Identification_Information: Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: U.S. Geological Survey Department of Interior Publication_Date: 19980310 Title: Spatial Vegetation Data for Fort Laramie National Historic Site Vegetation Mapping Project Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: map Series_Information: Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Issue_Identification: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Denver CO Publisher: USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics Other_Citation_Details: Created under contract to the USGS-BRD-CBI Online_Linkage: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/ftp/vegmapping/fola/fola.zip Description: Abstract: The National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with the Biological Resources Division (BRD) of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), has implemented a program to "develop a uniform hierarchical vegetation methodology" at a national level. The program will also create a geographic information system (GIS) database for the parks under its management. The purpose of the data is to document the state of vegetation within the NPS service area during the 1990's, thereby providing a baseline study for further analysis at the Regional or Service-wide level. The vegetation units of this map were determined through stereoscopic interpretation of aerial photographs supported by field sampling and ecological analysis. The vegetation boundaries were identified on the photographs by means of the photographic signatures and collateral information on slope, hydrology, geography, and vegetation in accordance with the Standardized National Vegetation Classification System (October 1995). The mapped vegetation reflects conditions that existed during the specific year and season that the aerial photographs were taken (July, 1995). There is an inherent margin of error in the use of aerial photography for vegetation delineation and classification. Purpose: The purpose of this spatial data is to provide the National Park Service the necessary tools to manage the natural resources within this park system. Several parks, representing different regions, environmental conditions, and vegetation types, were chosen by BRD to be part of the prototype phase of the program. The initial goal of the prototype phase is to "develop, test, refine, and finalize the standards and protocols" to be used during the production phase of the project. This includes the development of a standardized vegetation classification system for each park and the establishment of photointerpretation, field, and accuracy assessment procedures. Fort Laramie National Historic Site was designated as one of the prototype parks. The monument is located in the high Great Plains. It contains prairie, hill, and riverine environments, with vegetation types that include upland woodland, prairie grassland, riverine woodland, and wetlands. Supplemental_Information: Fort Laramie National Historic Site was created by the National Park Service on July 16, 1938. The park occupies 833 acres of land on the Laramie River, west of its confluence with the North Platte River in western Wyoming. Bureau of Land Management land south of the park (referred to as Plot 3) and northwest of the park (referred to as Plots 1 and 5) are also within the mapping study area. The park is primarily preserved as an historic site. The fort site was occupied first as a fur trading center, then subsequently as a military outpost. It further served as a way station for trappers, traders, and emigrants on the Oregon Trail. The old fort site, located in the western end of the park, contains a complex of restored buildings and ruins, dating from mid and late 19th century, surrounding a lawn quadrangle. The remainder of the park contains disturbed prairie and floodplains. The park itself lies mainly on the floodplain terrace of the Laramie River, with a portion on the North Platte River floodplain terrace just west of their confluence. A small portion of the northwest corner of the park lies above the terrace. Plot 3 lies directly south of the park, across the Fort Laramie Canal. It is an area of rolling hills. Plots 1 and 5 lie 1/4 mile northwest of the park, also in rolling hills. The park is surrounded by rolling hills that are used for grazing and some agricultural cultivation. The city of Fort Laramie is located 3 miles to the northeast of the park. Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 19950715 Currentness_Reference: Source photography date Status: Progress: Complete Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None Planned Spatial_Domain: Bounding_Coordinates: West_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.5729 East_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.5269 North_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.225 South_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.18889 Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Fort Laramie National Historic Site and selected environs. Keywords: Theme: Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: none Theme_Keyword: National Park Service Theme_Keyword: U.S. Geological Service Theme_Keyword: The Nature Conservancy Theme_Keyword: Aerial Information Systems Theme_Keyword: Center for Biological Informatics Theme_Keyword: land cover Theme_Keyword: vegetation Theme_Keyword: alliance Theme_Keyword: association Theme_Keyword: land use Theme_Keyword: Environmental System Research Institute Place: Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: none Place_Keyword: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Place_Keyword: Wyoming Taxonomy: Keywords/Taxon: Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: none Taxonomic_Keywords: plant communities Taxonomic_Classification: Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae Access_Constraints: None Use_Constraints: No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes. Any person using the information presented here should fully understand the data collection and compilation procedures, as described in these metadata, before beginning analysis. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. For purposes of publication or dissemination, citations should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service. Point_of_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: USGS BRD Center for Biological Informatics Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302 City: Denver State_or_Province: Colorado Postal_Code: 80225 Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Browse_Graphic: Browse_Graphic_File_Name: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/images/folavegmap.pdf Browse_Graphic_File_Description: vegetation distribution of Fort Laramie National Historic Site and environs; low resolution for web browser. Browse_Graphic_File_Type: PDF Data_Set_Credit: USGS, NPS, ESRI, TNC Native_Data_Set_Environment: UNIX-ARC/INFO Data_Quality_Information: Attribute_Accuracy: Attribute_Accuracy_Report: These data have a combined total accuracy of 82.0% (confidence interval 70% - 100%). Individual class accuracies range from 70% to 100% in both errors of commission and omission. Logical_Consistency_Report: All polygon features are checked for topology using the ARC/INFO software. Each polygon begins and ends at the same point with the node feature. All nodes are checked for error so that there are no dangling features. There are no duplictae lines or polygons. All nodes will snap together and close polygons based on a specific tolerance. If the node is not within the tolerance, it is adjusted manually. The test for logical consistency are performed in ARC/INFO. Completeness_Report: All data that can be photointerpreted is also digitized. This includes alliance/association classes, surface water, and unvegetated/landuse. Positional_Accuracy: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Unknown. The positional accuracy of the base digital ortho image is not known. It is assumed the map meets National Map Accuracy Standards. Vertical_Positional_Accuracy: Vertical_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Unknown. The positional accuracy of the base digital ortho image is not known. It is assumed the map meets National Map Accuracy Standards. Lineage: Methodology: Methodology_Type: Field Methodology_Identifier: Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: none Methodology_Keyword: field plots Methodology_Description: Developmental of Programmatic and Technical Team: This project required the combined expertise and oversight of several organizations. Oversight and programmatic considerations are managed by the Center for Biological Informatics of the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey. The National Park Service provided additional guidance. The technical responsibilities for the mapping effort were divided between TNC and AIS. TNC responsibilities and deliverables included the following: Create a vegetation classification system based upon field species level data and consistent with the Standard National Classification System at the Alliance or Community Element level Provide documentation that describes the national classes at the local and global levels, with field keys, and field data in a *.dbf format. Provide technical opinion to BOR as the mapping portion of the project proceeds. Provide field notes and site descriptions BOR responsibilities and deliverables included the following: Digital files of vegetation on Compact (CD); including topology and labeling for height, density, and pattern subclasses; location of field sample sites; and locations of sites used for accuracy assessment in Arc/Info format Any ancillary digital files developed during the mapping process Digital FGDC compliant metadata file for each digital file delivered Annotated field site photographs Original mylar overlays of interpreted photographs Hard copy vegetation map Accuracy assessment Final report describing all procedures used in developing the final map and accuracy assessment Planning and Review Meeting An initial meeting was held with all interested parties to discuss several aspects of the mapping effort. Foremost among these was the mapping extent. Vegetation issues particular to the park were addressed. Preliminary Data Collection and Review of Existing Information To reduce duplicating previous work and to help in our effort we collected existing vegetation reports and maps from the staff at Fort Laramie National Historic Site. These materials were referenced during the mapping process and the information contained in them was incorporated where it was deemed useful. Because soils also affect the distribution of vegetation, soil maps and soil descriptions were also obtained as reference. These