Field Plots FAQ Metadata

Metadata also available as - [Outline] - [Text] - [Adobe Acrobat pdf file]

Frequently-anticipated questions:

• What does this data set describe?
  1. How should this data set be cited?
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
  8. What biological taxa does this data set concern?
• Who produced the data set?
  1. Who are the originators of the data set?
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
• Why was the data set created?
• How was the data set created?
  1. What methods were used to collect the data?
  2. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  3. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
  4. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
• How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?
  1. How well have the observations been checked?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the data, including topology?
• How can someone get a copy of the data set?
  1. Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
  2. Who distributes the data?
  3. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  4. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
  5. How can I download or order the data?
• Who wrote the metadata?

What does this data set describe?

1. How should this data set be cited?

   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603, 200102, Voyageurs National Park, Fields Plot Data Database for Vegetation Mapping Project: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Voyageurs NP Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, Colorado.

   Online Links:

   • <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/ftp/vegmapping/voya/voyaplot.zip>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   The spreadsheet export of the PLOTS database was prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and their affiliates (Association for Biodiversity Information (ABI) and Minnesota County Biological Survey MCBS) of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) provided vegetation field data collection, data entry, analysis, and classification development.

   This is part of the following larger work.

   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 200102, Voyageurs National Park Vegetation Mapping Project, USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program: USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Voyageurs NP Vegetation Mapping Project, U.S. Geological Survey, Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, Denver, Colorado.

   Online Links:

   • <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/voya/>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   The Voyageurs National Park Vegetation Mapping Project is part of the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program, which is managed by the USGS Core Science Analytics and Synthesis. The USGS UMESC provided project coordination and compiled all project data for distribution. The UMESC produced all spatial database sets: vegetation spatial database coverage, observation points, vegetation field plots, accuracy assessment, and various other ancillary spatial coverages. The UMESC also performed the accuracy assessment analysis of the vegetation spatial database coverage, prepared final project documentation discussing methods and results, and provided metadata reports. TNC and their affiliates (ABI and MCBS) provided ecological and vegetation support, vegetation field sampling (plot samples and accuracy assessment), data entry, vegetation analysis, methods documentation, and classification development (including community descriptions) based on the U.S. National Vegetation Classification (USNVC). Voyageurs National Park provided staff to assist in field efforts, boat transportation, and knowledge of the local area.

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -93.228

   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -92.45

   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.618

   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.299

   Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Voyageurs National Park and environs

3. What does it look like?

   <http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/voya/images/voyaplots.pdf> (PDF)

   Graphic file showing vegetation filed plot locations. Low resolution for web browser - 290 KB file size.

4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: Jul-1996

   Ending_Date: Sep-1998

   Currentness_Reference: Range of dates for field data collection

5. What is the general form of this data set?

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database

6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
   1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

      Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

      Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, with the northern extent of the Park bordering Ontario, Canada. The northwest corner of the Park is 18 miles east of International Falls, Minnesota. The southwest corner of the Park is adjacent the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Superior National Forest.

      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Point

   2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator

      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:

      UTM_Zone_Number: 15

      Transverse_Mercator:

      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996

      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -93

      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0

      False_Easting: 500000

      False_Northing: 0

      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1
      Planar coordinates are specified in meters

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodedic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257.
      

7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum / Carex trisperma / Sphagnum spp. Forest

   Black Spruce Bog (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea mariana / Chamaedaphne calyculata / Sphagnum spp. Dwarf-shrubland

   Black Spruce / Leatherleaf Semi-treed Bog (Source: USNVC Association)

   (Chamaedaphne calyculata) - Ledum groenlandicum - Kalmia polifolia Bog Dwarf-shrubland

   Leatherleaf Bog (Source: USNVC Association)

   Alnus incana - Salix spp. - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland

   Bog Birch - Willow Shore Fen (Source: USNVC Association)

   Chamaedaphne calyculata - Myrica gale / Carex lasiocarpa Dwarf-shrubland

   Leatherleaf - Sweet Gale Shore Fen (Source: USNVC Association)

