Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Vegetation Classification and Mapping at Lava Beds National Monument and Crater Lake National Park

Project ID: J8W07110012

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Southern Oregon University

Fiscal Year: 2011

Initial Funding: $178,820

Total Funding: $816,279

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Klamath Network Inventory & Monitoring

Principal Investigator: Jones, Greg

Agreement Technical Representative: Sarr, Daniel

Abstract: The Klamath Network comprises six National Park Service (NPS) units in southern Oregon and northern California, including Crater Lake National Park (CRLA), Lava Beds National Monument (LABE), and Oregon Caves National Monument (ORCA). The Klamath Network Inventory & Monitoring Program (KLMN I&M) is overseeing the mapping of vegetation in the parks according to NPS National Vegetation Mapping and Classification Standards. The KLMN I&M Program proposes to complete vegetation mapping projects at all parks by FY2015. Classification and mapping are currently in progress at ORCA, with initial field data collected at LABE. Preparations and planning have been done to begin field data collection at CRLA. The KLMN I&M Program will collaborate with Southern Oregon University to design and conduct vegetation mapping at LABE and CRLA. This collaborative effort will be achieved through the cooperation of NPS staff, contractors, university researchers, NPS I&M staff, the NPS Fire Program, the NPS regional GIS program, the NPS National Vegetation Mapping Program, and cooperating agencies and organizations. The focus during the first year of this project will be on finishing field data collection for LABE, classifying data, and conducting fieldwork at CRLA. Subsequent years will support completing field data collection at CRLA and completion of vegetation classifications, vegetation maps, databases, and final reports for both parks. There are several public benefits of the project, including that the vegetation classifications and current, state-of-the-science vegetation maps can be used to inform the public about natural vegetation and biological diversity represented within these parks. The vegetation maps can also be used by a wide range of public entities, from government agencies to private and public organizations for a variety of applications. These applications could include managing natural resources, conducting research, identifying sensitive or threatened habitats, or creating education programs. The products will also establish a baseline documentation of the vegetation against which to evaluate change in this public resource over time.

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