Field and Laboratory Data Collection Protocols

Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute www.abmi.ca

Terrestrial Field Data Collection Protocols Version 2007-12-13 December 2007

ALBERTA BIODIVERSITY MONITORING INSTITUTE

TERRESTRIAL PROTOCOLS VERSION 2007-12-13 2

Acknowledgements A diverse group of scientists, [Dan Farr, Chris Shank, Rich Moses, Stan Boutin, Erin Bayne, (vertebrates) Phil Lee, Steve Hanus, (forest structure and vascular plants) Jennifer Doubt, Rene Belland, (mosses), Anna-Liisa Sippola, Jogeir Stokland (fungi), Neville Winchester, Bert Finnamore, Jeff Battigelli, Heather Proctor (arthropods)], and others, reviewed the literature and helped to develop protocols for sampling terrestrial biota and habitat structures. These protocols were combined into an integrated suite by Jim Schieck, Chris Shank, and Dan Farr. The present document incorporates changes suggested during peer review. Numerous technicians and managers also provided feedback during development and testing of the protocols. Updates to this document were incorporated by Curtis Stambaugh, Jim Schieck and Chris Kolaczan. Disclaimer These standards and protocols were developed and released by the ABMI. The material in this publication does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of any individual or organization other than the ABMI. Moreover, the methods described in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the individual scientists participating in methodological development or review. Errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in this publication are the sole responsibility of ABMI. The ABMI assumes no liability in connection with the information products or services made available by the Institute. While every effort is made to ensure the information contained in these products and services is correct, the ABMI disclaims any liability in negligence or otherwise for any loss or damage which may occur as a result of reliance on any of this material. All information products and services are subject to change by the ABMI without notice. Suggested Citation: Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. 2007. Terrestrial field data collection protocols (10001), Version 2007-12-13. Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, Alberta, Canada. Report available at: abmi.ca [Date Cited]. Use of this Material: This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational, data collection or non-profit purposes without special permission from the ABMI, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. No use of this publication may be made for resale without prior permission in writing from the ABMI. Contact Information If you have questions or concerns about this publication, you can contact: ABMI Information Centre CW-405 Biological Sciences Centre University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9 Phone: (780) 492-5766 E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.abmp.arc.ab.ca/



Table of Contents Summary ....................................................................................................................................................................4 Background ................................................................................................................................................................4 Part 1. Data Collection Protocols ..............................................................................................................................5

Managing Data Collection Quality and Integrity ...................................................................................................6 Personnel and Sampling......................................................................................................................................6 Crew Training Prior to Data Collection..............................................................................................................6 Filling Out Data Sheets in the Field....................................................................................................................6 Checking Field Data and Storing Data Sheets at Camp......................................................................................6 Transferring Field Data Sheets to a Secure ABMI Location ..............................................................................6 Data Entry and Verification ................................................................................................................................6

Establishing Terrestrial Sites ..................................................................................................................................7 Map Preparation..................................................................................................................................................7 Field Reconnaissance and Establishment of Terrestrial Sites.............................................................................7 Map Preparation After Visiting the Site .............................................................................................................8

Spring Terrestrial Protocols....................................................................................................................................9 Physical Site Characteristics ...............................................................................................................................9 Site Photographs & Slope .................................................................................................................................11 Ecological Site Classifications..........................................................................................................................11 Trees, Snags and Stumps ..................................................................................................................................16 Down Woody Material .....................................................................................................................................18 Soil Arthropods (Springtails and Mites) & Mineral Soil ..................................................................................20 Breeding Birds ..................................................................................................................................................22 Incidental Vertebrate Observations...................................................................................................................23

Summer Terrestrial Protocols...............................................................................................................................25 Surface Substrate ..............................................................................................................................................25 Shrubs and 2-Dimensional Cover .....................................................................................................................26 Tree Cores.........................................................................................................................................................27 Canopy Cover ...................................................................................................................................................28 Vascular Plants..................................................................................................................................................28 Polypore Fungi..................................................................................................................................................30 Bryophytes and Lichens....................................................................................................................................32 Incidental Vertebrate Observations...................................................................................................................34

Winter Terrestrial Protocols .................................................................................................................................36 Snow Tracking..................................................................................................................................................36

Protocol Differences Between Forested/Mountain and Grassland/Parkland........................................................38 Detailed Low Vegetation Measurements in the Primary Site Type..................................................................39

Additional Protocols to Complete the National Forest Inventory ........................................................................42 Vegetation Clipping..........................................................................................................................................42 Soil Bulk Density..............................................................................................................................................43 Soil Description Based on a Soil Pit .................................................................................................................47

Part 2. Appendices ..................................................................................................................................................51 Appendix 1: Equipment List.................................................................................................................................51

Personal Equipment ..........................................................................................................................................51 Standard Field Equipment for All Crews..........................................................................................................51 Equipment Specific to Spring Terrestrial Crews ..............................................................................................52 Equipment Specific to Summer Terrestrial Crews ...........................................................................................52 Equipment Specific to Winter Terrestrial Crews..............................................................................................52

Appendix 2: Example of an Access Data Sheet ...................................................................................................53 Appendix 3: Ecological Site Classification Descriptions.....................................................................................54 Appendix 4: Bird Species For Incidental Species Surveys ..................................................................................66 Appendix 5: Supplemental Information for Mammal Tracking...........................................................................68



SUMMARY

This report describes the terrestrial field data collection protocols (methodology) presently being used by the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI). This report is divided into 2 parts. Part 1 describes each of the terrestrial sampling protocols. Protocols are grouped into categories (Site Establishment, Spring Terrestrial, Summer Terrestrial, and Winter Mammal Tracking) depending on the time of year they are to be conducted. Part 2 is composed of appendices that provide supplementary information.

BACKGROUND

Initial protocols for terrestrial data collection for the ABMI were developed between 1998 and 2001. A large group of scientific experts developed feasible, cost effective, methodologies capable of monitoring a diversity of biota, over broad spatial scales and long time periods. The integrated terrestrial protocols were field tested during 2002. Based on that field test, revisions were implemented to make the protocols more cost effective and to remove inconsistencies among the elements. Starting in 2003, most of the ABMI’s terrestrial protocols were tested and revised as part of a 4-year prototype and revised as appropriate.



PART 1. DATA COLLECTION PROTOCOLS Protocols in this document are grouped based on the time of year they will be conducted.

(1) Managing Data Quality and Integrity

(2) Establishing Terrestrial Sites occurs during the month of May or September of the previous year.

(3) Spring Terrestrial Protocols are carried out from the last week of May through to the end of June.

(4) Summer Terrestrial Protocols are conducted immediately following the spring protocols – end of June through to the first week of August.

(5) Winter Terrestrial Protocols are to be conducted from December through March.

(6) Protocol Differences Between Forest/Mountain and Parkland/Grassland

(7) Additional Protocols to Complete the National Forest Inventory



Managing Data Collection Quality and Integrity

Personnel and Sampling These data collection protocols are optimally designed to be implemented by a field crew of 2 personnel working together or, at times, semi-autonomously. At least one of the field crew members need to have a strong background in identifying vascular plants. Both crew members should be able to identify common mammal sign and common bird signs. These protocols are designed to collect data on thousands of species across Alberta. Many of these species can only be accurately identified by taxonomic experts. As a result, these protocols rely heavily on the collection of specimens in the field that are later identified by qualified personnel in a laboratory setting. Vascular plants, mammals, and incidentally detected birds are the only taxonomic groups that are subject to species-level identification in a field setting. Crew Training Prior to Data Collection All field staff receive training so they can operate vehicles and equipment safely. In addition, staff receive extensive training (in the classroom and field) prior to the beginning of each type of data collection. This protocol training includes learning what to do in the variety field conditions that will be encountered, as well as conducting data collection at test sites. Crew members first become familiar with the protocol documents, field manuals and general field procedures. Then they practice the data collection a in a diversity of habitats. Questions that arise during the training are discussed with the field supervisors. To ensure that data collection remains accurate through the season and nothing is being missed, field crews review the protocols regularly. A detailed description of the training is outlined in the ABMI’s Terrestrial Field Training Manual. Filling Out Data Sheets in the Field Crews are responsible for filling information into the data sheets while conducting field protocols. Data sheets must reflect exactly what was found / measured at the site. If options for the data field do not include an appropriate response, crews record the most appropriate descriptors and make extensive notes on the data sheets. Do not create new categories or descriptors. All fields on the data sheet must have information recorded – even if it is a “zero”, “not applicable”, “did not collect”. If data could not be collected for a specific element, then this must be noted on the data sheet and the crew supervisor advised as soon as possible (note that supervisors must be notified by the end of the day at the latest). Checking Field Data and Storing Data Sheets at Camp Data sheets must be checked every evening for legibility and completeness. If data on a sheet cannot be fixed so it is legible the data must be transcribed onto a new data sheet and both copies filed. Wet data sheets are allowed to dry, and then all data sheets are stored in as secure an area as possible while in the field (ie. in a folder in the trailer). Data sheets from one site cannot be taken to the field at another site. Crews must recollect lost or missing data. Transferring Field Data Sheets to a Secure ABMI Location Data sheets are transferred in person to the crew supervisor when the supervisor visits, or at the end of a shift. The completeness (i.e. all data sheets present and all data fields filled) of the data sheets are confirmed during the transfer. Missing fields or data sheets must be recollected. Field supervisors take the data sheets to a secure office at the end of the shift, or sooner if possible. Data for each site are stored in a separate folder, with the folders organized by site number. Original data sheets are not allowed to leave the secure office. Data Entry and Verification Data are entered into an electronic database. If data are entered at a different location than they are stored, then the data sheets are photocopied, and data entry occurs from the photocopies. Data entry is verified by comparing the electronic information against the information on the original data sheet. Electronic verification routines are preformed on the database to ensure that data are consistent with the allowable codes and among sites.



OrangeMarkers

80 m

100 m

Establishing Terrestrial Sites

Establishing wetland sites has three main components. First there is map/GIS work in the office to assist field crews in their first visit to the ABMI site and to ensure they can move around the site efficiently. Then during the initial visit to the site, the “best” route is found, and potential hazards are described. Finally, maps and descriptions are prepared to facilitate data collection during the summer. Field and Laboratory Supplies:

Ortho-photographs or IRS images Topographic maps GIS information for hydropolys

Chain saw, axe, machete GPS and compass

5 – 1.5 m orange steel bars/site 5 – 12” spikes/site 34 – pigtails/site

Hammer 2 – 100 m tapes

Orange, red, blue, and pink/blue flagging tape

Map Preparation

This protocol is designed to help field crews in their first attempt at accessing the ABMP site • Using the IRS Satellite image as a base, plot access features (roads, trails, rail lines, pipelines, cutlines, well

sights, and water features) in a GIS environment. • Print and laminate maps at a scale of 1:24,000 and 1:62,500 that will aid access to the site and movement

within the site.

Field Reconnaissance and Establishment of Terrestrial Sites

N

25m

10.35m

5 m

MeasuringTape

Pig Tails

SiteCentre

25 m

70.7 m

49.49 m42.42 m

35.35 m

10.35 m

5 m

15 m

7.07m

21.21m

1-LargeBlue Flag

2-LargeRed Flags

25 m

5 m

Clip Plot &Bulk Density

Soil Pit

1-LargeRed Flag

Figure 1

>50 m

>50 m

OrangeMarkers

80 m

100 m

This protocol is designed to facilitate spring and summer sampling by having the ABMI site fully accessible, and the 1 ha site boundary plus small, medium and large tree/snag plots marked and flagged. Crews will then have an estimated timeframe for getting to the site and knowledge of potential access hazards. NN

25m

10.35m

5 m

MeasuringTape

Pig Tails

SiteCentre

25 m

70.7 m

49.49 m42.42 m

35.35 m

10.35 m

5 m

15 m

7.07m

21.21m

1-LargeBlue Flag

2-LargeRed Flags

25 m

5 m

1-LargeRed Flag

Clip Plot &Bulk Density

Soil Pit

Figure 1

• Using “orange” flagging tape, mark a) the

location where the truck is parked, b) the trails that are traveled by quad (mark all trails well especially at the corners), and c) the foot trails (mark foot trails every 5 m or so) used to access the site. >50 m

>50 m

• Record the GPS locations of land marks, and include detailed direction and distance measures to aid staff in relocating all access points and site centre (Appendix 2).

• Remove any impediments to travel if

possible.