   Larix laricina - Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata Shrubland

   Tamarack Scrub Poor Fen (Source: USNVC Association)

   Betula pumila / Chamaedaphne calyculata / Carex lasiocarpa Shrubland

   Bog Birch - Leatherleaf Poor Fen (Source: USNVC Association)

   Carex lasiocarpa - (Carex rostrata) - Equisetum fluviatile Herbaceous Vegetation

   Wiregrass Sedge Shore Fen (Source: USNVC Association)

   Carex lasiocarpa - Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum spp. - Polytrichum spp. Herbaceous Vegetation

   Northern Sedge Poor Fen (Source: USNVC Association)

   Calamagrostis canadensis Eastern Herbaceous Vegetation [Provisional]

   Canada Bluejoint Eastern Meadow (Source: USNVC Association)

   Carex (rostrata, utriculata) - Carex lacustris - (Carex vesicaria) Herbaceous Vegetation

   Northern Sedge Wet Meadow (Source: USNVC Association)

   Phragmites australis Semipermanently Flooded Ruderal Herbaceous Vegetation

   Eastern Reed Marsh (Source: USNVC Association)

   Scirpus acutus - (Scirpus fluviatilis) Freshwater Herbaceous Vegetation

   Freshwater Bulrush Marsh (Source: USNVC Association)

   Typha spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation

   Midwest Cattail Deep Marsh (Source: USNVC Association)

   Equisetum fluviatile - (Eleocharis smallii) Herbaceous Vegetation

   Water Horsetail - Spikerush Marsh (Source: USNVC Association)

   Zizania (aquatica, palustris) Herbaceous Vegetation [Provisional]

   Wild Rice Marsh (Source: USNVC Association)

   Potamogeton spp. - Ceratophyllum spp. Midwest Herbaceous Vegetation

   Midwest Pondweed Submerged Aquatic Wetland (Source: USNVC Association)

   Nymphaea odorata - Nuphar lutea (ssp. pumila, variegata) Herbaceous Vegetation

   Northern Water Lily Aquatic Wetland (Source: USNVC Association)

   Fraxinus nigra - Mixed Hardwoods-Conifers / Cornus sericea / Carex spp. Forest

   Black Ash - Mixed Hardwood Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Thuja occidentalis - Fraxinus nigra Forest

   White Cedar - Black Ash Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea mariana / Alnus incana / Sphagnum spp. Forest

   Black Spruce / Alder Rich Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Larix laricina / Alnus incana Forest

   Northern Tamarack Rich Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Thuja occidentalis - (Picea mariana - Abies balsamea) / Alnus incana Forest

   White Cedar - (Mixed Conifer) / Alder Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum / Sphagnum spp. Forest

   Black Spruce / Labrador Tea Poor Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Cornus spp. - Salix discolor - (Rosa palustris) Shrubland

   Dogwood - Pussy Willow Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Alnus incana Swamp Shrubland [Provisional]

   Speckled Alder Swamp (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus banksiana - (Picea mariana, Pinus strobus) / Vaccinium spp. Rocky Woodland

   Boreal Pine Rocky Woodland (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus banksiana - Mixed Conifer / Cladonia spp. Nonvascular Vegetation

   Jack Pine / Lichen Rocky Barrens (Source: USNVC Association)

   Populus tremuloides - (Populus grandidentata) Rocky Woodland

   Mixed Aspen Rocky Woodland (Source: USNVC Association)

   Quercus ellipsoidalis - Quercus macrocarpa - (Pinus banksiana) Rocky Woodland

   Northern Pin Oak - Bur Oak - (Jack Pine) Rocky Woodland (Source: USNVC Association)

   Corylus cornuta - Amelanchier spp. - Prunus virginiana Rocky Shrubland

   Boreal Hazelnut - Serviceberry Rocky Shrubland (Source: USNVC Association)

   Danthonia spicata - Poa compressa Granite Herbaceous Vegetation

   Poverty Grass Granite Barrens (Source: USNVC Association)