were not converted to a digital file. Digital elevation models (DEM) were obtained to create slope and aspect maps that helped in determining vegetation community distribution. Vegetation Sampling The sampling approach used in this mapping effort was typical of small park sampling, where all polygons within the park boundary are sampled. Two levels of field data gathering were conducted in this park; plots and observations. Plots represented the most intensive sampling of the landscape and used TNC's 'Plot Form'. Observations consisted of brief descriptions and were designed to obtain a quick overview of the landscape without spending a large amount of time at each sample site. Observation points used the 'Observation Form' data sheet. Examples of both 'Plot' and 'Observation' forms are included in the companion report by TNC. Initially, plots were used to describe the vegetation of the park. A total of 49 plots were obtained from July through August 1996. These plots were used by TNC to describe the vegetation associations found within the park. These descriptions are in the companion report by TNC. Map Validation A field trip was conducted in July of 1997 to assess the initial mapping effort and to refine map class. Methodology_Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: Aerial Information Systems (AIS) Publication_Date: Unpublished Material Title: Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming BRD/NPS Vegetation and Inventory and Mapping Program Edition: Version 1 Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Report Series_Information: Series_Name: Unknown Issue_Identification: Unknown Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Unknown Publisher: Ed Reyes Other_Citation_Details: Unknown Source_Information: Source_Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: Kenny Aerial Mapping Company, Phoenix, AZ Publication_Date: 19950912 Title: Fort Laramie National Historic Site CIR Aerial Photography Edition: Version 1 Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: CIR Photo Series_Information: Series_Name: Unknown Issue_Identification: Unknown Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Phoenix, AZ Publisher: Kenney Aerial Mapping for USGS Other_Citation_Details: The aerial photography is CIR 1:6000 scale. The camera calibration report is USGS report Number OSL/2066 dated January 12, 1995 Online_Linkage: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/photos.pdf Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000 Type_of_Source_Media: CIR Photography and Natural Color Source_Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 19950912 Source_Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition: Source_Citation_Abbreviation: KAM Source_Contribution: None Source_Information: Source_Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: Uknown Publication_Date: 1998 Title: Digital Orthophotograph of Fort Laramie National Historic Site Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Remote-Sensing Image Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Unknown Publisher: Unknown Other_Citation_Details: The digital orthophotograph is a 1:2400 scale image. Source_Scale_Denominator: 2400 Type_of_Source_Media: Electronic Mail System Source_Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 1998 Source_Currentness_Reference: Imagery date Source_Citation_Abbreviation: fola orthophoto Source_Contribution: This digital orthophoto provided the project basemap Source_Information: Source_Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: USGSBRD, Center for Biological Informatics Publication_Date: 19971215 Title: Vegetation Sampling and Classification Report Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report Series_Information: Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Issue_Identification: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Denver, CO Publisher: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics Other_Citation_Details: This report was generated by The Nature Conservancy under contract to the USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics Online_Linkage: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/folarpt.pdf Type_of_Source_Media: digital Source_Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 19971215 Source_Currentness_Reference: Ground Condition Source_Citation_Abbreviation: fola field data Source_Contribution: This document provides the Field Key, and Vegetation categories used in the mapping process. Source_Information: Source_Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics Publication_Date: 199411 Title: Accuracy Assessment Procedures, NBS/NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report Series_Information: Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Issue_Identification: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Denver, CO Publisher: USGS/BRD, Center for Biological Informatics Other_Citation_Details: This report was prepared by Environmental Systems Research Institute; Redlands, CA, National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA and The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA under contract from the U.S. Department of Interior National Biological Survey and National Park Service. Online_Linkage: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/standards/NPSVI_Accuracy_Assessment_Guidelines_ver2.pdf Type_of_Source_Media: electronic