DFG Mandate for Vegetation Mapping and Classification

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DFG Mandate for Vegetation Mapping and
Classification

• Vegetation MOU Connections
• October 23, 2007

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Key Components to SB 85

• Requires a published state-wide standard for
  vegetation classification
• Standard methods for field data collection, image
  interpretation, and digital map production and
  attribution
• Requires training manuals and materials, tools,
  and database structures
• Requires post- project accuracy assessment and
  public review
• Standard methods of induction of new and updated
  map products into the state system
• All components guided by collaboration with the
  MOU Committee

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Funding

• 3.86 Million over 4 years from WCB
• Additional Funding from Prop. 84 over next 5
  years?

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• Prioritizes Based on DFG Business Needs
• N. Sierra Foothills
• San Joaquin Valley and surroundings
• Central Coast
• S.F. Bay Area
• Regional Planning Efforts

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Ecological Sections Form Basis for Tile
Boundaries
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Desired Outcomes

• Build on Veg MOU progress
• Meet other needs as much as feasible
• Continue to strengthen partnerships on veg
  mapping
• Meet DFG needs and legislative requirements

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Concepts Used in The DFG Integrative Approach to
Vegetation Inventory

• Classification
• Vegetation sampling
• Data analysis
• Reporting and archiving
• Vegetation Mapping
• GIS analysis and modeling
• Conservation Planning
• Resource Management

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DFG business needs Standard Classification
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2007 MCV 2 Classification

• Total almost 500 alliances
• Formal definition and description of 240 new
  alliances since 1995
• Over 1000 new plant associations since 1995
• New NVC/IVC classification hierarchy

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New NVC/IVC Hierarchy
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DFG business needs Example of vegetation
Alliance

• Salvia leucophylla Shrubland Alliance
• 4 associations, 9 phases, 248 samples

Salvia leucophylla- Artemisia californica
Association
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Californian Drought-Deciduous Scrub (Lupinus
albifrons, Lotus scoparius) Macrogroup Growth
forms Stands are dominated by Broad-leaved
deciduous shrubs (SBD) with drought-deciduous or
partially drought-deciduous leaves. Some species
produce dimorphic leaves including thinner and
larger spring and winter leaves, which drop off
at the onset of late spring and summer drought
and smaller, thicker, or more hairy leaves, which
persist through the dry season. Individual
stands vary in their deciduousness depending on
exposure and on yearly conditions. Typically
these shrubs are small to moderate sized (0.5 2
m tall) and are relatively short-lived. They have
small spreading roots and are not usually strong
post-disturbance resprouters. Ecological
factors Regional climate Stands are
restricted to winter-wet, summer- dry
(Mediterranean) climate 200-360 frost free days.
Geographic region Californian Province and
Mojavean sub-province of Sonoran Province
(Takhtajan 1986). in areas below 1500 m
elevation. The best geographical representation
of this group is in the central California Coast
Ranges and in the southern California Coastal
area ranging south to northwestern Baja
California, Mexico.
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DFG business needs As much as possible, stands
seen on the ground should be mapped
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DFG business needs Mapping Standards

• NAIP Imagery 2005
• Attributes include
• Vegetation Type (CA and National Vegetation
  Classification multi-resolution standards)
• Cover for each Vegetative Lifeform
• By layer
• Separate hardwood and conifer cover
• Vegetation Stand Height (6 height classes)
• Tree Size for Woodland Forest Types (WHR size
  classes)
• Exotic vegetation rating and other disturbance
  codes

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DFG business needs Minimum Mapping Unit Standards

• Guidelines
• General - 2 acres
• 1 acre for wetlands/riparian
• 2 - 5 Acres for non floristic breaks (density -
  exotics - cleared - height - size)
• 5 - 10 Acres - Land use changes in Non-natural
  areas (Agriculture - Urban)
• About 30 ft. minimum width (extended narrow
  polygons in natural settings - riparian)

Represents 1 Acre
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Process Efficiencies Segmentation to
Delineation Phase Medium-scale Fine-scale
1 polygon of Lower Elevation Mixed Chaparral
Habitat (in Blue)
323 polygons of 21 Alliances (in Yellow)
Scale of imagery 16,600
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Expected accuracy for all mappable types is

• 80 or greater

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General Rules of AA for DFG Mapping

• Assume spatial accuracy based on
  ortho-rectification standards and use of
  fine-scale imagery for interpretation
• Test thematic accuracy of most needed types with
  a directed approach immediately after map is done
  (include floristic and structural themes)
• Allocate samples based on polygons, not points
• Use field crews who know the vegetation and the
  limits of the map
• Need to understand the ecological relationships
  between types and need to know what the balance
  between fine-scale needs and acceptable accuracy

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VegCAMP Website

• New information on products and standards are
  being added regularly
• http//www.dfg.ca.gov/whdab/html/vegcamp.html