Dataset: Deer Exclosure Monitoring Sapling Data for Vassar

Methods

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

Current Methods

• Plot establishment
  Started: 2013-06-01
  

  Three pairs of 10 m x 10 m permanent plots were established in two unique locations. The two locations are characterized by relatively level terrain with a mixed oak overstory. The paired plots are separated from one another by a 5m buffer. The unfenced and fenced treatments were randomly assigned to the plots at each location. Fenced treatment plots were enclosed by a 2.5m-tall fence. A small (~25cm x 25cm) hole was cut at ground level on each side of the fence to allow smaller animals access to the fenced area. To permanently identify the unfenced plots, all four corners were marked with metal fence posts. A corner of origin was identified (to facilitate locating trees, saplings, etc. in the following years using a grid system). Sampling occurs in the summer, ideally in July, on the year of installation and every 5 years afterwards.

  Instrumentation: compass, GPS

  Software: ArcGIS

  Quality Control Measures: GPS points taken at plot corners.

• Sapling Layer
  Started: 2013-06-27
  

  All individuals whose growth habits are designated as “tree” by the New York Flora Atlas, who are between 0.5 and 2 m tall with at least 50% of their stem(s) emerging from the ground inside of the plot will be evaluated in the sapling layer the year of exclosure installation and every 5 years afterwards. Each stem that emerges from the ground at a distinct location is considered a sapling. Saplings are tagged and assigned a number. The coordinate position (X and Y distance from the designated “origin”, in meters) is measured, primarily so that researchers can find saplings whose tags have fallen off between monitoring rounds. The presence/absence of browse, species, and undisturbed height (cm) to the tallest bud (without stretching the shoot) are measured.

  Quality Control Measures: Data is proofread two times after entering.

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.

Site Characteristics

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

• Site Description

  Two paired plots are located in upland oak forests.

  Minimum Altitude: 36 meters

  Maximum Altitude: 55 meters