document Source_Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 199411 Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Accuracy Assessment Procedures Documents Source_Contribution: This document established the procedures and protocols for the accuracy assessment at Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Source_Information: Source_Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: U.S. Geological Survey Originator: Department of the Interior Publication_Date: 19980904 Title: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Photo Interpretation and Map Generation Procedures Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report Series_Information: Series_Name: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Issue_Identification: Fort Laramie National Historic Site Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Denver, CO Publisher: USGS, Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics Other_Citation_Details: Created in large part by Aerial Information Systems, Inc. under contract rom USGS/BRD/CBI. Online_Linkage: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/folapirpt.pdf Type_of_Source_Media: digital Source_Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Single_Date/Time: Calendar_Date: 19980904 Source_Currentness_Reference: Report date Source_Citation_Abbreviation: fola mapping report Source_Contribution: Photo interpretation was done by trained interpreters familiar with the vegetation communities of the Site on overlays registered to the aerial photographs under a stereoscope. Vegetation communities were idendified on the basis of their color, pattern, texture, and location on the landscape and lines were drawn around the communities. The photo interpreters had visited the monument and conferred with the ecologists who performed the vegetation classification and were familiar with the vegetation communities. Not all vegetation associations could be identified on the photography due to size constraints and complexity of the vegetation. Map classes were assigned in these cases and a cross-walk was made to the vegetation classification Process_Step: Process_Description: Air Photo Interpretation All map classes were interpreted from existing 1:12,000 scale, color photography taken on July 25, 1995. The photographs were acquired from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Photointerpretation used the standard identification features such as tone, texture, color, pattern, topographic position, and shadow. In addition, field sample locations and their vegetation descriptions aided in assigning map class to each polygon. All photographs were examined using a stereoscope. Digital elevation models (DEM's) were processed and converted to slope and aspect coverages. These helped to provide additional perspectives of the landscape. Seven photographs were interpreted for the entire mapping area. Digital scans of these photographs are included as .tif files on the CD included with this report. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: AIS Process_Date: 19980601 Source_Produced_Citation_Abbreviation: AIS Process_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: Bureau of Reclamations Contact_Address: Address_Type: Physical Address City: Redlands State_or_Province: CA Postal_Code: Unknown Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: Unknown Process_Step: Process_Description: In conjunction with the photoverification and field sampling effort, NBS (now USGS, BRD, CBI) personnel performed a locational accuracy test comparing the accuracy of a global positioning system (GPS) versus manual location techniques. The TNC biologist "pin-pricked" all of the sample site locations onto the aerial photos while the NBS staff captured the location using GPS. The "pin-pricked" locations were subsequently input into the GIS database for comparison against the GPS locations for the same site. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: fola CIR Aerial Photography Process_Date: 199510 Source_Produced_Citation_Abbreviation: Analysis of Accuracy Assessment Procedures at Fort Laramie National Historic Site Process_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: USGS Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator Contact_Address: Address_Type: Mailing Address Address: USGS Address: Biological Resources Division, Center for Biological Informatics Address: PO Box 25046 DFC, MS302 City: Denver State_or_Province: Colorado Postal_Code: 80225-0046 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4229 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 (org) Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Spatial_Data_Organization_Information: Indirect_Spatial_Reference: Fort Laramie National Historic Site is located in Gossen County, Wyoming. The Historic Site is 2 miles south of Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point Point_and_Vector_Object_Information: SDTS_Terms_Description: SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Point Spatial_Reference_Information: Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition: Planar: Grid_Coordinate_System: Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator Universal_Transverse_Mercator: UTM_Zone_Number: 13 Transverse_Mercator: Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -105 Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0 False_Easting: 50000 False_Northing: 