• If it will take more than 2.5 hours to access a site once it has been laid out, then helicopter access should be established.

• For sites that require a helicopter pad be cut, locate the pad at least 200 m from site centre but otherwise as close as possible. Cut the most unobtrusive pad (i.e., the fewest and smallest trees and shrubs) possible.

• Ideally site establishment should be conducted in the fall, but it also may be conducted in April/May before the spring protocols.

• If sites are reasonably close together it may be possible for a crew to access and establish two or three sites in one day.

• On public land: o At site centre drive an orange 1.5 m steel bar into the ground so it protrudes 1 m above ground. Also,

drive a 12” metal spike below the ground surface a minimum of 30 cm. In highly disturbed areas, dig the spike down to below 40 cm.

o To speed up the data collection protocols, layout the small, medium-large, and large tree/snag plots, insert the DWM, arthropod, and surface substrate pigtails, and flag the boundary of the 1 ha site.

o Red flagging tape is used for marking the 1 ha boundary, blue tape for the large tree plots, and pink/blue tape for marking pigtail locations. Adhere to the color scheme to assist crews in identifying their location within the site (Figure 1).

o Lay out each sub-ordinal transect (northwest 315°, northeast 45°, southeast 135°, southwest 225°) using a 100 m tape measure, placing a 1.5 m steel bar (permanent marker) and 12” spike at 35.35 m (note that these permanent markers are not used on private land) and pigtails at 10.35, 42.42, 49.49, and 80 m (Figure 1). Ensure pigtails are marked with pink/blue flagging and place flagging above the pigtail (branch or shrub) to aid locating the pigtails after leaf out. Mark each plot corner at 70.70 m using red flagging tape (Double Red Flag). Roll the tape back to the 35.35 m permanent marker and insert pigtails for the remaining corners of the small and medium/large tree/snag plots by measuring 5 m and 10 m, respectively, N or S and E or W (depending on the quadrant). These pigtails should also be 5 m and 10 m perpendicular (within 20 cm) to the 42.42 m and 49.49 m pigtails. Continue on the N/S and E/W bearing (depending on quadrant) 25 m from the permanent marker (i.e., 60.35 m) to reach the 1 ha boundary and corner of the large tree/snag plots. Mark this corner with a large single blue flag. Using your compass, flag the boundary of the large tree/snag plot by placing smaller blue flags every 4-5 m.

o Insert pigtails at 55 m (Summer Protocols – Surface Substrate) north and south of site centre. In addition, place a large single red flag at 25 m and a large double red flag at 50 m. Ensure smaller red flags are placed along the line every 4-5 m to aid visibility after leaf-out. Complete the N and S boundary of the 1 ha site by compassing E and W to meet the large tree/snag plots, placing smaller red flags every 4-5 m.

o Place a large single and large double red flag 25 m and 50 m E and W of site centre, respectively, and smaller red flags 4-5 m in between. Complete the E and W boundary by compassing N and S to meet the large tree/snag plots, placing smaller red flags every 4-5 m.

• On private property: o Do not leave any markings at the site during site establishment or any subsequent visits. o Use a GPS that is accurate to < 30 cm, to locate site center. o During the spring and summer visits lay out the site as described for public land, but retrieve the markings

before leaving the site.

Map Preparation After Visiting the Site

This protocol is designed to help field crews access and move around the ABMP site during subsequent visits. • Once the site has been visited, print and laminate maps at a scale of 1:24,000 (centered on the wetland and

access point) and 1:62,500 (showing as many access features as possible) to aid access to the site and movement around the site. Using the IRS Satellite image as the base, plot roads, trails, rail lines, pipelines, cutlines, well pads, lakes, ponds, and all water features.

• Record information that will assist the field crews in reaching the site (mode of travel, helicopter landing site, closest road location, direction and distance of travel, obstacles, etc.) and the amount of time the crew will require to travel from camp to the site, on the site access sheet (see example in Appendix 2).



Spring Terrestrial Protocols Spring terrestrial protocols require a single visit by a crew of two to each site. During the spring protocols, data on trees/snags/stumps, down logs, soil arthropods, breeding birds, site photos, and incidental species are collected. One crew member immediately starts the bird surveys at site centre. After the first point count is complete, the second crew member locates each quadrant’s orange permanent marker (35.35 m) and associated nested tree/snag/stump plots. After laying out the 100 m tape to provide a transect for DWM and boundary for small and medium-large tree/snag/stump plot, this crew member collects soil arthropods, measures downed logs and all trees/snags/stumps. If bird surveys are finished before all other measurement is completed, crews work together to finish the data collection and taking site photos.

It is imperative that field crews ensure they preserve the integrity of the sampling area each time they visit a site. This is especially important directly around site centre. Make every effort to “tread lightly” and minimize disturbance that will alter site characteristics in future surveys (eg., Do not leave your daily belongings at site centre; make your rest area 10-15m to the N, S, E, or W.). Trucks and ATV’s must be washed frequently and before moving geographically between ABMI sites to minimize the chances of transferring biota.

Physical Site Characteristics

This protocol provides a brief description of the vegetation at each ABMI site. Note that physical site characteristics are also described at each bird point count station.

Field Equipment:

Basic field supplies • Standing at the centre of the site, record the physical and topographic conditions, characteristics of veteran

trees, dominant/co-dominant (canopy) trees, and intermediate/suppressed (sub-canopy) trees, characteristics of shrub cover, characteristics of herbaceous cover, type of ground cover, amount and type of natural and anthropogenic disturbance, and any other distinguishing features.

• These habitat descriptions are very general so that they can be completed within 2-3 minutes from a standing position.

• Estimate tree species composition (in 10% increments), average distance between trees within a 150 m radius (in 1 m increments), and average height of trees (to the nearest 5 m category) for all trees within the following 3 stratification categories: 1. Veteran Trees – Trees that are considerably older than rest of the stand, usually remnants from a previous

forest. 2. Dominant and Co-dominant Trees (Canopy Trees) – Trees with well developed crowns extending to the

general level of surrounding trees. Dominant trees extend slightly above the surrounding trees and receive full light from above and partial light from the side. Co-dominant trees have crowns slightly smaller and lower than dominant trees and are crowded from the sides, thus receiving full light from above and little light from the side.

3. Intermediate and Suppressed Trees (Sub-canopy Trees) – Trees with crowns that are usually smaller and below than canopy trees. These trees receive little or no direct light from above or from the side.

• Some stands may be missing one or more of the 3 stratification categories. • Dead trees (snags) are not included when determining tree density. • Identify the most common shrub species (based on % cover) in two height categories <1.3 m, and >1.3 m. • Estimate shrub cover in categories (<25%, 25-50%, 51-75%, >75%), based on what would be obtained if a

photograph had been taken from above the shrubs. • Estimate the percent cover of dead herbaceous vegetation as one of four categories (<25, 25-50, 51-75, >75%)

and the predominant height of this dead vegetation. • Identify the type of ground vegetation that is most common (grass, herbs, moss, lichens, shrubs, etc.) based on

what would be obtained if a photograph had been taken from 0.5 m above the ground. • Record the proportion of the area (in 10% increments) affected by human caused disturbances:



Harvest – Any type of forest harvesting (i.e., clear-cut, partial-cut, understory retention, etc.). Linear – Any type of right-of-way, cutline, seismic, pipeline, powerline, etc. Well Pad – Any type of area cleared for oil/gas/CBM pump jacks or well heads. Road/Trail – Any type of road (paved, gravel, or undeveloped), truck or ATV trail. Cultivated Crop/Field – Any type of cultivated field that is used to grow agriculture crops. Pasture – Any type of pasture (tame or native), grazing reserve, etc. Residential – Any type of human dwelling, farm building, or farm yard in a rural or acreage setting. Urban – Any type of human dwelling, associated building, or yard/driveway/road in an urban setting. Industrial – Any type of building, roadway, yard, etc associated with industrial development. Bare Ground – Human caused bare ground for which the cause cannot be determined.

• Record the proportion of the area (in 10% increments) affected by natural caused disturbances: Fire – Any evidence of scaring or burning (may be human caused); may coincide with salvage-harvesting. Wind – Evidence of wind throw (i.e., many trees up-rooted and laying on the ground and/or snapped along

the bole); often occurring along canopy openings, cutblocks, roads, etc. Potentially human induced. Erosion – Evidence of the wearing away of soil by precipitation or wind; potentially human induced. Eg/ side

of a hill has eroded from rain (natural), culvert under logging haul road is plugged causing excessive run-off through low lying areas undercutting trees.

Flooding – Evidence of high water mark, dead trees, etc.; potentially human induced. Eg./ Stream overflows its banks in spring and fills in forest depressions and/or “historic” flood plain

(natural) – Evident by standing dead trees, grass and debris build up; Road is built through Spruce bog not allowing proper water transfer (human) – Evident by standing water and large stands of dead trees.

Insect – Any evidence of vegetation experiencing insect attack. Note: it can take several years of defoliation to do permanent damage to the vegetation. Identifying ‘notable” insect damage is difficult to the untrained eye.

Conifer Stand: Budworms, Moths, Sawflies, Needleminers, Spider mites, Bark/Boring beetles, etc. Symptoms – Tree dye off, brown/dead terminal ends and branches; frass at base of trees, larvae galleries on trunk and branches, evidence of woodpecker flaking. Confirmation – Larvae and/or adults on needles, branches, or bark depending on life cycle, evidence of silken webbing or cocoons.

Deciduous Stand: Tent caterpillars, Moths, Leafminers, Mites, Aphids, etc. Significant damage to deciduous trees may not be noticeable at all times of the year.

Symptoms – Complete defoliation, brown or yellow/dying leaves and trees, tree dye-off. Confirmation – Larvae and/or adults on leaves and branches, silken webbing, cocoons, leaf deformity and/or galls.

Disease – Any evidence of vegetation experiencing disease outbreak. Note: it may sometimes be difficult to distinguish between disease and insect damage, especially depending on time of year.

Conifer Stand: Mistletoe, Witches-broom, Burls, Blister rust, Root rot, etc. Symptoms – Erratic growth forms (bushy growth) on branches and/or stem (mistletoe/witches broom), trunk deformities (burls), white/yellow/orange fungus growing on trunk/branches, brown needles and/or tree dye-off (especially young trees; root rot). Confirmation – Check for absence of insect damage and describe scenario in comments; tree dye off could be naturally caused by winter-kill and/or drought (especially in young trees).

Deciduous Stand: Leaf spot, Leaf and Twig Blight, Leaf Rust, etc. Symptoms – Colored leaves; round or angular brown spots on leaves (leaf spot), blackening and wilting of young shoots; tips bending back (blight), powdery golden-yellow pustules on leaves; yellow spots (rust). Confirmation – Check for absence of insect damage and describe scenario in comments; can be difficult to assess according to season.

Unknown – If a crew member cannot decipher what type of disturbance has taken place and it is evident that something has changed the plot area in some way; ensure comments are filled out. This heading can be replaced with any “other” type of disturbance agent if something has been identified that is not on the list.



Site Photographs & Slope

This protocol is designed to provide permanent pictures of the site.

Field Equipment: Digital camera Compass w/ clinometer

• Use a digital camera with a 35 mm focal length and a quality setting of 3 Mega-pixels. • Take six photographs at each site.

a) Transect Photos – From site centre, take a photograph from eye level in each of the four sub-ordinal directions.

b) Representative Site Photo – From anywhere within the 1 ha plot, take a single photograph of the site that best represents the physical and vegetation characteristics.

c) Canopy Photo – Stand at site centre, take a photograph of the canopy looking directly overhead. • Except for the canopy photo, include a back pack and/or DBH calipers approximately 5 m from the camera

for scale. • Back-up and label photo files onto a laptop computer once back at camp. Transect photos are labeled

ABMI_[year]_[site]_[quadrant].jpg (eg., ABMI_2005_546_NW.jpg). Canopy and representative site photos are labeled similarly, except with “canopy.jpg” and “site.jpg” ending the label name instead of [quadrant].

• All photos are copied to a DVD for backup in the field, and at the end of the season to secure computer in the lab.

• At site centre, determine slope using a clinometer or compass. From a standing position, sight to a reference point that is eye-level above the ground 20 m away in the direction of maximum slope. Record the slope (in degrees) and the aspect (down-slope compass direction).

• At site centre, record elevation based on the Resource Data Division DEM (completed in the GIS lab).