   Thuja occidentalis / Abies balsamea - Acer spicatum Forest

   White Cedar - Boreal Conifer Mesic Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Thuja occidentalis - Betula alleghaniensis Forest

   White Cedar - Yellow Birch Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus banksiana - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera Forest

   Jack Pine - Aspen / Bush Honeysuckle Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus banksiana / Abies balsamea Forest

   Jack Pine / Balsam Fir Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus resinosa - Populus tremuloides / Diervilla lonicera - Vaccinium spp. Forest

   Red Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus resinosa / Vaccinium spp. Forest

   Red Pine / Blueberry Dry Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus strobus - Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest

   White Pine - Aspen - Birch Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Pinus strobus / Acer spicatum - Corylus cornuta Forest

   White Pine / Mountain Maple Mesic Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Abies balsamea - Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera Forest

   Balsam Fir - Paper Birch Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea mariana - Populus tremuloides / Mixed Herbs Forest

   Black Spruce - Aspen Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea mariana / Pleurozium schreberi Forest

   Black Spruce / Feathermoss Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea glauca - Abies balsamea - Populus tremuloides / Mixed Herbs Forest

   Spruce - Fir - Aspen Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Picea glauca - Abies balsamea / Acer spicatum / Rubus pubescens Forest

   Spruce - Fir / Mountain Maple Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera / (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) Forest

   Aspen - Birch / Boreal Conifer Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Populus tremuloides - Betula papyrifera - (Acer rubrum, Populus grandidentata) Forest

   Aspen - Birch - Red Maple Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Betula papyrifera / Diervilla lonicera - (Abies balsamea) Forest

   Paper Birch / Fir Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Populus tremuloides - Populus balsamifera - Mixed Hardwoods Lowland Forest

   Trembling Aspen - Balsam Poplar Lowland Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Quercus macrocarpa / Amelanchier alnifolia / Aralia nudicaulis - Carex assiniboinensis Forest

   Northern Bur Oak Mesic Forest (Source: USNVC Association)

   Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

   Items within the spatial database look up table in addition to the ArcInfo default items include: 1) VOYA_PLOT - Vegetation Field Plot number, 2) PLOT_CLASS - Classified Community Name (USNVC Association), 3) PLOT_PROV - Provisional Community Name, 4) PLOT_CEGL - Community Element Global Code (Elcode link to USNVC Association), 5) PLOT_DATE - Date field plot was collected (yyyymmdd), 6) X_UTM83 - Easting UTM, Zone 15 coordinate in NAD83, 7) Y-UTM83 - Northing UTM, Zone 15 coordinate in NAD83, 8) QUAD_24K - USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle (1:24,000-scale) field plot is located, and 9) QUAD_12K - USGS 3.75-minute quadrangle (1:12,000-scale) field plot is located.

   Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

   Names, and Community Element Global Codes (AA_CLASS, AA_PROV, AA_CEGL, & MAP_CEGL): Anderson, M., P. Bourgeron, M. T. Bryer, R. Crawford, L. Engelking, D. Faber-Langendoen, M. Gallyoun, K. Goodin, D. H. Grossman, S. Landaal, K. Metzler, K. D. Patterson, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, and A. S. Weakley. 1998. International classification of ecological communities: terrestrial vegetation of the United States. Volume II: The National Vegetation Classification System: list of types. The Nature Consevancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA.

   Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

   USGS 7.5-minute and 3.75-minute quadrangle names (QUAD_24K & QUAD_12K): USGS 7.5-minute and 3.75-minute Quadrangle Boundary Coverage of Voyageurs National Park and Environs. May 2000. Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Note: coverage modified from original source specifically for the Voyageurs NP Vegetation Mapping Project.

   Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

   Items within the dBASE IV include: 1) Plot Code, 2) Plot Species Counter, 3) Plant Symbol, 4) Scientific Name, 5) Common Name, 6) Family, 7> Specimen Number, 8) Used Plants, 9) Source, 10) Within Plot, 11) Stratum Sort, 12) Stratum, 13) Diagnostic, 14) Range Cover, 15) Real Cover, 16) Other Measure 1, 17) Other Measure 2, 18) DBH, 19) Update, and 20) User

   Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

   Plant Symbol and Scientific Name: USDA, NRCS 1999. The Plants database <http://plants.usda.gov/>. National Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

8. What biological taxa does this data set concern?

   Taxonomy:

   Keywords/Taxon:

   Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

   Taxonomic_Keywords: US National Vegetation Classification

   Taxonomic_Keywords: USNVC

   Taxonomic_Keywords: Vegetation

   Taxonomic_Keywords: Plant Community

   Taxonomic_Keywords: Association

   Taxonomic_System:

   Classification_System/Authority:

   Classification_System_Citation:

   Citation_Information:

   Originator:

   Anderson, M., P. Bourgeron, M. T. Bryer, R. Crawford, L. Engelking, D. Faber-Langendoen, M. Gallyoun, K. Goodin, D. H. Grossman, S. Landaal, K. Metzler, K. D. Patterson, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, and A. S. Weakley

   Publication_Date: 1998

   Title:

   International classification of ecological communities: terrestrial vegetation of the United States. Volume II. The National Vegetation Classification System: list of types

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: publication

   Publication_Information:

   Publication_Place: Arlington, Virginia, USA

   Publisher: The Nature Conservancy

   Other_Citation_Details:

   U.S. National Vegetation Classification listing of physiognomic and floristic levels.

   Online_Linkage: <http://www.natureserve.org/library/vol1.pdf>

   Classification_System_Modifications:

   The Classified Community Name (USNVC Association), Provisional Community Name (Synonym), and Community Element Global Code are included in both the spatial point coverage and the dBASE spreadsheet file.

   Classification_System/Authority:

   Classification_System_Citation:

   Citation_Information:

   Originator:

   Sims, R.A., W.D. Towill, K.A. Baldwin, P. Uhlig and G.M. Wickware

   Publication_Date: 1997

   Title:

   Field guide to the forested ecosystem classification for northwestern Ontario

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: publication

   Publication_Information:

   Publication_Place: Thunder Bay, Ontario

   Publisher:

   Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology

   Other_Citation_Details: Field Guide FG-03. 176 pp.

   Classification_System_Modifications:

   plot analysis results to help deterimine vegetation classification.

   Classification_System/Authority:

   Classification_System_Citation:

   Citation_Information:

   Originator:

   Harris, A.G., S.C. McMurray, P.W.C. Uhlig, J.K. Jeglum, R.F. Foster and G.D. Racey

   Publication_Date: 1996

   Title:

   Field guide to the wetland ecosystem classification for northwestern Onatario

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: publication

   Publication_Information:

   Publication_Place: Thunder Bay, Ontario

   Publisher:

   Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology

   Other_Citation_Details: Field guide FG-01, 74 pp. + Append.

   Classification_System_Modifications:

   plot analysis results to help deterimine vegetation classification.

   Classification_System/Authority:

   Classification_System_Citation:

   Citation_Information:

   Originator:

   Don Faber-Langendoen, and Midwest State Natural Heritage Program Ecologists

   Publication_Date: 1996

   Title:

   Terrestrial Vegetation of the Midwest United States. From, International Classification of Ecological Communities: Terrestrial Vegetation of the United States

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: publication

   Publication_Information:

   Publication_Place: Arlington, Virginia, USA

   Publisher: The Nature Conservancy

   Other_Citation_Details: 33 pp. (+ tables)

   Classification_System_Modifications:

   plot analysis results to help deterimine vegetation classification.

