the measuring stick, or your known number of steps per 3 m, to determine where to set up the quadrats. Always record data, even if it is upland.

6. This will result in 3 quadrats per cross-section on each side of stream, for a grand total of 30 cross-section quadrats per reach.

7. Place the quadrat frame: i. with the long side (50 cm) parallel to the cross-section line (perpendicular to the valley

bottom); ii. so that it begins at the 3 m, 6 m, or 9 m point and continues to the 3.5 m, 6.5 m, or 9.5 m

point; and iii. with the middle of the short side (20 cm) centered along the riparian cross-section line.

8. When the quadrat includes cover of boulder, log (< 10 cm), trail, or a vehicular road, then record that as part of the cover (they are listed in the species list under “not veg:…” such as “not veg: rock”). Do not move the quadrat somewhere else (as is done with the greenline). These “not veg:…” categories are for cross-sections only, and should never be used for the greenline. If there is no vegetation, and no rock, log, or trail then enter nothing for XS-species. But do enter the data (bare ground) in the XS-quadrat form.

9. Do not record any data between the two greenlines, such as islands. 10. Cross-sections may be close together if the channel is very sinuous (Fig. 6), however, they should not

cross since they use the same bearing and are therefore parallel. 11. If the stream is very sinuous, a cross-section may intersect the stream (Fig. 6). If this happens then

ignore the steps in the stream, and continue counting steps at the greenline, after exiting the stream.

1

1

FtC

Figure 6. Example of riparian cross-sections that intersect the channel on a very sinuous stream.

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2. For each quadrat determine whether the quadrat is in the valley bottom or in the uplands. To distinguish valley bottom from upland, use landform as the only indicator. The valley bottom is the generally flat area within the valley bottom, which has been formed by flooding from the stream. Terraces are included within the valley bottom. Uplands will generally be on a slope. In Figure 7 areas 1, 2, and 3 (a terrace) are valley bottom, and areas 4 and 5 are upland.

3. Once in a while you will not be able to access the location of one of the quadrats (3, 6, or 9 m locations). This could happen when there is a cliff. In this case, estimate the bare ground and species cover as best you can from a distance.

igure 7. Diagram showing changes in topography that correspond to different communities and

he distinction between valley bottom (numbers 1, 2, and 3) and upland (numbers 4, and 5) (from rowe and Clausnitzer 1997, used with permission).

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TREE SPECIES DATA COLLECTION

Data on the number and size of trees will be collected within 9.5 m of the greenline. This should provide more accurate information about trees (especially the larger ones) than the cover data from our relatively small quadrats (0.5 m x 0.2 m). At each riparian cross-section (stream transects 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20), and at the 2nd stream transect after those (numbers 3, 7, 12, and 17), data will be collected for trees within 1.5 m of the cross-section line (cross-section is referred to as XS in PDAs). To collect the tree data along the riparian cross-sections do the following:

1. After collecting the cross-section species data at meters 3, 6, and 9, use the “XS trees” form, which is a subform of “XS quadrats” to record the tree data. It would be logical to enter the “XS trees” form from cross-section quadrat 9, after finishing the species data, but it can be entered from the 3 or 6 m quadrat as well. The “Quadrat location” field (3, 6, or 9 m) will not be copied from the parent form (XS quadrats). Only the bank and transect fields will be copied.

2. Stand at the point 9.5 m from the greenline (i.e. the furthest edge of the 9 m quadrat frame). 3. Walk along the cross-section line (using the flags at meters 3, 6, and 9 to guide you) and note

each tree species with a trunk within 1.5 m of the cross-section line. Hold a meter stick (approximately 1 m above the ground) to determine which tree trunks are within 1.5 m.

4. Record it if the entire tree is within the 1.5-m zone, and it is: o 4 cm in diameter; and o 1.4 m tall.

5. If only part of the tree is within the 1.5-m zone, it is a “boundary tree, “ so do the following: o If the boundary tree is on your right side, then include it; o If the boundary tree is on the left side, then exclude it (i.e. it is “left out”). o If the boundary tree straddles the 9.5 m boundary, then include it for one cross-section,

but exclude it the next time there is a boundary tree at 9.5 m for that site. o Trees should never straddle the greenline, because the greenline begins at the base of

the first perennial vegetation, so all of a tree would be included. 6. Record the following:

o Species, or “.no trees within 1.5 m of XS” or “.standing dead”; If “.no trees within 1.5 m of XS” is selected then in the next field (distance) do not

fill in a number (it won’t be required in this case), just tap the right arrow button and it will take you out of the record (the other fields will not be shown).

o Distance from the greenline along the cross-section, which will be between 0.0 and 9.5 m (always include 1 decimal, i.e. 7.2 or 3.0). The flags at meters 3, 6, and 9 can be used as reference points to determine the distance;

o Diameter at breast height (DBH) in centimeters, at 1.4 m above the ground; and o Whether it was collected; o Genus, if the species was listed as unknown (this field will not appear unless “unknown”

is part of the species recorded.

