The files linked to this reference are the geospatial data created as part of the completion of the baseline vegetation inventory project for the NPS park unit. Current format is ArcGIS file geodatabase but older formats may exist as shapefiles.

Random sample points were generated in ArcGIS. Points were buffered 40 meters from the park boundary and 80 meters from another point. The minimum mapping unit used in delineating vegetation polygons was 0.5 hectare. All random points were selected within the park boundary to avoid any private land issues. Randomly selected site locations were loaded onto a Garmin GPS unit for field navigation. All accuracy assessment field work was completed on June 26, 2012. Field staff was provided with a GPS unit, dichotomous key for mapping vegetation map classes and vegetation class definitions. Plot shape and size varied according to the extent of the vegetation class patch containing the sample point. Circular 0.25 hectare (28 m radius) plots were used for larger patches while circular 0.1 hectare (18 m radius) plots were used for small patches approaching the minimum mapping unit. A circular plot size of 0.5 hectare (40 m radius) was used to capture information for a single large homogenous patch. In all cases, plot size exceeded the minimum patch size for PIPE.

Minimum Mapping Unit = 0.5 hectare Minimum Patch Size=.007 hectares Total Size = 55 Polygons Average Polygon Size = 5.39 acres (2.18 hectares) Overall Thematic Accuracy = 97.9% Project Completion Date: 12/2013