   Classification_System/Authority:

   Classification_System_Citation:

   Citation_Information:

   Originator:

   US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service

   Publication_Date: 1999

   Title: The PLANTS database

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database

   Publication_Information:

   Publication_Place:

   National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisianna

   Publisher: USDA, NRCS

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Official citation of publication as follows: USDA, NRCS 1999. The PLANTS database <http://plants.usda.gov/>. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

   Online_Linkage: <http://plants.usda.gov/>

   Taxonomic_Procedures:

   Plot sizes ranged from 20 x 20 m for forests and woodlands to 10 x 10 m for shrublands, herbaceous, and nonvascular vegetation. Plots were placed subjectively in the most representative part of each stand of vegetation. The vegetation was visually divided into strata, and height and cover abundance of each stratum was estimated. Cover of dominant life forms was also estimated to match methods used by the Minnesota Natural Heritage Program survey methods (e.g. total cover of evergreen trees or shrubs was recorded separately from cover of deciduous trees or shrubs (Norm Aaseng, personal communication, 1996). All the species of each stratum were listed (including mosses and lichens) and percent cover estimated using the Braun-Blanquet cover scale. Additional species within the vegetation unit or polygon that occurred outside of sampled plots (generally within 2 m of the plot border) were listed separately. Species that were not identifiable in the field were collected for later identification. Vegetation plot data were entered into the Minnesota Natural Heritage Program's plot database. Species were assigned standardized codes and names based on the PLANTS database (USDA, NRCS 1999). These data were transferred to the PLOTS database developed by the Nature Conservancy (TNC 1997) for final inclusion in this report. For the vegetation analysis, the data were analyzed using the PC-ORD Multivariate Analysis package (McCune and Mefford 1997). The data were analyzed in a series of runs, partitioning the data into smaller sets based on clusters found in the larger data sets, until sufficient resolution was achieved. Multivariate analysis was done using both Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling or NMS (Clarke 1993) and Cluster Analysis. A Bray-Curtis ordination was used as a starting point for the NMS and Ward's Method was used in the Cluster Analysis. These were then reviewed and assessed for perceived environmental gradients (e.g. moisture gradients, peat depth, soil depth, etc.). Indicator Species Analysis (Dufrene and Legendre 1997) was used to identify indicator species and to assess the reassignment of plots into different cluster analysis groups. These groups were compared with the USNVC (Faber-Langendoen et al. 1996, Grossman et al. 1998), as well as to northwestern Ontario types (Sims et al. 1989 and 1997, Harris et al. 1996). Care was taken not to over-emphasize local variations found at Voyageurs compared to more extensive information compiled at the state or regional level. Nevertheless, several types in the USNVC were revised based on these analyses. Plot summaries were produced for each type.

   Taxonomic_Classification:

   Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom

   Taxon_Rank_Value: Plantae

Who produced the data set?

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   • U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

2. Who also contributed to the data set?

   USGS UMESC, TNC and their affiliates (ABI and MCBS)

3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
   c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
   Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
   Denver, Colorado 80225
   

   (303) 202-4220 (voice)
   303-202-4219 (FAX)
   gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
   

Why was the data set created?

Vegetation field plot samples were collected to support vegetation classification development for the Voyageurs NP Vegetation Mapping Project, USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program.

How was the data set created?

1. What methods were used to collect the data?

   Method 0 of 4

   Type: Field

   Vegetation Field Plot Methods, modified and adapted to unique circumstances with the Voyageurs NP Vegetation Mapping Project.

   Reference:

   Method 0 of 4

   Type: Lab

   Analysis package for ecological data.

   Reference:

   Method 0 of 4

   Type: Lab

   Used with Cluster Analysis to to perform multivariate analysis on vegetation plots data.

   Reference:

   Method 0 of 4

   Type: Lab

   Used to identify indicator species of vegetation plots, and to assess the reassignment of plots into different Cluster Analysis groups.

   Reference:

   From what previous works were the data drawn?

   VOYA Quadrangle Boundary Coverage (source 1 of 9)

   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2000, USGS 7.5-minute and 3.75-minute Quadrangle Boundaries of Voyageurs National Park and Environs: U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   7.5-minute and 3.75-minute quadrangle polygon coverage modified from original source for the Voyageurs NP Vegetation Mapping Project. Coverage used to merge quadrangle names into existing spatial database. Projection in Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 15, and datum in North American Datum of 1983. The coverage is available on the project's CD-ROM.