Ecological Site Classifications

This protocol classifies the dominant vegetative community present (pre-disturbance) at plots and transects. Ecological site types are named based on soil characteristics, soil nutrients, moisture status, and vegetation structural stage. Field Equipment: ARGASID and GVI Information ABMI Ecological Site Classification chart • In Alberta ecosite types are determined differently among natural regions. Thus, two designations are

assigned to each ABMI site. • First record GVI land classification types.

o Detailed classification can only done for sites in the Grassland and Parkland natural regions, because AGRASID and GVI are only available for the Grassland and Parkland natural regions.

o For sites in the Boreal, Foothill, Rocky Mountain, and Shield natural regions, record GVI land classification as unknown (UNK).

o If GVI information is available for the site, determine the proportion of the 1 ha area that is occupied by each of the 33 land classes in Table 1 below. This process is still under development.

o Use polygon information from AGRASID, use a GIS to determine the potential soil types for each ABMI site, and the proportion of the 1 ha area that is occupied by each AGRASID polygon type.

o Based on: - AGRSID information, plus - detailed air-photo/satellite images of the site, plus - the ground photo taken at the vegetation plots, plus - the 6 ground photos taken from the 1 ha area, plus



- vascular plant cover information obtained from the vascular plant plots determine the GVI land class (Table 1) that occurs where vascular plant cover was estimated. This process is still under development.

Table 1. 33 land classes based on AGRASID and GVI (Grassland Vegetation Inventory 2006)

Primary

Class Land Sub-Class

Site Type Description Code

Lentic Standing water Permanent open standing-water with no emergent vegetation, generally larger than 1.0 ha and >15 cm deep.

LenW Open Water

Lotic

River Open water of rivers, generally rivers wider than 20

m. LtcR

Temporary Water present <3 weeks (dry by July) <15 cm deep. LenT Seasonal Water usually present >3 weeks (usually dry by

July) >15 cm deep. LenS

Alkali Water present >3 weeks and >15 cm deep LenA

Native / Natural Lentic

Lentic

Semi-Permanent to Permanent

Throughout the year except during periods of extreme drought (present in autumn in 70% of the years); often occurs adjacent to LenW; includes the march zones; water is generally >15 cm deep; if open water is present it is smaller than 1.0 ha

LenSP

Coniferous Coniferous trees with a combined canopy cover of greater than 25%.

LtcC

Deciduous Deciduous trees with a combined canopy cover of greater than 25%.

LtcD

Shrub Shrubs have a combined cover of at least 10%. LtcS

Native / Natural Lotic

Lotic

Herbaceous Herbaceous species (including sedges) have a combined cover of at least 5%.

LtcH

Subirrigated Water table is close to surface during growing season, but rarely above. Does not have a defined depressional edge.

Sb

Overflow Areas subject to water spreading and sheet flow. Typically on gentle inclines or terraces above the frequent flood zone. For locations where flood frequency is less than once every ten years.

Ov

Clayey Clayey-textured soils including silty clay, sandy clay, clay, and heavy clay. Generally >40% clay.

Cy

Loamy Includes loam, silt loam, silt, clay loam, sandy clay loam, and silty clay loam.

Lo

Sandy Sandy-loam-textured soils. Sy Limy Eroded or immature soils with free lime (CaCO3) at

the soil surface. Soil pH generally >7.5. Li

Sand Loamy sand and sand soils, and not with a duned surface.

Sa

Blowouts/ Solonetzic Order

Areas with Solonetzic (hardpan) soils. The surface may or may not have eroded pits.

BlO

Choppy Sandhills Loamy sand and sand soils with a duned land surface.

CS

Thin Breaks Areas with bedrock at or near the soil surface. Amount of vegetation is intermediate between Limy and Badlands. TB may include thin, eroded or immature soils on gentle to steep slopes.

TB

Native / Natural

Grassland

Grassland

Shallow to Gravel Soil with 20 to 50 cm of a sandy or loamy surface overlying a gravel or cobble- rich substrate.

SwG



Primary Class

Land Sub-Class

Site Type Description Code

Saline Lowland Areas with negligible vegetation due to electrical conductivity (salts) and/or sodium adsorption ratio limitations.

SL

Gravel Dominated by gravels or cobbles (>50% coarse fragments). May be covered by a mantle <20 cm thick with some gravels.

Gr

Badlands/ Bedrock Nearly barren or barren lands, with exposures of soft rock, hard rock, or surficial geology. Includes steep valley walls.

BdL

Irrigated Row crops (small grains, oilseeds, and fallow) with water supplemented by anthropogenic means.

CI Crop

Non-irrigated Includes row crops without water supplementation. CN Irrigated Planted grasses or legumes for livestock grazing or

the production of hay with water supplemented by anthropogenic means.

PI Tame Pasture

Non-irrigated Planted grasses or legumes without water

supplementation. PN

Pits Vegetative cover removed for the extraction of surface deposits; may be active or inactive.

Pit Industrial

Developed Invasive developments that are very difficult to return to crop, pasture, or native/natural conditions; does not include urban.

Dev

Urban Areas where much of the land is covered by structures and the population density is high (cities, towns, villages, hamlets, cottage development, strip developments, cemeteries, and shopping centers).

Ur

Anthropogenic

Settled

Rural Sparsely populated areas outside urban (country residential developments (acreages), farmsteads, golf courses, parks and campgrounds).

Ru

Unknown No Data Not Determined No information in AGRASID and GVI UNK • Second, classify the ecosite type into general categories (Table 2).

o Ecosite categories in Table 2 are broadly based on vegetation communities described ecosite field guides for Alberta (see Appendix 3 for details).

o First determine whether the area is upland or lowland. o Then determine the moisture/nutrient category based on the understory vegetative community that is

present. o After a moisture/nutrient category is assigned, determine the tree species modifier and structural

stage. o The tree species modifiers listed in the table are the “most common” scenarios, and may not perfectly

fit each scenario found in the field. o If the area being described has been altered by some type of human disturbance (eg., agriculture, well

pad, road, cutline, etc.) it is important to determine ecosite type based on pre-disturbance conditions. This may require looking at vegetation in adjacent areas to determine what “would have been present originally”.

o Add comments to your classification whenever the results appear odd.



Table 2 ABMI Ecological Site Classification – Simplified Chart

Dominant Shrub/Herb/Ground Cover

Nutr./ Moist. Code 1

Tree Species Modifier

Tree Species Composition 2 (In an area without human

disturbance) Structural Stage 3

Upland Vegetation Communities

Bearberry/Lichen Bog Cranberry common at some sites

1 - PX 1a Pine Pj + Fd > 80%

2a Pine Pj + Pl > 50%

2b Other Aw + Sw + Se +Fa +Pw > 50%

Labrador Tea / Feather Moss Bog Cranberry, Bilberry, Grouse-berry common at some sites

2 - PM

2c Sb Sb > 50%

3a None No Trees

3b Pine Pj + Pl > 50%

3c AwMix Aw > 20%

Hairy Wild Rye Bearberry, Canada Buffalo-berry, Feather Moss common at some sites

3 - MX

3d Spruce Sw + Se + La >50%

4a Pine Pj + Pl + Fa >50%

4b PjMix

Aw + Bp + Sw ≥20%, AND Pj ≥20%

4c Aw Aw > 50%

4d AwMix

Aw ≥20% AND Sw + Sb + Pl > 20%

Low-bush Cranberry / Canada Buffalo-berry Blueberry, Rose, Alder, Labrador Tea, Bearberry, Thimbleberry, Bog Cranberry, Feather Moss common at some sites

4 -MM

4e Sw Sw > 50%

5a PbMix Pb + Aw > 50%

5b Spruce Sw + Se > 50%

Horsetail Dogwood, Rose, Willow, Feather Moss common at some sites

5 - MG

5c Sb Sb > 50%

6a Pl Pl > 50%

6b PbMix Pb + Aw > 50%

Dogwood / Fern / Feather Moss Rose, Alder, Bracted Honeysuckle, Devil’s Club Fir common at some sites

6 - RG

6c Spruce Sw + Se + Fa > 50%

7a Alpine Elevation above tree line

7b Flood Site disturbed frequently by flooding

7c Ice Site disturbed frequently by ice or snow

7d Dry Site disturbed frequently by drought

Not Treed 7 - NT

7e Geo Geological features not suitable for tree growth

A. Tree Dominated Ecosites (Trees ≥10% cover) – Add 4-letter code combining tree height, density, and arrangement. Tree Height (TS) Short – ≥50% of canopy cover <10 m tall. (TT) Tall – >50% of canopy cover ≥10 m tall. Tree Density (D) Dense – Trees ≥1.3 m tall are ≤2 m apart. (S) Sparse – Trees ≥1.3 m tall are >2 m apart. Tree Arrangement (C) Complex (Spatially) – Tallest trees ≥10 m

apart, with smaller trees (~ ½ height) between that receive direct sunlight from above.

(N) Non-complex (Spatially) – Tallest trees <10 m apart, with few or no smaller trees (~ ½ height) between, that receive direct light from above.

B. Non-Tree Dominated Ecosites (Trees <10% cover) Non-Vegetated (<10% Vegetation Cover) – Add 2-letter code describing dominant substrate type. (NR) – Bedrock, cliff, talus, bolder (NS) – Sand bar in river/stream (cobble, gravel, sand) (NM) – Mineral soil any other reason (NO) – Organic soil any other reason Note: If standing water is present, refer to Open Water Communities Only Ground Vegetation Present (Shrubs <10%; Trees <10%; Other Vasc. >10%) – Add 3-letter code combining dominant vegetation type and density Vegetation Type (GB) Bryoid/Lichen – Bryophyte and lichen (GF) Forb – Non-graminoid herbs and ferns (GG) Graminoid – grasses, sedges (GR) Marsh – reeds, and rushes Vegetation Density (D) Dense – Cover >75% (M) Moderate – Cover 25-75% (S) Sparse – Cover <25% Shrubs Present (Shrubs >10%; Trees <10%) – Add 3 letter code combining shrub height and density. Shrub Height (SL) Low – Shrubby vegetation <2 m tall (ST) Tall – Shrubby vegetation >2 m tall Shrub Density (D) Dense – Shrubs cover >75% (M) Moderate – Shrubs cover 25-75% (S) Sparse – Shrubs cover <25%



Dominant Shrub/Herb/Ground

Cover

Nutr./ Moist. Code 1

Tree Species

Modifier

Tree Species Composition 2 (In an area without human

disturbance) Structural Stage 3

Lowland/Wetland Vegetation Communities

8a SbLt

≥10% tree cover (may only be in shrub/ground strata) Sb + Lt > 50%

Bog - Labrador Tea / Peat Moss / Lichen Bog cranberry and cloudberry may also be present (Soil saturated for part or all the year)

8 - PD

8b Shrub <10% tree cover

9a SbLt ≥10% tree cover (may only be in shrub/ground strata) Sb + Lt > 50%

Poor Fen - Labrador Tea / Peat Moss / Sedge Bog cranberry, dwarf birch and river alder may also be present (Soil saturated for part or all the year)

9 - MD

9b Shrub <10% tree cover

10a SbLt ≥10% tree cover (may only be in shrub/ground strata) Sb + Lt ≥ 50%

10b Shrub <10% tree cover AND ≥10% shrub cover

Rich Fen - Dwarf Birch / Willow / Sedge / Grass / Moss (Soil saturated for part or all the year; includes floating mats of vegetation)

10-RD

10c None

<10% tree cover AND <10% shrub cover

Marsh – Cattail / Rush /Reed (Water is above the rooting zone for most or all of the year)

11-VD 11a None usually along a water body edge ≥10% emergent vegetation cover <10% tree cover

12a Lake In standing water <10% emergent vegetation cover

Open Water 12-OW 12b River In flowing water

<10% emergent vegetation cover

C. Open Water Dominated Communities (Emergent Vegetation <10%) – Add 4-letter code combining dominant vegetation type, height and density Vegetation Type (OV) Vegetated – Floating or submerged plants

≥ 10% cover (ON) Non-Vegetated – Floating or submerged

plants < 10% cover (note that only a 2-letter code is used for this category vegetation height and density are not added to the code)

Vegetation Height (S) Short Submerged – ≥50% of vegetation

extending 0.0 – <0.3 m above the substrate (M) Medium Submerged – ≥50% of vegetation

extending 0.3 – 1.3 m above the substrate (T) Tall Submerged – ≥50% of vegetation

extending >1.3 m above the substrate (F) Floating – ≥50% of vegetation with floating

leaves on the water surface. Vegetation Density (D) Dense – Aquatic vegetation covering >75%

of the substrate. (M) Moderate – Aquatic vegetation covering

25-75% of the substrate. (S) Sparse – Aquatic vegetation covering <25%

of the substrate.