Since no quadrat data will be collected at transects 3, 7, 12, and 17, there will be no data for “Quadrat location,” “Quadrat position,” and “Bare ground.” For these three fields it does not matter what you enter, because they will not be used.

Tree definition

For this study, a tree is a species that grows as a single-stemmed individual most of the time (pines, firs, spruces, cottonwoods, aspen). Woody plants NOT recorded for this method include species with multiple stems (shrubs) such as many willows (Salix boothii for example), alders (Alnus incana for example), or red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea). There is a list of trees to choose from in the PDA. You can also add a species if you think it is single-stemmed, and it is not in the list.

Notes

In a few cases, species that we consider trees will have multiple trunks or boles (such as with cottonwoods or conifers). In such cases, do the following:

• If the trunk forks below breast height, then measure each trunk as an individual, as long as it meets the above criteria for being counted; and

• If the trunk forks right at breast height, then measure the DBH below the fork.

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Always measure the DBH from the same height, using the following critera: • On slopes, measure the DBH 1.4 m above-ground on the uphill side. • For inclined trees, measure the DBH at 1.4 m above the ground.

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UNKNOWN (OR UNCERTAIN) SPECIES

When you encounter species that you do not know, or are uncertain about, first determine if it is

greater than 5% cover in your quadrat. If it is < 5% cover and you do not know it, then ignore it (do not spend time trying to key it out). If it is greater than 5% cover then do the following:

1. Key it out using The Flora of the Pacific Northwest or another appropriate key. 2. In general, do not spend more than 10 minutes keying out any particular species or 20 minutes

total at a quadrat, otherwise you will run out of time to finish the reach. If you can see that you are going to run into a certain plant again and again at the reach then it may be worth it to spend some extra time identifying it. Do not spend time identifying plants in the uplands.

3. Some species cannot be identified in the field because a microscope is necessary, or because flowers are not available. In such cases, collect a specimen (see instructions on collecting specimens below), rather than wasting time trying to identify it.

4. If you cannot identify a plant then record it as “unknown 1” for the first species and number the unknown plants sequentially for each reach. In your notebook write the following for each unknown specimen by reach:

a. the name you recorded in the PDA, such as “unknown 3” (also recorded on the label); b. some distinguishing features so that you can recall it if you see the same species again

at this site (for example: clumped grass with open panicle; short sedge with terminal spike; small forb with yellow petals, etc.);

c. if you determine the identification later in the day, continue entering that plant as “unknown #”. Do not change what you call the taxon at the reach. (Similarly, if you determine that something you recorded earlier in the day was incorrect, continue entering that plant with the same incorrect name. Do not change what you call the taxon at the reach.)

Your notebook is part of the data that is being collected. At the end of the field season you will turn in the notebook and we will refer to it when we have questions about unknowns or anything else. Begin recording information for each site at the top of a page. For each site enter the following:

• Reach ID and stream name; • Date; • Brief description of each unknown; • Whether there was a random quadrat; • What species were collected as the dominant vegetation; and • Comments or explanations, i.e. “the left bank was a cliff.”

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COLLECTING SPECIMENS When to collect plant specimens: • ID Unknown: Collect a specimen of any unknown plant with more than 5% cover in a quadrat.

Collect a specimen only once for that species at that reach. • Random: At two reaches per hitch (Thursday and Sunday unless there is a problem with those days)

collect all species in a randomly selected quadrat, known and unknown, with cover over 5%. On Thursdays collect specimens at a greenline quadrat and on Sundays at a cross-section quadrat. Prior to sampling the reach use the random number card to select the quadrat from which to collect specimens. Selecting an even number will indicate the right bank and odd the left bank. Choose a number to determine the quadrat number on the greenline (1-25) or cross section (1-15). Some reaches will have 20 greenline transects and others will have more. If a number greater than the number of existing quadrats is selected (21-25), select again until a quadrat within the reach is selected (see Fig. 8). There should be a specimen for all species you enter into the PDA at that quadrat. Ignore all mosses, liverworts, fungi, etc. Always record these species as random in the PDA and on the label, even if they are unknown.