0 Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: .9996 Planar_Coordinate_Information: Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair Coordinate_Representation: Abscissa_Resolution: 1 Ordinate_Resolution: 1 Planar_Distance_Units: meters Geodetic_Model: Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983 Ellipsoid_Name: Geodedic Reference System 80 Semi-major_Axis: 6378137 Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257 Entity_and_Attribute_Information: Overview_Description: Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: The system is organized hierarchically to support conservation and resource stewardship applications across multiple scales. The upper levels of the hierarchicy are based on the physical form or structure of the vegetation (physiognomy) and have been refined from the international standards developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The two most detailed levels of the hierearchy are based on the species composition of the existing vegetation (floristics) and reflect the phyto-sociological standards that were originally developed by European ecologists. The vegetation classification is continually advanced through the collection and analysis of new field data and will be greatly strengthened during the course of the NBS/NPS mapping efforts. National Park Service/Biological Resources Division Vegetation Inventory and Mapping Program for Fort Laramie National Historic Site, Wyoming, Final Community Association Classification, September 4, 1998. Alliance/Community 01=Populus Deltoides Temporarily Flooded Woodland Alliance Populus deltoides / Symphoricarpos occidentalis Woodland 02=Pinus Ponderosa Wooded Medium-Tall Herbaceous Alliance Pinus ponderosa - Schizachyrium scoparium Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation 03=Not Used 04=Salix Exigua Temporarily Flooded Shrubland Alliance Salix exigua Shrubland 05=Stipa Comata Bunch Herbaceous Alliance Stipa comata - Yucca glauca Herbaceous Vegetation 06=Typha (Angustifolia, Latifolia) - (Scirpus spp.) Semipermanently Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Typha latifolia Western Herbaceous Vegetation 07=Spartina Pectinata Temporarily Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Spartina pectinata - Scirpus pungens Herbaceous Vegetation 08=Carex Nebrascensis Seasonally Flooded Herbaceous Alliance Carex nebrascencis Herbaceous Vegetation 09=Alliance Undefined Bromus inermis Disturbed Herbaceous Vegetation 10=Alliance Undefined Upland Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation 11=Pascopyrum Smithii Herbaceous Alliance Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation 12=Stipa Comata - Bouteloua Gracilis Herbaceous Alliance Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 13=Alliance Undefined Sporobolus cryptandrus Disturbed Herbaceous Vegetation 14=Sand Flats Temporarily Flooded Sparse Vegetation Riverine Sand Flats - Bar Sparse Vegetation 15=Alliance Undefined Upland Sand and Gravel Sparse Vegetation 16=Bouteloua Gracilis Herbaceous Alliance Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation 17=Rock Outcrop / Butte Sparse Vegetation Sandstone Rock Outcrop Sparse Vegetation 98 =Water Body 99=Urban/Built-Up/Maintained Lawn/Canal/Road/Mowed Road ROW/Cut and Fill HEIGHT 1=<0.5 meters 2=0.5 - 2 meters 3=2 - 5 meters 4=5 - 15 meters 5=15 - 35 meters 6=35 - 50 meters 7=>50 meters 9=Not Applicable ABSOLUTE CROWN DENSITY 1 = Closed/Continuous > 60 % 2 = Discontinuous 40% - 60% 3 = Dispersed 25% - 40% 4 = Sparse 10% - 25% 5 = Rare 2% - 10% 9 = Not Applicable PATTERN 1 = Evenly Dispersed 2 = Clumped/Bunched 3 = Gradational/Transitional 4 = Alternating 9 = Not Applicable LAND USE 100=Urban or Built-Up 110=Residential 120=Commercial 130=Industrial 140=Transportation, Communication, and Utilities 141=Canal, Canal Water, Maintained Right-of-Way, Canal Access Road, Adjacent Disturbed and Maintained Area, Levee, Cut and Fill 150=Mixed Commercial and Industrial 160=Mixed Urban 170=Under Construction 180=Open Space and Recreation 181=Oregon Trail Ruts Parking Area (Plot 1) 190=Vacant within Urban Context 200=Agriculture 300=Mining 400=National Park/Monument Facilities 401=Fort Laramie Site Area, Visitor Center, Ruins, Parking Area, Parade Grounds and Associated Facilities 402=Visitor Picnic Area 403=Road/Maintained Right-of-Way 404=Maintenance Area 405=Old North Platte River Bridge Parking Area 500=Water Body 600=Vacant Fort Laramie National Historic Site Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key - Table Descriptions The Final Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key is divided into six categories. The column descriptions are as follows: Column 1 - ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE This column contains the code in the database representing the alliance/community association category. Column 2 - ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION This column contains the title of the alliance/community association category. Alliance name is listed above the community association name. Column 3 - PHOTO SIGNATURE This column describes the photo signatures that characterize the life form of the alliance/community association in this park. The following subcategories are included: Color: Describes the color tone and contrast variations of the photo signature. Texture: Describes the relative apparent roughness or smoothness of the