Classifications are based on Dominant Shrub/Herb/Ground Cover before determining the Tree Species Modifier and Structural Stage. Tree species compositions in the tables are the “simplified categories” for the ABMI - these may not fit perfectly with what is seen at the site (see Appendix 3 for details).

1. Note that moisture nutrient category names are approximate and the category often also includes adjacent nutrient and moisture categories (see Appendix 3 for details; Nutrient Status: P=Poor, M=Medium, R=Rich, V=Very Rich; Moisture Status: X=Xeric, M=Mesic, G=Hygric, D=Hydric, OW=Open Water)

2. Tree species composition is determined from both the dominant/co-dominant (canopy) and intermediate/suppressed (sub-canopy) trees, giving more weight to the dominant and co-dominant trees.

3. Determine the structural stage after ecological-site type is determined. 4. Record Ecological Site Classifications as: Nutrient & moisture code – Tree species modifier/structural stage (eg., RG-

PbMix/TSDN; PD-SbLt/SLD; MM-None/GFD; OW-Lake/ONSS) ECOSITE CLASSIFICATION FOR SITE CENTER (BIRD POINT COUNT STATION #1) AND ALL OTHER BIRD POINT COUNT STATIONS • Standing at the bird point count station, classify ecosite type within a 150 m radius. • Ecosite types for broad plots are determined at ABMI site center (this is also bird point count station #1) and

each of the other bird point count stations. • If there is more than one ecosite type present, then determine the primary and secondary ecological site types,

and the proportion of each (in 10% increments) within the 150 m radius area. • Primary ecosite types occupy a larger proportion of the area then secondary ecosite types. • Secondary eco-types must make up ≥0.1 ha of a continuous habitat (i.e., be ~ 35 m in diameter) otherwise

they are considered part of the primary ecosite. • The sum of the primary and secondary ecosite types may not add to 100% if more than two eco-

types/structural stages are present.



ECOSITE CLASSIFICATION FOR 5 X 5 M VEGETATION, SOIL ARTHROPOD, SURFACE LFH SAMPLING, & SOIL PITS • Determine the ecosite type for:

o All four 5 x 5 m shrub plots (note: these are the same plots that are used for small trees). o All four arthropod sampling areas (note: these are the same areas that are used for mineral soil and

bulk density). o Both surface substrate sampling transects. o The soil pit.

• For each of these plots/transects, only determine the primary ecosite type within the area sampled, and if appropriate note the proportion of area (in 10% increments) occupied by the primary ecosite type.

Trees, Snags and Stumps

This protocol is designed to measure tree, snag, and stump densities and sizes.

Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete

BoleBrokenBelow Canopy

Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete


Med. Tree 10x10 m

N35.35

m5m

5m

15m

Small Tree 5x5 m

Large Tree 25x25 m

Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete


Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete


Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete


Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete


Stage1

Stage1-2S

Stage2

Stage3

Stage3S

Stage4S

TreeBole

Complete


Med. Tree 10x10 m

NN35.35

m5m

5m

15m

Small Tree 5x5 m

Large Tree 25x25 m

Figure 2

Collecting data in the small, medium, and large tree/snag/stump plots is easier when done simultaneously. Starting at the 35.35 m marker, work through the nested plots (5 x 5, 10 x 10, and 25 x 25 m) measuring all trees/snags/stumps taking care to document them in their respective categories. Field Equipment:

50 cm DBH calipers (1 mm increments)

5 m DBH tape 10 m carpenters tape 100 m measuring tape Vertex hypsometer

w/transponder Tree paint

SMALL TREE/SNAG PLOTS (≤7.0 CM DBH)

• Locate the four small tree plots (5 x 5 m) starting at the 35.35 m mark of the four sub-ordinal transects, represented by the 1 m orange steel bar.

• Trees must be ≥1.3 m in height and ≤7 cm DBH to be included as a small tree. • Record species, DBH (in 0.1 cm increments), and condition (alive or dead) for each small tree. Use a vertex

hypsometer or 10 m carpenters tape to measure height (to the nearest 0.5 meter). • It is important to measure DBH at exactly 1.3 m above the ground surface – use the average ground surface

for trees/snags that are on a hill slope. • For small snags record decay stage. Snags must be ≥1.3 m in height, and leaning no more than 45° from

perpendicular, to be included. Note that snags leaning more than 45o are measured as part of the DWM. • For snags, decay stage is described as: 1 = recently killed, all twigs/ branches present, wood hard, bark

(normally) intact; 2 = twigs and small branches missing (major branches remain), wood hard; 3 = no branches, bole mostly intact, wood starting to soften. If the tree is snapped along the bole so that the presence of twigs and branches cannot be evaluated, then decay is classified based on the stump condition as: 1-2S = recently killed, wood hard, bark (normally) intact; 3S = wood starting to soften; 4S = wood soft throughout the snag (Figure 2).



MEDIUM TREE/SNAG/STUMP PLOTS ( >7.0 CM DBH)

5 m 5 m

10 m

Small Plot5 x 5 m

Medium/Large Plot10 x 10 m

9 Locations for Sub-samplingMedium/Large Trees

Figure 3

• The four medium-large tree/snag/stump plots (10 x 10 m) are an extension of the nested 5 x 5 m small tree/snag plots (Figure 2).

• If less than 10 trees >7.0 cm DBH are present within the plot then all trees are measured in detail. For efficiency, if 10 or more trees >7.0 cm DBH are present within the 10 x 10 m plot, a sub-sample of 9 trees are fully measured (Figure 3), the remaining trees can have their heights estimated based on heights of measured trees. To sub-sample trees, select the closest tree to each corner and mid-point of the 10 x 10 m plot boundary, plus the tree closest to the centre of the plot (Figure 3). All trees must be selected from within the 10 x 10 m plot and cannot be counted twice (i.e., select a different tree if it is the closest to more than one location).

• Move through the 10 x 10 m plot measuring and recording the species, DBH (in 0.5 cm increments), and condition (alive or dead) of all trees and snags >7.0 cm DBH.

• For sub-sampled trees, use a vertex hypsometer to record height of the crown top and crown base. Crown top is measured to the highest leaf on the tree and crown base is the location on the stem where live branches occupy about three-quarters of the stem circumference. Personal judgment mat be necessary to determine crown base and it may be easier to estimate this when standing under the tree and not using the vertex hypsometer. Note that height is the length of the main stem, and for leaning trees, height must be increased based on the amount of lean.

• Estimate crown height and base height (to the nearest 0.5 meter) for all other trees >7.0 cm DBH within the plot. Indicate estimated measurements by placing an “E” in the Measured/Estimated column.

• For each tree, record crown classifications into 5 categories: 1. Veteran=Trees that are considerably older than rest of the stand, usually remaining from a previous forest. 2. Dominant=Trees with well developed crowns extending slightly above the general level of surrounding

trees, receiving full light from above and partly from the side. 3. Co-dominant=Trees with crowns (slightly smaller than dominant and crowded from the sides) forming

the general level of surrounding trees, receiving full light from above and little from the side. 4. Intermediate=Trees with crowns (usually small and quite crowded) below, but extending to, the general

level of surrounding trees, receiving little light from above and none from the sides. 5. Suppressed=Trees with crowns entirely below the general level of the surrounding trees, receiving

virtually no direct light from above or the side. • Snags include all woody stems ≥1.3 m tall and leaning no more than 45° from perpendicular. Record decay

stage of snags based on that described for small trees/snags. Estimate height of snags to the nearest 0.5 meter based on a vertex measurement or the carpenters tape. Note that height is the length of the main stem - for leaning snags height must be increased based on the amount of lean.

• Stumps are snags <1.3 m tall and having an inside diameter (not including bark) >4 cm. Record all stumps within the plots by giving them a condition class of “S” for stump. Record species (if possible), height (nearest 0.1 m), and inside diameter (in 0.1 cm increments up to 7.0 cm, and 0.5 cm increments if >7.0 cm) of the stumps.

• Vertex hypsometer readings are measured in conjunction with a transponder. Place the transponder at breast height (1.3 m – this needs to be accurate) on the tree to be measured and program the vertex to record distance at this height. Walk a suitable distance from the tree (optimal measurements are made at a distance equal to the tree height) and obtain the measured distance using the vertex. After distance is obtained, aim the vertex to the desired heights (top canopy/canopy base) to be measured. Repeat this process for all trees to be measured.



LARGE TREE PLOTS (≥25 CM DBH)

• All trees/snags/stumps ≥25 cm DBH that were measured in the 5 x 5 m and 10 x 10 m plots do not need to be re-measured during this survey.

• Sample the remaining portion of each of the 4 plots (25 x 25 m) by systematically moving through the plot while measuring and recording trees and snags ≥25 cm DBH as they are encountered.

• For large live trees, record the tree species and DBH (in 0.5 cm increments). • For large snags, record tree species, DBH, and decay stage (see description under small trees). Snags include

all woody stems ≥1.3 m tall and leaning no more than 45° from perpendicular. • Mark the sampled trees and snags with a small dot of tree paint to avoid re-sampling. Mark the trees in the

direction of site centre and at breast height (i.e., point of measurement). • Measure trees and snags on the boundary of the plot if at least half of the bole is within the plot.

Class 1: Recently Dead

Class 2: Weakly Decayed

Class 3: Moderately Decayed

Class 4: Very Decayed

Class 5: Almost Decomposed

N

FWD (5 m)

SWD (3-7 cm) & CW

D

(25 m)

SWD (1-3 cm)

(10 m)

DWM 25 m Transects

35.35 m

10.35 m

Figure 4






N

FWD (5 m)

SWD (3-7 cm) & CW

D

(25 m)

SWD (1-3 cm)

(10 m)

DWM 25 m Transects

35.35 m

10.35 m











NN

FWD (5 m)

SWD (3-7 cm) & CW

D

(25 m)

SWD (1-3 cm)

(10 m)

DWM 25 m Transects

35.35 m

10.35 m

FWD (5 m)

SWD (3-7 cm) & CW

D

(25 m)

SWD (1-3 cm)

(10 m)

DWM 25 m Transects

35.35 m

10.35 m

Figure 4Down Woody Material

This protocol measures all non-living woody debris along forest floor transects.

Field Equipment: 50 cm DBH calipers Go-No-Go Tool Mora Knife • DWM is measured on four sub-ordinal transects. • Transects start 10.35 m from site centre (to avoid the

disturbance that may have occurred around site centre) and extend for 25 m to the 35.35 m orange marker stake.

• Dead wood must be on the forest floor or leaning >45° to be recorded as DWM, otherwise it is recorded as a snag.

• DWM is divided into Coarse Woody Debris (CWD), Small Woody Debris (SWD) and Fine Woody Debris (FWD). The “go-no-go” tool is used to determine which category each piece belongs to.

• Tally the number of pieces of FWD (<1.0 cm) that intersect the transect above the litter layer, along the first 5 m of each of the 4 DWM transects. Fine woody debris only includes twigs, stems, and branches and does not include cones, bark flakes, fragments of stems and branches, or needles. These pieces of FWD often are short. Thus, it is necessary to have the tape measure within a few inches of the forest floor for the first 5 m to accurately determine whether or not the FWD piece crosses the transect.

• SWD is placed into 3 size classes (1.0-3.0, 3.1-5.0 and 5.1-7.0 cm). Tally the number of SWD 1.0-3.0 cm along the first 10 m of each of the 4 DWM transects. SWD 3.1-5.0 cm and 5.1-7.0 cm are tallied along the entire 25 m transect. To be included as SWD, the piece must intersect the transect and be above the litter layer (i.e., <50% buried).

• Measure each piece of CWD >7.0 cm diameter (in 0.5 cm increments) at the point of transect intersect along the entire 25 m of each DWM transect. Measure diameter using DBH calipers in a plane perpendicular to the long-axis of the CWD.