• Dominant: At the end of each day, collect two specimens of what you consider to be the dominant vegetation at the reach. If the two most abundant species at the reach are ones that you have already collected that hitch then collect the next most abundant species, but they should always be among the 5 most abundant species at the site. The specimen must be from a species that you recorded in the PDA for that site. This will provide specimens of the most common taxa in our study area for our project herbarium.

• TES: If the PDA gives the message that a species is a TES (threatened and endangered species) then collect only a portion of the plant. Do not fully collect (dig up, and thus negatively impact) the plant. We will be collecting portions of plants (small branchlets of woody taxa, and a leaf and hopefully a flower/fruit of forbs). Take pictures and write careful notes about these taxa (i.e. the shape of the inflorescence, rooting type, habit, etc.).

• WEED: If the PDA gives the message that a species is a weed then collect the entire plant. For Tamarix and Cuscuta, collect specimens (branchlets with fruits or flowers, and take part of the Cuscuta plant without digging entire plant up) and do not attempt to key them to species in the field.

How to collect specimens: 1. Collect as much of the plant as can be easily obtained (except for TES species; see above). Dig 2”

down (with trowel) and 2” around the plant to obtain some of the roots. Shake the sediment from the roots or rinse the roots in the stream. Try to collect a specimen with flowers or mature fruits. For woody plants collect branches with leaves and flowers/fruits if possible. Collect two individuals or branches (under one label) so that we can dissect some without destroying everything.

2. Follow the 1 in 20 rule: if there are fewer than twenty individuals at the reach do not collect the plant. If this is the case then enter the species or record it as unknown, describe the habit, characters, and photograph the plant.

3. Place the specimen and the label between newspaper and then between the felt blotters in the plant press. If possible fold the label around the plant. Try to keep your press off of the bottom of the bed of the pickup (so it is less likely to get wet).

How to Label Specimens For each specimen, fill out and attach one of the plant labels provided (Fig. 9).

1. For “Plant ID” record the species or unknown # that is also recorded in the PDA (this is essential). At random quadrats, where all species are collected, be sure to record the genus, if known, in the genus section of the PDA, i.e. Carex spp.

2. Write the Group and Order, and circle the code for type. 3. Indicate greenline or cross-section by filling out the information below that heading. 4. For habit/comment record information that may not be apparent when the specimen is looked at

off-site (i.e. inflorescence color, number of petals, sepals, stamen, stigmas, plant height, root structure etc.).

5. Specimens that are not well labeled are useless.

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6. Later you may want to key out an unknown species with a microscope. If you are able to identify the plant then add the information to the label, BUT DO NOT ERASE OR CHANGE ANYTHING ON THE LABEL, BECAUSE THAT IS OUR ONLY LINK BETWEEN THE SPECIMEN AND THE DATA IN THE PDA. Store the specimen in the plant press, which will be passed on to a project botanist.

7. Extra labels can be picked up at the duty station. There is also a sheet of blank labels below that can be copied and cut if more labels are needed.

10 25 17 1 24 23 15 16 20 15

3 7 17 16 16 2 3 1 16 10

9 2 18 13 22 20 1 9 9 16

12 13 10 15 5 15 1 16 5 8

3 16 16 7 4 8 11 2 16 7

10 16 18 11 23 21 11 9 22 7

18 11 8 22 10 22 5 8 21 5

2 19 8 1 1 1 2 8 1 19

3 8 11 22 24 3 18 13 4 24

19 6 18 23 13 4 13 24 23 10

Figure 8. Random number table and diagram for selection of random quadrat to collect specimens.

2004

Plant ID:____ unknown 1_______ Group:_ 152_Order:_ 9_Type: I K S Q Other____

Reason Collected: UNKNOWN RANDOM DOMINANT WEED TES

Habit/Comment:_______multi-stemmed shrub___________________________________

Greenline Cross-Section Bank: L R OR Bank: L R Channel Transect #:__7______ Channel Transect #:________ Meter: 3 6 9

Figure 9. Example of filled-in label for specimens.

