Dataset: Baxter State Park Tree Measurements

Methods

The methods followed in the creation of the dataset, including description of field, laboratory and processing steps, and quality control procedures

Current Methods

• Sample Locations
  Started: 2012-08-13
  

  The majority of sample locations were established using a grid system at the scale of the entire SFMA area. Additional samples have been established in specific stands or forest areas, also on area specific grids. All sample locations are given and recorded using UTM coordinates in meters for UTM Zone 19 with reference to the North American Datum for 1983 (NAD83). If a sample location is substantially different (>30-50+ft) of the location given by the GPS unit (the catalogued location) the correct location should be recorded in the field. A minimum of 100 averaged readings must be taken. *Record the actual (not as planned) GPS coordinates as UTM northing and easting on the data sheet.

• Finding/Marking the Sample Center:
  Started: 2012-08-13
  

  When approaching the GPS location, look for bark-scribed trees and witness tree tags as well as tree ID numbers in blue paint. Look for the rebar/steel center pin, plastic flagging may be visible on the pin or trees around it, the witness tree azimuths and distances can help in finding an obscured pin. If the plot center pin cannot be found, consider returning with a metal detector to find the pin if it became buried. Otherwise re-establish the plot center, marked with a rebar pin driven partly into the ground, based on tree azimuths and distances. Hang a long-tailed flag as close to the plot center as possible.

  Instrumentation: Garmin GPS unit with averaging capability, Spare Batteries, Suunto compass or mirror type sighting compass set for azimuths, Metal Detector, Flagging, Rebar Pin

• Plot Perimeter
  Started: 2012-08-13
  

  Tree distance will be measured from plot center to the center side of the tree stump. Borderline “out” trees will be marked with an “X” at approximate DBH using blue tube paint.

  Instrumentation: Garmin GPS unit with averaging capability, Spare Batteries, Suunto compass or mirror type sighting compass set for azimuths, Metal Detector, Flagging, Rebar Pin, Blue Tube Paint

Dataset Fields

Detailed documentation of the fields comprising the dataset, including the type of measurement, units where applicable, and any controlled vocabularies or code lists present in the data

Sampling Equipment

Equipment and software used to collect data, including how that equipment was used.

Current Equipment

• 100' Loggers or fiberglass tape
  
  

  Acts as back up for Haglof Vertex Hypsometer to measure distances from center.

• Aluminum nails
  
  

  Used for marking trees

• Blue Nel-spot paint and paintgun: spare nozzles, tip cleaning probe, and small pliers
  
  

  Used to mark trees

• D-tape (inches)
  
  

  Used to measure tree diameters

• Diameter Fork
  
  

  Used as an alternative method to measure tree diameter

• Extra plot center pins
  
  

  Used in the case that center pins are ruined or can't be found

• Flat aluminum tags
  
  

  Used to tag witness trees around plot center

• Garmin GPS unit with averaging capability: spare batteries
  
  

  Used to relocate plots and to mark new plots if needed

• Haglof plot center pole and 360 degree mount
  
  

  Used with Haglof Vertex IV Hypsometer to hold unit up while researcher measures tree heights and horizontal distances

• Haglof Vertex IV Hypsometer: spare batteries (AA)
  
  

  Used to measure tree heights and horizontal distance

• Hammer
  
  

  Used to fix or pulls nails

• Nelson blue tree marking tube paint
  
  

  Used to mark trees

• Suunto compass or mirror type sighting compass set for azimuths
  
  

  Used with Garmin GPS to navigate to and from plots.

Site Characteristics

The spatial extent of the dataset site coverage, and descriptions of the spatial extent and context for the data collection

• Site Description

  Northwest Corner of Baxter State Park (SFMA)