• For CWD (>7.0 cm diameter), classify decay stage (at the point of intercept) into one of five decay classes (Figure 4): 1) Recently Dead - Bark (normally) attached to the wood; little fungus mycelium developed under patches

of loose bark. (100-95 % of the initial dry density)



2) Weakly Decayed - Loose bark (intact or partly missing); well developed fungus mycelium (normally) between bark and wood; rot extends <3 cm radially into the wood (as measured by pushing a knife into the wood). (~ 95-75 % of the initial dry density)

3) Moderately Decayed - Rot extends >3 cm into the wood (as measured by pushing a knife into the wood) but core still hard; log may be sagging or broken but still supported from forest floor by stones, humps, etc. (~75-50 % of the initial dry density)

4) Very Decayed - Rotten throughout (entire knife penetrates into wood); log shape conforms to forest floor; often elliptical in shape. (~50-25 % of the initial dry density)

5) Almost Decomposed - Log completely decomposed in sections; outline of log discernable but strongly fragmented and remaining parts often overgrown; wood disintegrates when lifted. (25-5 % of the initial dry density)

• Ensure that you look closely for logs in a decay class of 5, as some can be hidden by moss and litter covering

the forest floor. • When classifying the state of decay (1-5), careful attention should be given to all criteria listed. • Do your best to distinguish the edges of a class 5 log in order to obtain a diameter. If no clear log can be

discerned, then it should be considered organic material and no longer woody debris. • In some cases it is difficult to determine what to measure. The following provides some details:

1) Classified as Down Woody Material a. Twigs, stems, branches, and chunks of wood with or without bark. b. DWM above the litter layer or soil; debris is considered no longer above when it is >50% buried

beneath a layer of surface organic matter (forest floor) or mineral soil. c. Odd shaped pieces of wood; estimate diameter at intersect as if it were round d. Fallen or suspended (not self-supporting) dead tree boles and branches, with or without roots attached,

that intercept the plane of the transect line and are leaning >45° from vertical. Stems and branches may be suspended on nearby live or dead trees, other coarse woody debris, stumps, or other terrain features

e. Fallen trees/branches with green foliage that are no longer rooted in the ground f. Large fallen branches and broken tree tops that are horizontal or leaning and not connected to the tree

bole g. Recently cut logs h. Uprooted (not self-supporting) stumps i. Exposed dead roots of snags/logs that have fallen and are crossing the transect

2) Things NOT classified as Down Woody Material a. Cones, bark flakes, needles, leaves and forbs. b. Live or dead trees (still rooted) which are self-supporting and leaning <45° from the vertical c. Dead branches still connected to standing trees d. Exposed roots of self supporting trees e. Self-supporting stumps or their exposed roots f. A piece is no longer considered debris when the wood is decomposed to the point where it could be

described as forest floor humus (no discernible shape of log left). 3) Accumulations (eg., logging debris or slash piles) of large DWM: If a pile of CWD is encountered along

the transect, and it is too time consuming to measure each piece individually, then a portion of the accumulation is measured and the total estimated from that partial measurement.

a. For piles of DWM - “Visually” compress the pile; Estimate the full horizontal length of the line intercept through the accumulation, and the average vertical depth of the accumulation (i.e., measure the actual cross sectional area of wood, not the space between the pieces). Based on length and width, estimate an approximate diameter of the accumulation as if it were round. Note: Remember if the pile is at an angle to the transect line, estimate perpendicular diameter at the point of intersect (do not measure pile width based on the intersect with the transect line).

b. Identify and record the most common species in the accumulation and the most common decay stage. c. Make a note that the measurement is that of an estimate for an accumulation

4) Many pieces of FWD and SWD (eg., wind throw and broken-off tree crowns containing many small branches)



If a tree crown has fallen across the transect, a proportion of the branches/pieces are counted and the total number estimated by multiplying by the proportion of length sampled.

a. Measure the entire horizontal length of the debris field crossing the line (i.e., debris field is 5m wide along intersect).

b. Choose a representative sub-sample (not just the first portion of transect) and tally the number of FWD and SWD pieces (i.e., 42 pieces of FWD and 25 pieces of SWD tallied within a 50 cm distance).

c. To obtain an accurate estimate of DWM, the length of transect chosen for measurement must have a least 20 pieces for each type. Note that the length used for FWD may be different than the length used for SWD.

d. Estimate the number of pieces in the debris field (i.e., in the above scenario multiply by 10; 420 pieces FWD and 250 pieces of SWD).

Soil Arthropods (Springtails and Mites) & Mineral Soil

This protocol is designed to measure presence and relative abundance of springtails (Collembola) and Oribatid mites, within the organic layer of the soil and collect mineral soil samples for determination of carbon content and pH. Soil arthropod are sampled at the same place and time as the mineral soil. Field Equipment:

Soil Corer (2” diameter)

15

9

4 2

3

6

107

11

8

12

18

22

16

15

14

21

17

13

24

20

23

19

1 m 15cm

Pig Tail

80 m

Figure 5

15

9

4 2

3

6

107

11

8

12

18

22

16

15

14

21

17

13

24

20

23

19

1 m 15cm

Pig Tail

80 m

80 m

Figure 5

500 ml measuring cup Cloth collection bags Cooler with ice ABMI Ecological Site Classification

Chart Ecological Characteristics of Sample Area

• Soil arthropods and mineral soil is sampled in four locations at each site.

• To ensure that ecological conditions within ABMI site are not disturbed, sampling is conducted outside the central 1 ha area.

• Sample areas are located on the sub-ordinals 80 m from site center (Figure 5) – this is approximately 10 m outside the corners of the 1 ha square.

• Describe the ecosite types (see methods above) for each of the four areas where soil cores will be extracted.

• Describe slope position for each of the four areas where soil cores will be extracted: o C=Crest – situated in a relatively level area on the top of a hill o S=Slope – situated on the side of a hill, include a modifier as 1 (i.e., S1) for slopes 2-5o, as 2 for

slopes 6-10o, as 3 for slopes 11-30o, and 4 for slopes >30o o T=Toe – situated at the bottom of a hill where the ground surface transitions from a slope to level o L=Level – situated on in an area with <2o slope o D=Depression – situated in an area that accumulates water after rains

• For each of the four areas where soil cores will be extracted describe slope direction (looking down hill) as N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.

Soil Arthropods

• Collect soil cores that contain both the organic layer and approximately 10 cm of mineral soil – this provides the sample for both the soil arthropods and the mineral soil.

• Only the organic component of the soil profile is collected for soil arthropods. This consists of the LFH



horizon (litter, fermentation, and humus layers) and excludes the mineral soil. • Determining the LFH horizon is usually straight forward based on the color and texture of the soil and

resistance of the soil corer to penetrate far into the mineral layer. The organic layer is typically dark in color, coarse and fibrous (containing rooting systems) whereas the mineral soil is typically lighter in color, finely particulate, and lacking most roots.

• Visually determine where the transition from LFH to mineral horizon appears. Grasp the LFH in one hand, the mineral soil in the other hand, and gently break these apart. If there are a few roots holding the two sections together, then cut these with a knife. Place only the LFH into one mixing bowl and the top 5 cm of the mineral soil into another (see description for mineral soil below).

• If the LFH is indistinct (eg., native grasslands), collect the plant residue layer and the top 2 cm of the soil. • Where LFH layer has been mixed artificially by mechanical equipment (eg., cultivated agriculture fields), or

where inorganic soil and other materials have been spread over the surface (eg., roads), collect the plant residue layer on the surface and if possible the top 2 cm of the soil. Note that this may included only a few leaves, grass, or other debris on the top of the core location.

• If a core location is in standing water, no core is taken. However, if a vegetative mat is present above the water table (this is judged prior to a person standing on the mat) a core is taken.

• If the organic layer is deeper than the corer can penetrate (i.e., corer is not long enough to reach the mineral soil). The entire 40 cm of organic material the corer extracts is collected from the core. This can be common in lowland areas such as Black spruce/Tamarack bogs.

• A minimum of 4 cores are taken (Figure 5) from each sample location (quadrant). If more than 4 cores are required to accumulate 500 ml of organic material, additional cores are taken in a clockwise fashion (Figure 5) until 500 ml is attained or until 24 cores have been taken. The number of cores required to get 500 ml of soil is recorded.

• A maximum of 24 cores are attempted per sample location (quadrant) even if less than 500 ml is obtained. • Cores are taken in sequential order and each core location is given a descriptive code. Descriptions include: If

cores can not be taken – SW=Standing Water, R=Rocks, SL=Stumps/Logs; If cores can be taken, but are unique or only partial cores could be acquired – AM=Animal Material, HD=Human Disturbance (i.e., mineral soil), WT=Water Table, DWM=Downed Woody Material (i.e., decayed logs, roots, etc), RT=Roots.

• The LFH from all cores at a location are mixed together in a sampling bowl and a random 500 ml sample is placed into a cloth bag for processing. The volume of remaining LFH (if any) is measured and returned to the site.

• Since organic material is collected from each quadrant, a total of 2 L of organic material is sampled per site. • Using the Ecological Site Classification Chart, record the primary eco-type/structural stage for the 2m radius

area where organic material was collected. • Samples are labeled with the Collector’s Initials, Date, ABMI Site, and ABMI Quadrant. All samples from a

site are placed into a plastic bag to keep the sample dry and placed into a cooler with ice. Ensure the plastic bag is not closed completely to allow oxygen exchange. Samples are separated by cardboard, or some type of barrier, from the ice.

• Arthropod extraction must be started within 6 days of the samples being collected to minimize the loss of organisms within the sample (see Processing Springtails and Mites). Thus after a maximum of 3 days, coolers with fresh ice are couriered to the lab for processing.

Mineral Soil

L,F,H MineralSoil

Soil ArthropodSample

Mineral SoilSample

5 cm

Soil Core Cross-Section

Figure 6

L,F,H MineralSoil


Mineral SoilSample

5 cm


L,F,H MineralSoil


Mineral SoilSample

5 cm


Figure 6

• The core to sample mineral soil is part of the same core collected to sampled soil arthropods (Figure 5).

• Four 250 ml composite samples of mineral soil are collected – one in each of the four quadrants at each ABMI site.

• When obtaining each core, ensure the corer enters into the mineral horizon for at least 10 cm.

• After removing the LFH layer from the core (see springtail and mite protocols above), collect 5 cm of mineral soil and place this on a plastic sheet. Use a knife to cut the core of mineral soil 5 cm below the LFH horizon (Figure 6).

• If no mineral soil is present at the sampling point, or if mineral



soil is too deep to reach with the soil corer, record on the data sheet NMS – No Mineral Soil. • If after 4 cores more than 250 ml of mineral soil is collected, then mix the soil in the bowl and sub-sample

250 ml. • If there is <250 ml of mineral soil after 4 cores, then continue collecting the mineral soil from core samples,

via the same sequence as described in soil arthropods, until a total of 250 ml of soil is collected per quadrant. • Place the 250 ml of mineral soil samples in a cloth bag labeled with the Collector’s Initials, Date, ABMI Site,

and ABMI Quadrant. • Keep samples in a dry, cool (shaded) place while in the field. • When back at camp, allow the samples to air dry in a well ventilated space for 3 days. • Store samples in a cool dry location until they are shipped to the lab. • Pack samples in the cooler with soil arthropod samples and courier them to the laboratory for processing (see

Processing Mineral Soil).

Breeding Birds

This protocol is designed to measure presence and relative abundance of breeding birds.

P.C.7

300 m

300 m

P.C.8

P.C.5

P.C.6

P.C.1

P.C.4

P.C.9

P.C.2

P.C.3

N

B.C.1

B.C.2

B.C.3

B.C.4

B.C.6

B.C.5

B.C.7

B.C.8

B.C.9

P.C.7

300 m

300 m

P.C.8

P.C.5

P.C.6

P.C.1

P.C.4

P.C.9

P.C.2

P.C.3

NN

B.C.1

B.C.2

B.C.3

B.C.4

B.C.6

B.C.5

B.C.7

B.C.8

B.C.9

B.C.1

B.C.2

B.C.3

B.C.4

B.C.6

B.C.5

B.C.7

B.C.8

B.C.9

Figure 7

Field Equipment:

Omni directional microphone HD recorder plus portable battery

recharging unit Laptop Computer (Minimum 2.5Gb drive

space) Tripod Back pack Binoculars/Spotting scope Boat/Canoe

• This protocol is completed by one of the crew while the other crew member surveys trees/snags/stumps, DWM, and soil arthropods at the site.

• Survey nine point count stations in a grid pattern with a spacing of 300 m between stations (Figure 7).

• Point count station #1 is at site centre. Determine the locations of the other eight stations using a GPS. If possible determine the locations of the point count stations to within ±5 m.