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NOTES ON USE OF THE PDA

Comments in PDA Because of the volume of data, comments should only be entered for essential information such as: correction of data previously entered that cannot be changed (such as an incorrect transect number). Do not enter comments about plants; these should be written on the label, because that is where it will be helpful for species identification. The genus, if known should be entered in the genus line in the PDA, but no information about species ID should be entered in the comment line. Backing up data

In addition to the data being stored on the PDA, a backup copy of the data will be made on a memory card. There is no automatic backup because that wastes battery power. Do a manual backup twice during the day: at midday (lunch) and when site is completed. To manually backup your data go to the home page and tap the “VFSBackup” icon (not the VFS Helper icon). You will see a drawing of a PDA with a large arrow pointing to a backup card. Tap the arrow to start the backup. Once the backup is finished, you will see the “Last Operation Log” which will show the time of the last backup. Then tap “close.” Do not remove the backup card. End of the hitch

At the end of the hitch do a quick review to make sure all of your reaches are there. Fill out the “End of Hitch Form” to give to the supervisor (who will send it on to the office with the cards). On the form list the sites that have data on the card. If there is more than one card then describe which sites are on which card and the reason that there are two cards.

Give the form and your PDA to the area supervisor (such as Boyd), and they will download (HotSync) the data. They will take the card out to send to the office and will put a blank card in the PDA, and then will return the PDA to you. Re-installing Forms 3.2 (and 2 other applications) from the card to PDA

If your PDA is not working (because batteries were dead or for some other mysterious reason), first try a soft reset, by pushing the button in the hole on the back of the PDA (unscrew the tip of the stylus to expose a small device to do this). This will not cause a loss of data. If that does not work, your machine may have crashed and done a hard reset, which does cause the loss of data and the data entry program. If your PDA does crash your data will still be on the card, as long as a manual back-up was done.

If your PDA crashes, and does a hard reset, you will need to re-install the Forms 3.2 application from the card. First call Ali, Alison, or Marc. If they are not available and you need to collect data then do the following:

1. If it is the beginning of the hitch, and there is no data backed-up on the card then go to step 3. 2. If you have collected and backed-up data on the memory card then first you must remove the

memory card so that when you backup it does not overwrite your backed-up data with the new data only. Store the card in a safe place until the end of the hitch and then give it and the 2nd card to the supervisor. Insert a new card (everyone should have an extra card).

3. If the PDA has crashed then set the time and date, and turn “beam receive” off in Prefs (that saves battery power). If it does not let you enter the area to change the date and time then skip that (tap next), and then go into “Prefs” and set the date and time.

4. From the main menu tap the “FAFileMover” icon. 5. At the top right are the words RAM, and Card. Whichever one is darker is the one that you are in

and from which files will be copied. Click on the Card button.

6. Select (by clicking in the box and making a check) the following files: a. Forms 3.2 b. Module Updater c. Srv3DefaultDB d. Srv3LookupDB e. Srv3OptionsDB f. Srv3SignatureDB

g. Srv3SurveyDB h. VFS Backup i. VFS BackupList j. VFS BackupLog k. VFS BackupHelper

7. Tap copy at the bottom of the screen, which will copy these files from the card to the PDA. If it asks to replace files then tap “Yes to all.”

8. Check to see that Forms 3.2 application is now on your PDA with the 5 forms. 9. On main screen tap “ModuleUpdater” and tap “Update Now.” 10. On main screen tap “VFS Helper” and tap “Enable.” 11. On main screen tap “VFS backup.”

• Tap the tab at the top left called “VFS backup.” • Tap “Backup” (we are going to tell the PDA what to back-up when you do manual back-ups)

and select (with check marks) the following files: o Srv3270904010 o Srv3270902801 o Srv3270901008 o Srv3270901020 o Srv3270901028 o Srv3270901042

• Tap ok.

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION Determining steps per 3 meters

Determine the number of steps you take over a 3 m distance. In a field or meadow measure 3 m and place a marker at each end. Walk the distance with a normal pace and record the number of steps taken. A clicker is useful to tally the steps. Walk the distance at least six times and determine the average number of steps per 3 meters, which will be the distance between quadrats along the riparian cross-sections. This only needs to be done once at the beginning of the field season. You may want to check your steps per 3 m during the field season and adjust your steps if necessary. Data Sheets

If your PDA crashes and you are not able to contact a vegetation supervisor (Ali, Alison, or Marc), then you will need to record the data on paper. You have been given enough data sheets to do eight reaches (one hitch or more). There is also a copy in the Appendix of this protocol. A supervisor may be able to bring you a PDA, so contact them as soon as possible. Data on paper is more difficult to work with. Synonyms

Some species have had name changes for various reasons. You will encounter older names in some texts and other names in other texts. The PDA has the currently accepted names. If a species is not in the list in the PDA, it is fine to type in the species from Hitchcock and Cronquist (or from other texts we provide, but ask someone about these as soon as possible). Many synonyms, such as those for grasses, are hand-written in each copy of the Flora of the Pacific Northwest.