   Type_of_Source_Media: digital file

   Source_Scale_Denominator: 12000

   Source_Contribution: None

   VOYA Plots and VOYA Plots-species (source 2 of 9)

   Conservancy, The Nature , 1997, PLOTS Database System: The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia.

   Type_of_Source_Media: digital file

   Source_Contribution: None

   The PLANTS database (source 3 of 9)

   US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, 1999, The PLANTS database: USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisianna.

   Online Links:

   • <http://plants.usda.gov/>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Official citation of publication as follows: USDA, NRCS 1999. The PLANTS database <http://plants.usda.gov/>. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

   Type_of_Source_Media: digital file

   Source_Contribution: None

   Kurmis Report (source 4 of 9)

   Kurmis, V., S. L. Webb, and L. C. Merriam, 1986, Plant communities of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, U.S.A.: Can. J. Bot., Minnesota.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   64:531-540. Permanent vegetation plot data within Voyageurs NP utilized as additional plot data for the project.

   Type_of_Source_Media: paper

   Source_Contribution: None

   None (source 5 of 9)

   Don Faber-Langendoen, and Midwest State Natural Heritage Program Ecologists, 1996, Terrestrial Vegetation of the Midwest United States. From, International Classification of Ecological Communities: Terrestrial Vegetation of the United States: The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA.

   Other_Citation_Details: 33 pp. (+ tables)

   Type_of_Source_Media: paper

   Source_Contribution: None

   None (source 6 of 9)

   Anderson, M., P. Bourgeron, M. T. Bryer, R. Crawford, L. Engelking, D. Faber-Langendoen, M. Gallyoun, K. Goodin, D. H. Grossman, S. Landaal, K. Metzler, K. D. Patterson, M. Pyne, M. Reid, L. Sneddon, and A. S. Weakley, 1998, International classification of ecological communities: terrestrial vegetation of the United States. Volume II. The National Vegetation Classification System: list of types: The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA.

   Online Links:

   • <http://www.natureserve.org/library/vol1.pdf>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   U.S. National Vegetation Classification listing of physiognomic and floristic levels.

   Type_of_Source_Media: digital file

   Source_Contribution: None

   None (source 7 of 9)

   Sims, R.A., W.D. Towill, K.A. Baldwin, P. Uhlig and G.M. Wickware, 1997, Field guide to the forested ecosystem classification for northwestern Ontario: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

   Other_Citation_Details: Field Guide FG-03. 176 pp.

   Type_of_Source_Media: paper

   Source_Contribution: None

   None (source 8 of 9)

   Harris, A.G., S.C. McMurray, P.W.C. Uhlig, J.K. Jeglum, R.F. Foster and G.D. Racey, 1996, Field guide to the wetland ecosystem classification for northwestern Onatario: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

   Other_Citation_Details: Field guide FG-01, 74 pp. + Append.

   Type_of_Source_Media: paper

   Source_Contribution: None

   ECOMAP (source 9 of 9)

   Keys, Jr., J., C. Carpenter, S. Hooks, F. Koenig, W.H. McNab, W.E. Russell, and M-L. Smith., 1995, Ecological units of the eastern United States - first approximation (map and booklet of map unit tables): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Atlanta, Georgia.

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Presentation scale 1:3,500,000, colored. Also available on CD-ROM consisting of GIS coverage in ARCINFO format and map unit descriptions of subsections and sections.

   Type_of_Source_Media: paper

   Source_Contribution: None

   How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

   Date: 1996 (process 1 of 4)