• Begin bird recordings between ½ hour before sun-rise and sun-rise. • Record general site characteristics within an area roughly 150 m (if possible) around the point count station.

Methods are described in the Physical Site Characterization Protocol (see above). The description is completed within 2-3 minutes from a standing position. This description can be done after the point count recording has started provided the observer is very silent while writing (i.e., not to interfere with recording).

• Note potentially factors that may bias the number of bird vocalizations detected such as wind speed, precipitation, and human caused noise.

• Unless inhibited in some manner, conduct bird surveys by starting at point count station #1, and proceeding in numerical order until all point counts have been conducted. Note: when conducting the point count at station #1, the second crew member must be quiet to avoid disturbing the birds in the area and creating noise easily heard on the recording.



• At each point count station, record bird vocalizations for a period of 10 minutes using the omni-directional microphone connected to a mini hard drive recorder. Move the recording equipment (pelican case) to the North or South and as far from the microphone as possible; this will deliver any obstructive noise you make equally to the left and right microphone. Do not leave the headphones open on the ground – either have them on your head or in the pelican case to avoid distortion on the recording. It is imperative that recording levels be standardized to avoid clipping the sound files. Set the recording level based on the value for the particular model of microphone being used (given in the field manual) and use this setting consistently among sites regardless of wind or environmental conditions. Ensure that all point count recordings are made at 320 kbps in .mp3 format (Detailed recorder operational instructions are found in the ABMI Field Manual).

• Auditorily record the date, site and point count number, and time of recording for each point count prior to the start of the bird recording.

• It is important to depress the tone standard for a minimum of 5 seconds at the start of each bird recording so that recording intensity can be standardized.

• During the 10 minutes in which the recording is being made, scan the area around the station using binoculars. Scanning is particularly significant for stations near standing water. For all birds observed (even those that are vocalizing), state the species, number of individuals, and distance they are from the microphones so that this information is also recorded. Ensure you state flock sizes for all birds flying overhead. Say the information quickly so that it does not obscure natural vocalizations. Avoid movement during the point count because noises from even slight movements obscure bird vocalizations.

• If a bird station is located within a water body, attempt to get as close to the location as possible. If you can get to within 100 m of the station (i.e., >200 m from last point), conduct a recording from the nearest location to the station. Mark the “new” recording location with the GPS and make appropriate comments on the data sheet (i.e., distance and direction from desired station). If you cannot get to within 100 m of the bird station (and <200 m from last station), conduct a 10-min visual point count (using binoculars or spotting scope) to scan the water body recording your observations into the microphone. Again, on the data sheet record exactly what you did. In both instances, still record general site characteristics of the station.

• If you cannot reach a bird station due to some type of obstruction (i.e., river), note the cause for the absence of data and continue to the next accessible bird point count station.

• If the entire ABMI site (or most of the site) is located within a wetland/lake (i.e., central 1 ha and associated bird stations) then the bird survey must be completed from the water. Note: One crew member should operate the boat while the other conducts the survey.

o Using an appropriate sized boat for the wetland, move the boat to within 150 m of the point count station.

o Spend 10 minutes visually identifying and tallying bird species within that point count station (~150 m radius of the station).

o Slowly troll in a counter-clockwise direction following the point count station sequence (Figure 7). o When 150 m from each station, stop for 10 minutes and count all bird species within 150 m of each

point count station (total of 90 minute survey for the 9 stations). o Care must be taken not to startle/flush birds from the water prior to identifying them. o Surveys from a boat must start within 1 hour of sunrise.

• After field crews return to their base camp, it is imperative that the day’s bird recording files (9-point counts) are digitally transferred/backed-up from the portable recording hard drive to a laptop computer. Do not go back into the field the next day without backing up your recorded files; this will minimize the chances of losing data. After the transfer of data files is complete, re-label the temporary file names with permanent file names. Label each point count as “ABMI” underscore “year” underscore “site” underscore “station” (eg., ABMI_2003_568_9).

• All recordings are copied to a DVD for backup in the field, and at the end of the season to secure computer in the lab (see Processing Bird Recordings).

Incidental Vertebrate Observations

Some vertebrate species are of significant concern to society but are difficult to survey quickly using plots. Incidental sightings, however, occur while conducting other ABMI protocols and these sightings provide important information. Since some of the species in this group (ungulates, porcupine, hare, squirrels,



woodpeckers) nest in, forage on, or conduct other activities that leave visible scars on trees and snags, it is possible to record “sign” for some vertebrates.

Field Equipment:

Vertebrates Seen or Heard Birds (corvids/jays, raptors, grouse, waterfowl/shorebirds, woodpeckers) Mammals Amphibians Reptiles Fish Domestic & Feral Animals (cows, dogs, cats, etc.)

Vertebrate Sign Nests, Scat, Dens, Tracks, Tree scars

Binoculars ABMI incidental species guide Field guides • While conducting other survey protocols, record all vertebrate

species that are observed or heard, with the exception of birds; only corvids/jays, raptors, waterfowl/shorebirds, grouse and woodpeckers are documented as most smaller “songbirds” are more difficult to identify by sight and sound. Appendix 4 lists the bird species associated with these groupings.

• In addition, in the comments section it is important to indicate whether the bird species is using the area (i.e., fly-over, heard way-off in the distance, etc.)

• Refer to the ABMI incidental species guide for assistance in identifying scat and tracks. If the vertebrate species that created the sign cannot be identified, then do not record anything.

• Record the start (as soon as you arrive at the site) and end times (just before you leave) to allow sampling effort to be calculated. It is important to record time spent in collecting data even if no incidental species were detected.

• During breeding bird surveys, the field person must fill out an incidental species report during their survey of the 36 ha area (bird points) and a different report for any other time spent at site centre (1 ha).

• Each crew member must fill out their own incidental species report even if observations are made while working together.



Summer Terrestrial Protocols Summer terrestrial protocols require a single visit by a crew of two to each site. During the summer visit, the crew member with the best plant identification skills conducts the vascular plant survey, shrub / 2-dimensional cover survey, and canopy cover estimate while the other person identifies microhabitat types and conducts the fungi searches. Crew members split the duties of collecting tree cores and surface substrate. Both crew members work together to collect mosses and lichens from the microhabitats that have been identified.

It is imperative that field crews ensure they preserve the integrity of the sampling area each time they visit a site. This is especially important directly around “high traffic” areas (i.e., site centre). Make every effort to “tread lightly” in these areas to minimize disturbance that will alter site characteristics in future surveys. Do not leave your daily belongings at site centre; make your rest area 10-15m to the N, S, E, or W. Trucks and ATV’s must be washed frequently and before moving geographically between ABMI sites to minimize the chances of transferring biota between sites.

Surface Substrate

This protocol is designed to measure the depth of organic material.

Field Equipment: 50 m tape

Tree planting shovel Soil probe inscribed with 10 cm increments

Collapsible 50 cm measuring stick Mini flashlight • Surface substrate is measured on two 30 m transects,

parallel the 1 ha boundary. • Locate the pig tail that was placed 55 m north and south

of site centre. Establish transects in a clockwise direction parallel to the 1 ha boundary (Figure 8). Note that these transects are outside the 1 ha area so that the soil inside the area is not disturbed.

• Depth of organic matter and/or buried wood is measured every 2 m along the transect (totaling 15 sampling points per transect). Measure depth to the nearest 0.5 cm.

• Organic matter is defined as the litter, fermented, and humus (LFH) layer of the soil horizon. Determining the LFH horizon is usually straight forward in most soil conditions based on the color and texture of the soil and resistance of the shovel to penetrate far into the mineral layer. The organic layer is typically dark in color, coarse and fibrous (containing rooting systems) whereas the mineral soil is typically lighter in color, finely particulate, and lacking most roots.

N

50 m

Surface SubstrateTransects

30 m

5 m

Figure 8

• After distinguishing the transition from LFH to mineral horizon, measure the LFH to the nearest 0.5 cm. • If the LFH is indistinct (eg, natural grasslands, cultivated fields, roads, etc.), only the litter is measured. This

may only included some leaves, grass, or debris on the surface and probably will be <0.5 cm. • At each sampling point, insert the tree planting shovel into the ground and pry to one side exposing a hole

into the ground. Measure depth of organic matter and/or buried wood from the top of the litter (excluding non-vascular plants) to the mineral soil.

• Gently push the opening closed with your foot after the LFH depth has been obtained. • Buried wood is defined as downed wood in all decay stages (see DWM protocols) and is >50% below the

ground surface. If organic material has developed over the wood (i.e., decay stage 5) buried wood must



then be >10 cm thick otherwise it is considered organic matter. • If the transect falls within lowland or depressional areas (i.e., bogs, wetlands) and organic layer is deeper than

40 cm, record depth measurements at 4 m intervals. Use the soil probe to measure depth to mineral soil or to an impenetrable substrate, such as rock or a frozen layer, in 10 cm increments. The soil probe is a maximum of 5 m long and thus this is the maximum depth that can be measured.

• If the sampling point lands directly on a rock >1 m2 indicate that no sample can be taken by documenting N/A in the depth column and an “R” for Rock in the description column on the datasheet.

• If the sampling point lands directly on a rock <1 m2 take a sample directly perpendicular to the right-hand side of the rock and document an “R-S” for Rock – Right Side Sample in the description column.

• If the sampling point lands directly over an impenetrable downed log or a stump (above the ground surface), take a sample directly perpendicular to the right-hand side and document a DW-S for Downed Wood – Right Side Sample in the description column.

• If the sampling point lands directly over standing water >1 m2 indicate no sample taken by documenting N/A in the depth column and a “W” for Water in the description column on the datasheet.

• If the sampling point lands directly over standing water <1 m2 take a sample directly perpendicular to the right-hand side and document “W-S” for Water – Right Side Sample in the description column.

• Standing water is defined as water above the ground surface before standing on the spot (i.e., if water seeps to the surface after standing at the sampling point continue to take a depth). Treat streams as standing water.

• If only partial measurements are obtained, indicate: HF=Hit Frost, HO=Hit Object (root, rock, etc.) • For both transects describe slope position as:

o C=Crest – situated in a relatively level area on the top of a hill o S=Slope – situated on the side of a hill, include a modifier as 1 (i.e., S1) for slopes 2-5o, as 2 for


• For both transects describe slope direction (looking down hill) a: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.

N

35.35 m

Shrub & 2-Dimensionalat 5X5 m Plots

5 m

5 m

Site Centre

NN

35.35 m

Shrub & 2-Dimensionalat 5X5 m Plots

5 m

5 m

Site Centre

Figure 9

Shrubs and 2-Dimensional Cover

This protocol is designed to measure shrubs and ground vegetation.

Field Equipment: ABMI Ecological Site Classification Chart • 2-dimensional cover of the ground layer and shrub

layer are measured at each 5 x 5 m small tree plot within each of the four quadrants (Figure 9).

• Determine the ecological site type of each 5 x 5 m plots, using the ecosite classification chart (above).

• Describe slope position for each of the four plots where vegetation cover is estimated as:

o C=Crest – situated in a relatively level area on the top of a hill

o S=Slope – situated on the side of a hill, include a modifier as 1 (i.e., S1) for slopes 2-5o, as 2 for slopes 6-10o, as 3 for slopes 11-30o, and 4 for slopes >30o

o T=Toe – situated at the bottom of a hill where the ground surface transitions from a slope to level o L=Level – situated on in an area with <2o slope o D=Depression – situated in an area that accumulates water after rains

• For all plots describe slope direction (looking down hill) a: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW



• For the ground layer, estimate 2-dimensional cover as the percentage of the 5 x 5 m plot covered by shrubs/trees, grasses, sedges/rushes, all “other” vascular plants combined, mosses, lichens, fungi, litter (dead vegetation material plus DWM <2 cm in diameter), wood (live and dead trees >1.3 m tall, plus DWM >2 cm diameter), water, bare ground, rock, and animal matter. These estimates are the percent cover that would be recorded by a photo taken at 0.5 m above the ground. Values of the independent categories must sum to 100%.

• If a plot is disturbed (either by humans or naturally), indicate the percent disturbed and the cause of the disturbance based on disturbance categories from the site description protocols.