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LITERATURE CITED

Bonham, C. D. 1989. Measurements for Terrestrial Vegetation. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York. Crowe, E.A. and R.R. Clausnitzer. 1997. Mid-Montane Wetland Plant Associations of the Malheur,

Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region. R6-NR-ECOL-TP-22-97.

Crawford, R.C. 2001. Initial Riparian and Wetland Vegetation Classification and Characterization of the

Columbia Basin in Washington. Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, Washington.

Daubenmire, R.F. 1959. Plants and environment: a textbook of plant autecology. John Wiley and sons.

New York. Hansen, P.L., R.D. Pfister, K. Boggs, B.J. Cook, J. Joy and D.K. Hinckley. 1995. Classification and

Management of Montana’s Riparian and Wetland Sites. University of Montana School of Forestry, Missoula, Montana.

Intermountain Region, USDA Forest Service. 1989. Soil Quality Monitoring Methods. Internal

publication. Kovalchik, B.L. 1987. Riparian Zone Associations: Deschutes, Ochoco, Fremont, and Winema National

Forests. USDA Forest Service, Region 6 Technical Paper 279-87. Kovalchik, B.L. 2001 (Final Draft). Classification and Management of Aquatic, Riparian and Wetland

Sites On the National Forests of Eastern Washington’s Riparian and Wetland Sites. USDA Forest Service. Region 6, Colville, Washington.

Manning, M.E. and W.G. Padgett. 1995. Riparian Community Type Classification for Humboldt and

Toiyabe National Forests, Nevada and Eastern California. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region R4-ECOL-95-01.

Padgett, W.G., A.P.Youngblood and A.H. Winward. 1989. Riparian Community Type Classification of

Utah and Southeastern Idaho. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region, R4-ECOL-89-01. Winward, A.H. 2000. Monitoring the Vegetation Resources in Riparian Areas. USDA Forest Service,

Rocky Mountain Research Station. RMRS-GTR-47. Youngblood, A.P., W.G Padgett and A.H. Winward. 1985. Riparian Community Type Classification of

Eastern Idaho – Western Wyoming. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Region, R4-ECOL-85-01.

21

APPENDICES

Appendix A (Data Entry Using PDA’s) Appendix B (Equipment List) Appendix C (Riparian Vegetation Classifications) Appendix D (Sheets for Greenline and/or Cross-section data collection) Appendix E (Plant labels)

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APPENDIX A

DATA ENTRY USING THE PDA

All riparian vegetation data will be entered directly into PDA’s (personal digital assistants) which are PalmPilot type devices. Please pay attention to the details to eliminate data entry errors. The stream technicians use different data loggers. Care of the PDA

• Handle the PDA with care. • Always use waterproof case when entering data outside. • Do not leave the PDA sitting in the sun, for example on the ground or on the dashboard. • Do not drop the PDA in the water if you can help it. Do not fall in the water with the PDA

around your neck if you can help it. • A pair of batteries will last for about 2-5 days. There is an indicator of the battery charge on

the “home” menu. Look at it each day to see how much juice is left. There will be a warning when the battery is low. When you see that warning replace the batteries as soon as possible. As you are changing batteries the PDA will store existing data for 1 minute only. Do not leave the PDA without batteries or data could be hard to retrieve or lost. Put the new/charged batteries in as quickly as possible. Hopefully you backed-up the data previously, because you may not be able to back-up if there is not much power left in the batteries. If you try to back-up with little battery power left, your machine may crash. So it is probably better not to back-up when there is little battery power. Just change the batteries quickly and you shouldn’t lose any data.

• When hiking or traveling in the truck, always store the PDA in the plastic box provided. • The stylus that comes with the PDA should not be used in the field because it is too easy to

lose. To tap and write use a pen or mechanical pencil with a plastic tip and without the writing piece (ink or lead) extended. In order to not lose the pencil you can tie it to the PDA waterproof case. Do not use any sharp objects to tap or write because they will damage the screen.