   INTRODUCTION, FIELD METHODS, & ANALYSIS: Vegetation field sampling plots were collected and analyzed for vegetation classification development. Vegetation data were collected in the field, entered into a database program, analyzed, compared to existing classification systems, and finally classified as an association type within the USNVC. Most of the plot samples were collected during the 1996 and 1997 field season, with a few collected in 1998. The vegetation field sampling generally followed the methodology outlined in the Program's "Field Methods for Vegetation Methods" document (ESRI & TNC 1994). Gradsect sampling approach is recommended for large-sized park units based on land area. A gradsect approach was used in a modified form, even though Voyageurs National Park is categorized as being a large-sized park, especially if the extended environs is taken into account. Rationalization for the modified approach is due to the fact that most of the project area falls within 1 ecological subsection, as reported by ECOMAP ecological land classification (Keys et al. 1995). The Park was stratified into 3 areas. Plot sampling was generally limited to an average of 3 plots per type and were spread across the project area as much as possible. A total of 191 plots were collected. Additional plot data were available from other existing plot surveys of the area (Kurmis et al. 1986). Plot sizes ranged from 20 x 20 meters for forest and woodlands to 10 x 10 meters for shrublands, herbaceous, and nonvascular vegetation. Plots were placed subjectively to be most representative of the vegetation stand. The vegetation was visually divided into strata, and height and cover abundance of each stratum was estimated. Cover of dominant life forms was also estimated to match methods used by the MCBS survey methods. All species of each stratum were listed and percent cover estimated using the Braun-Blanquet cover scale. Species that were not identifiable in the field were collected for later identification. In addition to floristic information, environmental information was recorded on the field forms, including surficial geology, hydrologic regime, soil drainage regime, soil texture, slope, aspect, topographic position, and disturbance evidences. X-Y coordinates of each plot were recorded in UTM using a Rockwell Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) and, on occasion, a Trimble GPS unit. Other locational information were also collected. A provisional vegetation type was assigned to the plot. For full documentation on vegetation field plot methods and analysis, including methodology citations and information sources, refer to the metadata report pertaining to physical descriptions for vegetation field plots as noted in the Identification Information's Cross Reference section of this report. The Species Listing database provides a listing of plant species recorded for each vegetation field plot, with each species listed with it's Plant Symbol, Scientific Name, Common Name, and Family. Additional fields support each species that is listed. Refer to the Entity and Attribute Overview Description section of this report.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Jim Drake
   Association for Biodiversity Information, Midwest Resources Office
   ABI Project Manager for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
   1313 5th St SE, Ste 314
   Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
   

   (612) 331-0729 (voice)
   jim_drake@natureserve.org
   

   Date: 1998 (process 2 of 4)

   VEGETATION ANALYSIS: All 191 vegetation field plot data were entered into The Minnesota Natural Heritage Program's releve database. Species were assigned standardized codes and names based on the PLANTS database (USDA, NRCS 1999). These data were transferred to the PLOTS database (TNC 1997). The data were analyzed using the PC-ORD Multivariate Analysis package (McCune and Mefford 1997). The data were analyzed in a series of runs, partitioning the data into smaller sets based on clusters found in the larger sets, until sufficient resolution was achieved. Multivariate analysis was accomplished using both Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling or NMS (Clarke 1993) and Cluster Analysis. A Bray-Curtis ordination was used as a starting point for the NMS and Ward's Method was used in the Cluster Analysis. These were then reviewed and assessed for perceived environmental gradients (e.g. moisture gradients, peat depth, soil depth, etc.). Indicator Species Analysis (Dufrene and Legendre 1997) was used to identify indicator species and to assess the reassignment of plots into different cluster analysis groups. The groups were compared with the Midwest and National versions of the USNVC (Faber-Langendoen et al. 1996, Grossman et al. 1998) and with northwestern Ontario wetland ecosystem classification and forest ecosystem classification systems (Sims et al. 1997, Harris et al. 1996). Care was taken not to over-emphasize local variations found in the project area compared to more state and regional information. Several types in the USNVC were revised based on this analysis.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Jim Drake
   Association for Biodiversity Information, Midwest Resources Office
   ABI Project Manager for the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program
   1313 5th St SE, Ste 314
   Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
   

   (612) 331-0729 (voice)
   jim_drake@natureserve.org
   

   Date: 2000 (process 3 of 4)