• For the shrub layer estimate 2-dimensional cover of shrubs and small trees. o Shrubs are defined as non-tree woody vascular plants >0.5 m in height. o Small trees are defined as trees <1.3 m in height. o Shrub/small tree cover is estimated independently for two height categories (>0.5 to <1.3 m high, and

>1.3 m high). Note: Each of these estimates cannot be greater than 100%. o The first estimate of 2-demensional cover is the percent cover that would be recorded if a photo was

taken at 1.3 m above the ground and foliage from all shrubs/trees <0.5 m was excluded. o The second estimate of 2-demensional cover is the percent cover that would be recorded if a photo

was taken at 5.0 m above the ground and foliage from all shrubs/trees <1.3 m was excluded. • Percent cover is determined by ocular estimation and requires practice before the start of the data collection to

ensure the estimates are accurate.

Tree Cores

This protocol is designed to measure age, and growth rate of trees.

Field Equipment: 16 inch (5.5 mm) increment borer Straws Vertex hypsometer Folding Saw

• Tree cores are obtained from a maximum of 9 trees at each site. • Trees are selected based on their relative abundance, height and age. • Select the largest “live” DBH tree within the 1 ha area regardless of species. Obtain a tree core and record

tree height (using a vertex hypsometer) from this tree. • Select the largest “live” DBH tree from the Leading species (species with the highest stem density of

dominant and/or co-dominant canopy trees), within each 50 x 50 m quadrant (total of 4 trees), not including veteran or residual trees from a former stand. Obtain tree cores and record tree heights using a vertex hypsometer from these trees.

• Select the largest “live” DBH tree from the Second species (species with the 2nd highest stem density of dominant and/or co-dominant canopy trees), if they occur, within each 50 x 50 m quadrant (total of 4 trees), not including veteran or residual trees from a former stand. To be classified as the Second species, the species must comprise >20% of the canopy stems in the quadrant. Obtain tree cores and record tree heights using a vertex hypsometer for these Second species trees.

• For each tree cored, record whether they had any significant tree damage (broken tops, dead tops, forks, crooks, and/or abnormal scaring or other damage (i.e., mistletoe) that could have affected the normal height). Record significant damage as: BT – Broken Top, DT – Dead Top, FC – Fork/Crook, S – Scaring, and/or O – Other (indicate damage).

• Use the increment borer to obtain the core. Bore the tree at 1.3 m (be accurate when determining the height of the core) and facing site centre, if possible. If the tree is not round, obtain the core from the narrow width.

• Preserve the core in a straw, labeled with the site, quadrant, tree species, tree type (largest, dominant, second) and date. Staple the straw ends (do not tape) to ensure the core can dry. In addition, puncture straw in many places to allow air flow and thus stop mold and rot.



• If trees are <10 cm DBH, destructively sample a representative tree from outside of the quadrant by taking a cookie. If all trees are <10 cm DBH, only destructively sample leading tree species from outside of the 1 ha area (i.e., total of 4 trees per site).

• When back at camp, bundle all cores from a single site together using an elastic band, and store the bundles at room temperature in a well ventilated location so the cores will dry.

• At the end of the shift, pack samples in a cardboard box and take them to the laboratory for processing (see Processing Tree Cores).

Canopy Cover

This protocol is designed to measure canopy cover within the site.

N

35.35 m

Location #2(Facing away from centre)Location # 1

(Facing site centre)

Canopy Cover49.49 m NN

35.35 m

Location #2(Facing away from centre)Location # 1

(Facing site centre)

Canopy Cover49.49 m

Figure 10

Field Equipment:

Spherical (concave) densitometer • Take readings at 35.35 m and 49.49 m (Figure 10)

from site centre along each sub-ordinal transect (a total of 8 readings per site).

• Hold the densitometer at exactly 1.3 m above the ground and ensure that it is level.

• Stand facing site centre at 35.35 m and stand with your back to site centre at 49.49 m, and hold the densitometer 30-40 cm in front of your body so that your head is just outside the view of the grid area.

• Keeping one eye closed, assume there are four dots equally spaced in each of the 24 squares on the densitometer (4 equal quarters), count the dots (quarters) that are in canopy openings and record the number of open dots (quarters) on the data sheets.

NW

SE

NE

SW

Start

~5 m

10x10m 35.35 m

NW

SE

NE

SW

Start

~5 m

10x10m 35.35 m

Figure 11

Vascular Plants

This protocol is designed to detect as many species of vascular plants as possible during a time constrained search within the 1 ha area. Field Equipment:

Plant press Paper bags Plastic bags

Vascular Plant Searches

Vascular plant searches are performed by a crew member that is capable of identifying >95% of the species encountered. This crew member must have at least one year experience surveying vascular plants and/or courses learning plant identification prior to conducting ABMI surveys. In addition, the crew member spends a minimum of two days in the field brushing up on vascular plant identification prior to conducting ABMI surveys



• The four 50 x 50 m quadrants were flagged during site establishment (Figure 1). The boundary of the 1 ha site was marked with Red and Blue flagging with “2-large Red flags” at the corners of the four quadrants and “1-large Blue flag” at the mid-points of the outer boundary; 1-large Red flag at the mid-points of the internal quadrant boundaries. In addition, smaller Red flags were placed every 4-5 m along quadrant perimeters.

• Walk enough of the boundaries of each 50 x 50 m quadrant to ensure the flagging is still present before starting vascular plant surveys. If necessary add flagging.

• To standardize sampling effort a single person completes all of the vascular plant surveys at a site, in the time specified.

• The crew member surveying vascular plants spends an initial 10 minutes writing down the names of all the vascular plants observed. This initial listing of plant names is conducted so that the subsequent timed searches of the 50 x 50 m quadrants are spent mainly looking for species, with little time writing down plant names. During the initial 10-minutes when species names are being recorded, locate the most diverse habitat types within the 1 ha site and spend time in these habitats recording species names.

• That same crew member then spends 20 minutes in each of the four quadrants (a total of 80 minutes) finding as many species of vascular plants as possible.

• To maintain consistency among observers, start at the 35.35 m stake, then move to within 5-10 m of site centre, then move in a clockwise direction around the quadrant staying approximately 5-10 m from the quadrant edge. Stop every 4 or 5 steps to examine the plants in the immediate area (Figure 11). Ensure that all habitat types in the quadrant are searched for vascular plants.

• When a vascular plant species is detected in a quadrant, place a tick mark for that species in that quadrant. • Always start the surveys in the NE quadrant and progress clockwise to the next quadrant (NE, SE, SW, NW). • Due to the excessive time requirements for collecting and pressing vascular plant specimens, surveys for

vascular plants must be conducted by field staff that are capable of identifying all common vascular plant species.

• Do not use your field guides during the 20-minute search time. Collect voucher specimens of unknown or uncertain vascular plant species. After the 20-minute search in a quadrant is complete, attempt to quickly identify the species you have collected using field guides. Place “unknown” specimens in a plant press and take them to camp for identification during the evening. Record the ABMI site number and a unique reference code (UIS[site #]- #) and collector’s name on the field data sheet and on the sheet in the plant press (eg., the fifth unidentified specimen from site 383 would be: UIS383-05

• For specimens that cannot be identified in the evening, remove them from the field press and place them a different plant press for temporary storage. Ensure that the information (ABMI site number, reference code, date, collectors name) on the data sheet matches the information included with the specimen in the plant press.

• At the end of the field season, take the plant press with unknown plants to the laboratory. These unknown specimens will be identified by experts (see Processing Vascular Plants

Relative Density of Common Vascular Plants

Vascular plant searches do not provide estimates of abundance for each of the species. Thus, coarse estimates of relative density are determined for common species at the center of each quadrant. • Prior to each 20-minute search in the quadrant, stand at the 35.35 m stake to survey the 10 x 10 m medium

tree plot (note that the corner pin flags have been left in place from the Spring Protocols; Figure 10). • Determine which vascular plant species are “common” or “dominant” within the 10 x 10 m plot. • Common species are defined as those that are present in >50% of the plot sub-sections if the plot was divided

up into 10 imaginary sub-sections. Place a “C” beside species that are common. • Dominant species are defined as those that are present in >80% of the plot sub-sections if the plot was divided

up into 10 imaginary sub-sections. Place a “D” beside species that are dominant. • Note: Some quadrants may contain many common and/or dominant species (diverse sites) whereby other

quadrants may not contain any (i.e., few species sparsely dispersed).



Polypore Fungi

This protocol is designed to detect as many species of fungi as possible during a time constrained search within the 1 ha area. Field Equipment:

Knife Hand mirror Paper bags Plastic bags

• First the type of logs present at the site are described. • Then two types of polypore fungi searches are conducted: i) searches of five typical logs, and ii) searches to

find as many fungi species as possible. • In total polypore fungi searches are conducted for exactly 90 minutes (1.5 hours). • Polypore surveys are conducted by a single crew member (i.e., not both of the crew working as a pair) to

ensure that effort is standardized. Characterizing Logs at the Site

• One member of the crew walks through the 1 ha site and estimates the percentage of logs in each size/decay category across all species. The percentages must add to 100.

Log Types Searched for Polypore Fungi

10-25cm at base >25cm at base Weak/Medium Decay (Class

2 & 3)

Very Decayed (Class 4)

Weak/Medium Decay (Class

2 & 3)

Very Decayed (Class 4)

Search of Five “Typical” Logs

Figure 12

50 m

50 m

NW

SE

NE

SW

SiteCentre

TypicalLogs

50 m

50 m

NW

SE

NE

SW

SiteCentre

TypicalLogs

• The goal of these searches is to describe the common polypores that are present at the site.

• Choose the log closest to site centre, plus the logs closest to the center of each quadrant (total of 5 logs; Figure 12), that have a basal diameter of ≥10 cm and decay class between 2 and 4.

• To preserve the integrity of the 5 x 5 m Shrub/2-Dimensional Cover plot, do not select logs within the plot, but rather choose the closest applicable log outside the plot.

• If a log ≥10 cm and in a decay class of 2-4 can not be found at each location, then smaller logs are selected.

• Note: The same log cannot be searched twice if even if it is the closest log to two different locations – 5 different logs must be searched.

• Search these “typical” logs for polypore fungi (see description below). These searches should take <50 minutes.

• If no logs can be found within the entire quadrant than indicate “no logs”.



Searches to Find Many Polypore Species

• The goal of these searches is to detect as many additional polypore species as possible. • For the remainder of the 90-minute period, search as many different log types as possible in the 1 ha site. • Logs selected for search should be different from the “typical” logs that were searched earlier. • Ensure at least one log from each log type (species, size, and decay class) that was found during the initial

classification of log types is searched for fungi. • When ever possible, choose logs where many polypore species are expected to be present. • Once an example of all log types have been searched, search a second log from each type. If there is

insufficient time to search two examples of all log types, then search the log types in the following order: i) a combination of both deciduous and coniferous logs, ii) logs >25 cm at base before smaller logs, and iii) logs in decay classes 2 and 3, before logs in decay class 4.

• If two examples of all log types have been searched and there is still time remaining (note that this protocol is conducted for the full 90 minutes to ensure equal effort among sites), then search additional logs from each of the log types.

• In some cases while searching for polypores you will see a specimen on a different log that appears distinctive, and that you do not think you have collected previously. Collect the specimen, search that log for other polypore species, and measure the log characteristics.

• Although most polypore fungi will be found on logs, some are present on dead and dying trees. When polypores are observed on trees or snags, collect the specimen and record measurable characteristics of the tree/snag.

• In non-forested sites (i.e., shrub land/grassland ecosite types), downed logs may not be present, or very few logs may be present. In these cases, all logs in the 1 ha site will be searched before the 90 minutes is completed.

o Under these circumstances, identify locations within 300 m of site centre that appear to have downed logs.

o Continue for the remainder of the 90 minutes searching logs for polypores within 300 m of site centre, starting with the logs that are expected to have the most polypore fungi.

o If there are no downed logs present within 300 m of site centre, or all the logs in this area are searched prior to 90 minutes, then terminate your survey.

o Indicate on the data sheet which logs were searched outside the 1 ha site and the time spent searching inside and outside the 1 ha area.

Fungi Collection

• When searching logs for polypores, the logs must not be destroyed. • Logs in decay stage 2 and 3 are carefully rolled over (when possible) and the bottom of the log searched for

fungi. When finished, the logs are rolled back into their starting position. • Logs in decay stage 4 are not rolled over because they will likely disintegrate. For these logs, the bottom of

the log is searched for polypores by running a hand mirror under the log wherever there is a small opening. In addition if possible, periodically along the log, lift the log about 10 cm and scan the bottom scanned for fungi.