• The PDA has a back light (for working in darkness) that can be turned on by holding down the on button for a few seconds. This uses extra power, so do not use it unless needed.

If you have problems with your PDA contact a vegetation supervisor as soon as possible (Ali, Alison, or Marc). If the PDA does not work properly then enter data on paper (sheets provided, or can be copied from the back of this protocol). Data Collection with Forms 3.2 program

The data entry program is “Forms 3.2” and it is accessed by tapping the “home” button. When “Forms 3.2” is opened it will show the different data entry forms: Reach, Greenline quadrats, Greenline species, XS quadrats, and XS species. The forms are indicated by boxes in the Figure 10. The “Reach” form is the parent form (which is why it has a “1)” next to it) and the other forms are subforms which means that they are linked to the parent form. Some data, like “Stream name,” are copied from the “Reach” form to all of the subforms. To begin entering data tap the “Reach” form and then tap “New.” To enter new data for any of the forms the reach form must be entered first, and then the greenline and cross-section data can be filled in. New data cannot be entered from the subforms. Between a parent form and each subform is a review screen (indicated by circles in the diagram) which lists the data that have been entered in that subform. The first time it is accessed for each reach it will be a large blank screen. The relationship of these forms is as follows:

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Example of moving through the forms:

Figure 10. The relationships of the data entry forms.

XS S. review

GL S. review

XS Q. review

GL Q. review

XS Species

Greenline Species

XS Quadrats

Greenline Quadrats1) Reach

After data are entered in the “Reach” form the last button will give you the option of “Greenline quadrats” or “XS quadrats.” Tapping the “Greenline quadrats” button, will take you to the greenline quadrats review screen. To add new data for a greenline quadrat tap the “Add” button. That will take you to the “Greenline quadrats” subform where the bank and transect number can be entered. At the end of that subform tap the button for “GL species data” which will take you to the greenline species review screen. Tap “Add” to enter species data, which will take you to the “Greenline species” subform. Enter the data for that species and then tap “End” which will take you back to the greenline species review screen. Then tap “Add” to enter another species. When the last species for that quadrat has been entered tap “End” which will take you to the greenline species review screen and then tap “Done” to move back to the “Greenline quadrats” form. You are still in the quadrat for which you just entered data, so you need to tap “End” to finish that quadrat before you can enter data for another quadrat. That will take you back to the greenline quadrats review screen and then tap “Add” to enter bank and transect number for a new quadrat. You cannot change the transect or bank after you have entered the quadrat and species data. If you made a mistake then explain it in the comment line.

To finish entering data for a subform tap “End” and to finish entering data for a record indicated on a review screen tap “Done.” These buttons are at the bottom left and right of the screen, so you will do a back and forth tapping jig when you are done with each quadrat.

When entering data you can do it in two different ways, through the “Record view” or through “Field View.” “Record view” shows all of the fields for that record, whereas “Field view” only shows one field at a time. You can go back and forth between the two by tapping on the field name when in “Record view” (which you will probably do by accident frequently) and by tapping “Record view” when you are in “Field view.”

Most fields are required and must be completed before you can exit that record. For example, when you tap “End” for a record but you have not entered all of the required fields there will be a message that a certain field needs to be completed. It will give you the option to “Edit record” or to “Delete record.” If you merely forgot to enter data for a field then tap “Edit record” and it will send you back so that you can add the missing information. If you did not mean to enter a new record and it is blank then it is fine to tap “Delete record” because it is a blank record anyway.

Fields with key symbols next to them are “primary keys” which means that they must be unique. This means that a given entry (or combination if there are multiple primary keys) cannot be entered more than once for that field(s).

The PDA will automatically shut off after a set time (30 seconds to 2 minutes) of non-use. Just push the “On” button (black with green dot) and it will turn the machine on and open where you were when it went off.

You do not save information. It saves it on the PDA as you enter it. Lists are to help you with data entry. Other information can be typed if you do not find the needed

information in the list. Hopefully most of what you need will be in the lists. Sometimes when you click on an item in a list, different text will appear on that line. That is a

code for the selection you made. For example, if you tap the 5% - 25% option in the “Cover” field the value 2 will be recorded which represents cover class 2.