   SPATIAL DATABASE: The vegetation field plots were collected in UTM projection, Zone 15, North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) and NAD83 using a PLGR (a few locations were collected using a Trimble GPS unit). The NAD27 X-Y coordinates (all coordinates collected in 1996 and 1997, and 2 of the 15 collected in 1998) were converted to UTM, Zone 15, NAD83 using ArcInfo (Version 7.2.1 Patch 2). The look up table (LUT) containing select information of the vegetation plot (i.e. classification names and codes) was originally created in Microsoft (R) Excel 97 and then converted to dBASE IV format (dbf). The LUT was imported into ArcView (R) GIS (Version 3.1) as an Event Theme using the UTM, Zone 15, NAD83 X-Y coordinates and then converted to a Shapefile coverage. USGS 7.5-minute and 3.75-minute quadrangle boundary names were merged with the vegetation field plot Shapefile coverage using ArcView software. The Shapefile coverage was then converted to an ArcInfo coverage using the Shapearc command in ArcInfo (Version 8.0.2). ArcInfo was used to produce the ArcInfo Export file. In addition to the spatial database, the entire physical description data set was exported from the PLOTS database, available in dBASE IV format.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Kevin D. Hop
   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
   Project Team Leader - Biologist (Remote Sensing)
   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest
   Environmental Sciences Center, 575 Lester Avenue
   Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650
   

   (608) 783-7550 ext 46 (voice)
   (608) 783-8058 (FAX)
   kevin_hop@usgs.gov
   

   Date: 2000 (process 4 of 4)

   DATABASE SET: The entire species listing data set was exported from the PLOTS database into a dBASE IV file format.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Kevin D. Hop
   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
   Project Team Leader - Biologist (Remote Sensing)
   U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest
   Environmental Sciences Center, 575 Lester Avenue
   Onalaska, Wisconsin 54650
   

   (608) 783-7550 ext 46 (voice)
   (608) 783-8058 (FAX)
   kevin_hop@usgs.gov
   

   What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

1. How well have the observations been checked?

   The various attributes within the spatial database sets were reviewed and checked for consistency with their original sources (digital data, data sheets), using a combination of manual and digital means.

2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

   X-Y coordinates of most data locations were collected using a Rockwell Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR). A few locations were collected using Trimble GPS units. Most points were successfully collected with positional accuracies ranging from +/- 6 to +/- 20 meters.

3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

   All 191 vegetation field plot samples are included in the spatial point coverage. Each database point is complete with select information about the field site, along with X-Y coordinates with projection in Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM), Zone 15, with datum in North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). Each field plot is complete with species listings.

5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

   All point features are unique with their own site attribute and X-Y coordinates. There are no duplicate points. Vegetation species are consistent throughout the database as per the PLANTS database.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints:

Those using the database should understand the data and determine for themselves the fitness of the data prior to use. For publication and dissemination, citations or credit should be given to the U.S. Geological Survey Core Science Analytics and Synthesis, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center. The Nature Conservancy and their affiliates (Association for Biodiversity Information and Minnesota County Biological Survey of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) should be given credit for ecological support.

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
   USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
   c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
   Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
   Denver, Colorado 80225
   

   (303) 202-4220 (voice)
   303-202-4219 (FAX)
   gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov
   

2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

   Vegetation Field Plot Data (Physical Descriptions) and Spatial Database for the Voyageurs National Park Vegetation Mapping Program

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   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.

   The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. Any related graphics (if available) are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not approriate to use the related graphics as data.

   The U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service servers and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this metadata report does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey and National Park Service.

4. How can I download or order the data?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	HTML
     Network links:	<http://biology.usgs.gov/npsveg/voya/index.html>

   • Cost to order the data: None

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: Feb-2001
Last Reviewed: 17-Jun-2010

Metadata author:

USGS/CSS/Core Science Analytics and Synthesis
c/o USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program Coordinator
Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Room 8000, MS 302
Denver, Colorado 80225

(303) 202-4220 (voice)
303-202-4219 (FAX)
gs-b-npsveg@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:

FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001.1-1999)

Metadata extensions used:

• <http://www.nbii.gov/portal/server.pt/community/fgdc_metadata/255>