signature character. Coarse being a very rough or grainy texture, fine being a very smooth texture. A forest of trees tends to have a coarse texture. Grasslands tend to have a fine texture. Crown Size: Describes the relative size of the tree or shrub crown diameter as viewed on the aerial photo. Typically, spreading trees tend to have large crowns while shrubs tend to have smaller crowns. Crown Shape: Describes the relative shape of the tree or shrub crown as viewed on the aerial photo. Density: Describes the general density characteristic of the alliance/community association. Column 4 - HEIGHT This column describes the relative height range of the life form of the alliance/community association. Column 5 - CONTEXT This column describes the general occurrence of the alliance/community association within the park from a geomorphological, physiographic, topographical, or regional perspective. Column 6 - NOTES This column includes other pertinent information that may be useful in the photointerpretation of the alliance/community association. It may contain examples of occurrences or character of the vegetation within the park. Final Alliance/Community Association Photo Signature Key ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 01 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Populus deltoides / Symphoricarpos occidentalis Woodland PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-Tall to short crowns of medium to dark green dots, with shorter dark green to medium green dots, in matrix of medium green to brown Texture-Coarse Crown Size-Large Crown Shape-Round Density- Moderate to high HEIGHT (meters): <6 - 50 CONTEXT: Middle and lower floodplain terrace. NOTES: Grass or shrub understory; occurs in rows, large groups, small clumps, or isolated individuals; some sapling or young trees groups also occur ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 02 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Pinus ponderosa / Schizachyrium scoparium Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-Dark green dots in white to gray green matrix Texture- Coarse Crown Size- Large Crown Shape- Large Density- Low HEIGHT (meters): <5-8 meters height CONTEXT: Rocky escarpment of northern hills, canyons of southern hills NOTES: Occurrences in northern hills have sparse understory, those in southern hills have denser, less rocky understory ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 04 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Salix exigua Shrubland PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-Blue green, gray green, to medium green Texture-Moderate Crown Size-Small Crown Shape-Round Density-Moderate to high HEIGHT (meters): <3 CONTEXT: Lower floodplain terrace, seepage area NOTES: Short on sandbars and by river, taller in seepage area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 05 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Stipa comata - Yucca glauca Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Gray green matrix with medium green to gray green dots Texture- Smooth, fine, with moderate dots Crown Size- Dots are small Crown Shape- Dots are round Density- Moderate to high, dot density varies HEIGHT (meters): <2 CONTEXT: Northern and southern hill areas NOTES: Densities of shrubs vary greatly; shrubs denser in southern hill area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 06 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Typha latifolia Western Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- White, gray, dark green, or black, some slight mottling Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <3 CONTEXT: Very wet, standing water, well saturated ground NOTES: Narrow band occurrences at edge of river are below mmu ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 07 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Spartina pectinata - Scirpus pungens Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Deep medium green Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <2 CONTEXT: Lower floodplain, margins of river, and sandbars NOTES: Usually very narrow bands; sometimes in understory of trees ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 08 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Carex nebrascensis Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- A) Deep medium green; B) Medium to dark green clumps in a matrix of light green to medium green Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1.5 CONTEXT: Lower floodplain terrace NOTES: Primarily located in the seepage area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 09 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Bromus inermis Disturbed Herbaceous vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Very dark green, to dark green with light irridescent white tinge Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Upper floodplain terrace north of Laramie River, middle floodplain terrace NOTES: Sometimes occurs in understory of trees ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 10 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Upland Weedy Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-A) Light yellow brown to dark yellow brown to rust; B) Dark to medium green dots Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <2 CONTEXT: Upper floodplain terrace, valley bottom NOTES: Dark green dots on upper floodplain are weedy forbs ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 11 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Pascopyrum smithii Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- A) Homogeneous medium to dark green, some yellow brown; B) Tan to light green to medium green to brown; C) Dark green with yellow brown mixed; D) Medium to light blue green Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1.5 CONTEXT: Middle to lower floodplain terrace, seepage area, disturbed seeded old field area NOTES: Natural and artificial occurrences; sometimes as understory of trees ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 12 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Stipa comata - Bouteloua gracilis / Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color-: A) Gray green to tan green, sometimes with medium green or green dots scattered in varying densities; B) Homogeneous deep medium green to medium green; C) Dark olive green to dull tan green, sometimes with gray green dots; C) Medium light brown with medium green tinging mixing Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None, or dots are small to moderate Crown Shape- None, or dots are small to moderate Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Northern and southern hills, valley bottom, and upper to middle floodplain terrace NOTES: Primarily in the valley bottom and hill areas and rises of the floodplain area ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 13 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Sporobolus cryptandrus Disturbed Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Medium green to yellow green, tan with green-yellow tinge Texture- Smooth, velvety, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- High HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Upper to middle floodplain terrace NOTES: Disturbed ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 14 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Riverine Sand Flats - Bar Sparse Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- White to gray or gray brown Texture- Smooth, fine, dots are moderate Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- None HEIGHT (meters): <.5 CONTEXT: Floodplain sandbars, lower floodplain terrace, dry to moist NOTES: Rare density of vegetation ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 15 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Upland Sand and Gravel Sparse Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- A) Light gray to dark gray to brown gray, B) Brown to yellow brown to white, with green dots Texture- Smooth, fine, dots are moderate Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- Low to Moderate HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Middle floodplain terrace, very dry NOTES: Scattered occurrences on middle floodplain ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 16 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Bouteloua gracilis - Carex filifolia Herbaceous Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- Very homogeneous light gray Texture- Smooth, fine Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- Very low HEIGHT (meters): <1 CONTEXT: Ridgetops of the northern and southern hills NOTES: Mainly occurs on BLM Plot 5, with a few in BLM Plots 3 and 1 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION CODE: 17 ALLIANCE/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Sandstone Rock Outcrop Sparse Vegetation PHOTOSIGNATURE: Color- White, sometimes with widely scattered green dots or gray green to tan tinge Texture- Rough Crown Size- None Crown Shape- None Density- None HEIGHT (meters): NA CONTEXT: Rocky escarpment NOTES: Only occurrence is in BLM Plot 1 in northern hills Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: Grossman, D. Et al. 1994. National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Project, Standardized National Vegetation Classificatrion System 209 pp. Distribution_Information: Distributor: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: USGS BRD Center for Biological Informatics Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302 City: Denver State_or_Province: Colorado Postal_Code: 80225 Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Resource_Description: FOLA Veg map Distribution_Liability: The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics (if available) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. 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Standard_Order_Process: Digital_Form: Digital_Transfer_Information: Format_Name: HTML Digital_Transfer_Option: Online_Option: Computer_Contact_Information: Network_Address: Network_Resource_Name: http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/fola/index.html Access_Instructions: Internet Access Fees: None Metadata_Reference_Information: Metadata_Date: 20011022 Metadata_Review_Date: 20100521 Metadata_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: USGS BRD Center for Biological Informatics Contact_Person: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302 City: Denver State_or_Province: Colorado Postal_Code: 80225 Contact_Voice_Telephone: (303) 202-4220 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 303-202-4219 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 Metadata_Extensions: Online_Linkage: http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt/community/fgdc_metadata/255