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The forms and fields (in record view) Reach

End

1)ReachStream Name ……………. Group ……………. Order ……………. Reach type ……………. Date 5/20/03 Crew ……………. Veg Technician ……………. Veg XS angle ……………. Entire valley botto ……………. Comment (reach) ……………. Data collection

Stream name: The name of the stream on “Form 1” that your supervisor will give you for each reach. Do not worry about capitalization (on this or any other field). This data cannot be changed after you leave the reach page. If you have made a mistake on it you will need to describe it in the comment line.

Group: A number between 1 – 175 (or occasionally 500) that identifies the stream reach that you are sampling. You will find this number on the paper called “Form 1” that your supervisor will give you for each reach. It is essential that you enter this number correctly. This data cannot be changed after you leave the reach page. If you have made a mistake on it you will need to describe it in the comment line.

Order: This is a number between 1 – 25 that identifies the stream reach that you are sampling. You will find this number on the paper called “Form 1” that your supervisor will give you for each reach. It is essential that you enter this number correctly. This data cannot be changed after you leave the reach page. If you have made a mistake on it you will need to describe it in the comment line.

Reach type: This indicates whether the reach is an integrator (I), key or designated monitoring area (K), sentinel (S), quality assurance (Q) site, training (T), other (O), or some combination of those categories. You will find this text on the paper called “Form 1” that your supervisor will give you for each reach. It is essential that you enter this text correctly. This data cannot be changed after you leave the reach page. If you have made a mistake on it you will need to describe it in the comment line.

Crew That is your 3-person crew code (Idaho 1, Montana 3, etc.)

Veg Technician: Your name

Veg XS angle: The angle that indicates the direction of the riparian cross-sections.

Entire valley bottom width (avg): The estimated width category of the valley bottom from one edge of the valley bottom (often the same as the riparian area) to the other edge.

Data Collection: The button that allows you to jump to the subform for greenline or cross-section quadrats. 2nd Veg Technician: The name of a second vegetation technician if there is one at that site (not required). Comment: Any comment you have about the reach (not required).

Subform Stream name Salmon upper LGreenline quadrats Lookup:……. Add Done

Review screen for Greenline (or XS) quadrats subform There is a review screen that lists quadrats that have already been entered. It will be empty the first time it is viewed. Tap “Add” to enter data for a quadrat. Tap “Done” when all quadrats are completed.

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Greenline (or XS) quadrats subform Stream name and Reach type data are carried over from the reach page (they cannot be changed).

End

Greenline quadrats Stream name Salmon upperReach type IS Bank Transect number …………. Comment (GL quad)………….. GL species data

Bank:

left or right (when looking downstream) Transect number:

The number of the channel transect associated with the Greenline quadrat or XS quadrat where data is being collected.

Quadrat location (for XS only): The distance in meters of the XS quadrat from the greenline. Quadrat position (for XS only): Whether the quadrat is in the valley bottom or the uplands. Bare ground (for XS only): The number of the 4 points of the quadrat that are bare ground. Comment: Any comment you have about this quadrat (not required). GL (or XS) species data: The button that jumps you to the subform for greenline or cross-section species data entry.

Subform Stream name LGreenline species Lookup:……. DoneAdd

Review screen for Greenline (or XS) species subform There is a review screen that lists the species that have already been entered. It will be empty the first time it is viewed. Tap “Add” to enter species data. Tap “Done” when all species for that quadrat have been entered. Greenline (or XS) species subform Greenline species

Stream name Salmon upperReach type IS Bank Right Transect number 1 Species …………. Cover ……………… Woody height ……………… Collected? ……………… Genus (if spp. unk………………Comment (gl spp)……………… End

Stream name, Reach type, Bank, and Transect number, and Quadrat location (XS only) data are carried over from previous forms (they cannot be changed). Species: The species observed with cover over the quadrat. Cover: The estimated cover class. Woody height (greenline only): The height category of the species within the quadrat. Collected? (in quadrat): Whether a specimen of the species was collected and why. Genus (if spp unknown):

The genus of the plant. This is only entered if the species was recorded as “unknown #.” If the species was entered then leave this field blank.

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APPENDIX B

EQUIPMENT LIST

Gear for everyone (verify that you have it with √ or the quantity if more than one): Compass Lumbar pack

Hand lens Lanyard Notebook (pocket size) PDA PDA AAA batteries PDA CompactFlash Adapter (memory card slides into it) PDA memory cards PDA waterproof case PDA clear protective box Pencils Plant digger Small field plant press Plant labels Standard plant press with cardboard and felt (you need to get newspaper) Probe Protocol Quadrat frame Pin flag Ruler Forceps Field Guide to Intermountain Rushes (Hurd et al. 1997) Field Guide to Intermountain Sedges (Hurd et al. 1998), with added key Field Guide to the Willows of East Central Idaho (Brunsfeld and Johnson 1985), with added key Flora of the Pacific Northwest (Hitchcock and Cronquist 1998) 2004 Plant Identification Guide for PIBO Gear that may be available at the bunkhouse Dissecting scope Sample specimens Community type classification guides for each area (see Table 2) Common Plants of the Inland Pacific Northwest Field Guide to Forest plants of Northern Idaho (Patterson et al. 1985) Willows of Montana (Heinze 1992) Plant Identification Terminology (Harris and Harris, 1999)

Please leave all your gear at the bunkhouse, with everything together in an organized manner, and in a obvious location, so that someone else could find it if you were not able to report to work (because of severe illness for example).

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APPENDIX C

RIPARIAN VEGETATION CLASSIFICATIONS

The riparian vegetation classifications listed below can help familiarize you with species that you

will encounter. Copies are available in the bunkhouse, and we can provide you with your own copy if desired.

Authors Text Code Title Geographical Area of Interest

to this Project (secondary areas in parentheses)

Kovalchik (2001)

KOV-WA Classification and Management of Eastern Washington’s Riparian and Wetland Sites

Eastern Washington of higher elevations (Idaho panhandle)

Hansen et al. (1995)

HANSEN Classification and Management of Montana’s Riparian and Wetland Sites

Montana (Idaho panhandle)

Crowe & Clausnitzer (1997)

CROWE Mid-Montane Wetland Plant Associations of the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests

Eastern Oregon (West-Central Idaho)

Manning & Padgett (1995)

MANNING Riparian Community Type Classification for Humboldt and Toiyabe National Forests, Nevada and Eastern California

Northern Nevada (Southern Idaho)

Youngblood et al. (1985)

YOUNGBLOOD Riparian Community Type Classification of Eastern Idaho – Western Wyoming

Central and Southern Idaho

Padgett et al. (1989)

PADGETT Riparian Community Type Classification of Utah and Southeastern Idaho

Central and Southern Idaho

Kovalchik (1987)

KOV-OR Riparian Zone Associations: Deschutes, Ochoco, Fremont, and Winema National Forests

Central Oregon

Crawford (2001)

CRAWFORD Initial Riparian and Wetland Vegetation Classification and Characterization of the Columbia Basin in Washington

Eastern Washington of lower elevation (Northeastern Oregon)

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29

30

Plant ID:_________________________ Group:_____Order:______Type: I K S Q Other

Reason Collected: UNKNOWN RANDOM DOMINANT WEED TE

Habit/Comment:________________________________________________________________

Greenline Cross-Section Bank: L R OR Bank: L R Channel Transect #:__________ Channel Transect #:________ Meter: 3

Plant ID:_________________________ Group:_____Order:______Type: I K S Q Other

Reason Collected: UNKNOWN RANDOM DOMINANT WEED TE

Habit/Comment:________________________________________________________________

Greenline Cross-Section Bank: L R OR Bank: L R Channel Transect #:__________ Channel Transect #:________ Meter: 3

Plant ID:_________________________ Group:_____Order:______Type: I K S Q Other

Reason Collected: UNKNOWN RANDOM DOMINANT WEED TE

Habit/Comment:________________________________________________________________

Greenline Cross-Section Bank: L R OR Bank: L R Channel Transect #:__________ Channel Transect #:________ Meter: 3

Plant ID:_________________________ Group:_____Order:______Type: I K S Q Other

Reason Collected: UNKNOWN RANDOM DOMINANT WEED TE

Habit/Comment:________________________________________________________________

Greenline Cross-Section Bank: L R OR Bank: L R Channel Transect #:__________ Channel Transect #:________ Meter: 3

Plant ID:_________________________ Group:_____Order:______Type: I K S Q Other

Reason Collected: UNKNOWN RANDOM DOMINANT WEED TE

Habit/Comment:________________________________________________________________

Greenline Cross-Section Bank: L R OR Bank: L R Channel Transect #:__________ Channel Transect #:________ Meter: 3

2004____S ___

6 9

2004____S ___

6 9

2004____S ___

6 9

2004____S ___

6 9

2004____S ___

6 9