• All unique polypore fungi specimens that are detected are collected and taken to the lab for identification. • Each specimen is placed into a paper bag stamped with a “Fungi Specimen” label including the collection

year and labeled with a unique identification number prefixed by the ABMI site number (eg., 632_1, 632_2, etc.). Ensure the unique identifying number corresponds with the number recorded on the data sheet.

• Only a small sample of each polypore specimen is collected (i.e., a small specimen, or a piece of a large specimen) so that the fungal community remains intact. Emphasis is placed on collecting a living piece of the fruiting body with well-developed hymenium (that is the surface beneath the fruit body that produces the spores) since spore size and shape are often diagnostic characteristics.

• If possible, collect attached substrate (eg., a small amount of tree bark) to aid in the identification of specimens.

• Record the polypore species 7-letter species code if the specimen can be identified in the field, otherwise leave it blank on the field data sheet so it can be filled in later in the laboratory. If no polypore species are found during a search of a log, indicate NPF “No Polypores Found” on an empty bag and on the field data



sheet. • To ensure the collected specimens do not mold, once crews get back to camp the polypore must be dried by

leaving the bags open for 3 days. • Bags with polypores must be inspected to ensure that the label written on the bag is complete and cross

referenced with the data sheet to ensure that all specimens are accounted for. • At the end of the field shift, pack bags with polypore samples in a cardboard box and take them to the

laboratory for processing (see Processing Polypores). • Describe the log characteristics for all logs that are searched for fungi.

o If two or more log pieces were part of the same tree, they are considered the “same” log. o Visually estimate the diameter at the base and top of the log as <5, 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39,

40-49, or >50 cm. Log base is defined as the widest point of the log. For logs that are up-rooted, the base is defined as the place just before where the roots/base starts to widen.

o Total log length is visually estimated to the nearest meter. o Log decay class is determined at the place where the fungi specimen is collected or averaged along

the log if no polypores are found. Decay classes follow those describe in the DWM sampling. o Record log rot type at the place where the fungi specimen is collected as: White – decayed log

typically splinters longitudinal along the grain; Brown – decayed log splinters and crumbles across the grain in chunks; or Unknown.

o Record cause of death as: F=Fire, B=Beaver, WS=Wind-Snapped, WR=Wind-upRooted, R=Rot, MB=Mechanically Broken, MC=Cut by Man, UNKN=Unknown, SNAG, or LIVE

Bryophytes and Lichens

This protocol is designed to detect as many species of mosses, liverworts, and lichens as possible during the time constrained search within the 1 ha area.

50 m

50 m

NW

SE

NE

SW

50 m

50 m

NW

SE

NE

SW

Figure 13

Field Equipment:

Knife Paper bags

• First the type of microhabitats present at the site are determined.

• Then examples of each microhabitat type are searched to detect as many moss and lichen species as possible.

Microhabitat Searches

• One member of the crew spends approximately 5 minutes searching each of the four 50 x 50 m quadrants (Figure 13; a total of 20 minutes) to locate and identify the types of microhabitats that are present (see description below). This is done simultaneously as the other crew member is surveying Vascular Plants.

http://www.abmp.arc.ab.ca/Documents/Field%20Protocols_Nov%2030%2004.pdf



Microhabitat Types for the Bryophyte and Lichen Searches Microhabitats Sampling Methods

Logs and Stumps (at least 1 m long if possible) LS – Soft stumps, snags and logs Sample on logs and stumps in decay classes 3-5 LH – Hard stumps, snags and logs Sample on logs and stumps in decay classes 1-2

Wetlands and Peatlands

WMF – Wetlands, marshes, and fens with or without trees and shrubs Sample the water’s edge within the wetland both under and away from trees WSB – Shores/banks of wetlands, ponds, lakes, and streams Sample on soil (organic or mineral) starting adjacent the waters edge WDS – Moist depressions/seasonal wetlands dry at time of survey Sample sides and bottom from the area most greatly influenced by water WPW – Peatlands with or without standing water at the surface Sample an area that includes both standing water and vegetation hummocks

Trees Choose trees that are as large as possible for these surveys TD – Roots, bases, trunks, and branches of live deciduous trees Sample all sides of the roots, bases, trunks, and branches of live trees TC – Roots, bases, trunks, and branches of live coniferous trees Sample all sides of the roots, bases, trunks, and branches of live trees

Human Structures HB – Buildings and structure Sample on vertical and horizontal parts of the structures

Disturbed Soils

DT – Tip-ups Sample the hollow, the roots, and the soil that has tipped up DC – Agricultural cultivation Sample within the cultivated area DM – Mineral soil from any other causes Sample on mineral soil with little humus

Undisturbed Upland Soils UH – Humus soils with or without tree/shrub cover Sample an area that includes a diversity of cover (shaded, partly shaded, open)

Rocks and Boulders Cliffs are considered part of the bedrock BC – Boulders (>50 cm diam.), cliffs, and ledges including crevices Sample from all surfaces (top, sides, and around base) from the soil upwards RR – Rocks (<50 cm diam.) tops, sides, and bases Sample from the top, all sides, and around the base of the rocks MISC – Miscellaneous collection of any different species Samples gathered from any additional habitat, including Animal Matter

Bryophyte & Lichen Collection

• Surveys for mosses and lichens are conducted by both crew members working side-by-side, each spending 90 minutes (a total of 3.0 person hours) searching the microhabitats that were identified earlier.

• In each microhabitat type, one person collects examples of all the mosses and liverworts that appear distinctive and places the specimens in a single paper bag. The other person collects examples of all the lichens (excluding “crustose” lichens) that appear distinctive and places these in a different paper bag.

• If microhabitats are small (i.e., <1 m2), search them completely. If microhabitats are large, search a 1 m2 area completely.

• Since the goal of this protocol is to maximize the number of species detected, do not limit the search to the 1 m2 areas. If similar microhabitats occur within 10 m, briefly search those as well and collect specimens that appear different (i.e., when searching deciduous/coniferous tree trunks, if there are different species of deciduous/coniferous tree near-by then search an example of each species).

• To ensure that at least one example of each microhabitat type is searched for mosses and lichens, a maximum of 5 minutes is spent searching a microhabitat type. Note: In some microhabitats less than 5 minutes will be required.

• Search one example of each microhabitat type before searching a second of any microhabitat type. • If multiple examples of a microhabitat are present in the 1 ha area, choose the one that appears to have the

most species present. • In some cases, while searching a microhabitat type you will see a specimen outside that particular

microhabitat type that appears distinctive, and that you do not think you have collected previously. In addition, while moving between microhabitat types, you may see a specimen that appears distinctive, and that you do not think you have collected previously. Collect these additional specimens and place them in a bag labeled “Miscellaneous”. Only create one bag for miscellaneous bryophytes, and one bag for miscellaneous lichens at each site.

• If animal matter is encountered in your surveys (be alert to patches of bright green moss that are particularly well-contained, in ball-shaped clumps or apparently sitting higher than the surrounding carpet, including patches that are yellow or purplish with umbrella-shape capsules) include these collections into the miscellaneous bag.



• Take care when collecting specimens to not collect the same species over and over again within the same plots as it takes considerable time to sort through duplicates in the lab.

• If time permits, search a second example of each microhabitat type that is distant from the first (in a different quadrant if possible), to maximize the probability of detecting new species. If there is insufficient time to search two examples of all microhabitat types, then search the microhabitats in the order they appear in the table.

• If two examples of all microhabitats have been searched and there is still time remaining (note that this protocol must be conducted for the full 90 minutes to ensure equal effort among ABMI sites), then search additional examples of each of the microhabitat types. If possible, choose examples in different quadrants than the first two plots.

• In human modified habitats (i.e., cultivated fields), and some native habitat types (i.e., grassland), few microhabitat types will be present in the 1 ha area. Search up to a maximum of 6 examples of each microhabitat type. Once 6 examples of each microhabitat have been searched within the 1 ha area, identify locations within 300 m of site centre that appear to have different microhabitat types. Continue the moss and lichen searches at these new microhabitats for the remainder of the 90 minutes, starting with the microhabitat types in the order they appear on the table. If there are no new microhabitats present within 300 m of site centre, or if 6 examples of all new microhabitat types have been searched prior to 90 minutes, then terminate your survey. Indicate on the data sheet which microhabitats were searched outside the 1 ha site and the time spent searching inside and outside the 1 ha area.

• When collecting mosses and lichens, select only a small sample (i.e., 5-10 cm2) so that the vegetation community remains intact.

• When collecting lichens, leave them attached to a piece of substrate to aid identification. • If specimens are collected from soils, wrap them gently with toilet paper so they do not break apart

(disintegrate) once the soil dries. • Record the specimen type (bryophyte or lichen), ABMI site, date, collector’s name, microhabitat type,

example number, and any other distinguishing features that may help with identification on the bags. • If no species are found during the search of a microhabitat, indicate “no mosses found” or “no lichens found”

on an empty bag and on the field data sheet. • Collections of moss and lichens are dried by spreading out the paper bags for 3 days when back at camp. • After the specimens have been dried, stored the bags in a cardboard box. • At the end of the field shift, take the cardboard box to the laboratory for processing (see Processing Mosses,

and Processing Lichens).

Incidental Vertebrate Observations

Some vertebrate species are of significant concern to society but are difficult to survey quickly using plots. Incidental sightings, however, occur while conducting other ABMI protocols and these sightings provide important information. Since some of the species in this group (ungulates, porcupine, hare, squirrels, woodpeckers) nest in, forage on, or conduct other activities that leave visible scars on trees and snags, it is possible to record “sign” for some vertebrates.

Field Equipment:

Vertebrates Seen or Heard Birds (corvids/jays, raptors, grouse, waterfowl/shorebirds, woodpeckers) Mammals Amphibians Reptiles Fish Domestic & Feral Animals (cows, dogs, cats, etc.)

Vertebrate Sign Nests, Scat, Dens, Tracks, Tree scars

Binoculars ABMI incidental species guide Field guides • While conducting other survey protocols, record all vertebrate

species that are observed or heard, with the exception of birds; only corvids/jays, raptors, waterfowl/shorebirds, grouse and woodpeckers are documented as most smaller “songbirds” are more difficult to identify by sight and sound. Appendix 4 lists the bird species associated with these groupings.

• In addition, in the comments section it is important to indicate



whether the bird species is using the area (i.e., fly-over, heard way-off in the distance, etc.) • Refer to the ABMI incidental species guide for assistance in identifying scat and tracks. If the vertebrate

species that created the sign cannot be identified, then do not record anything. • Record the start (as soon as you arrive at the site) and end times (just before you leave) to allow sampling

effort to be calculated. It is important to record time spent in collecting data even if no incidental species were detected.

• During breeding bird surveys, the field person must fill out an incidental species report during their survey of the 36 ha area (bird points) and a different report for any other time spent at site centre (1 ha).

• Each crew member must fill out their own incidental species report even if observations are made while working together.



Winter Terrestrial Protocols

Snow Tracking

This protocol is designed to detect tracks of mid- to large sized mammals.

Field Equipment:

Collapsible meter stick Thermometer GPS • Remote sensed imagery is used to create a 10 x 10

km “picture” of the site with the NFI site at the center of the picture.

• Surveys are conducted between December 1 and March 31when there is sufficient snow on the ground to identify tracks.

• A snow tracking transect 10 km long (that runs along trails, seismic lines, pipelines, power lines, etc.), is marked on the picture (Figure 14).

• The snow tracking transect is as straight as possible, with the midpoint of the transect as close as possible to the NFI site. Depending on the position of existing trails, seismic lines, etc. in the area, the transect may have many corners.

10 km

ABMI Site Centre

Road

Trail

Seis

mic

Pipeline

Tracking Transect

10 km

ABMI Site Centre

Road

Trail

Seis

mic

Pipeline

Tracking Transect

Figure 14

• The identified snow tracking transect becomes the preferred route for snow tracking, and all effort is made to use that transect.

• If in the field the transect is found to be not passable by snow machine, then alternate trails, seismic lines, etc. are selected. These alternate trails and seismic lines must be as random as possible. As soon as possible go back to the original transect.

o First drive the total 10 km transect on snow machine to ensure it is passable. Use a snow machine that is powerful enough to travel slowly in deep snow.

o If there are places that are not passable, then select alternative trails, seismic lines, etc. o Adjustments to the transect are selected so that the transect remains as straight as possible and the

center of the transect remains as close as possible to the NFI site. o Under no circumstances can the transect double back on itself. o It is necessary to travel the transect and make adjustments before surveying tracks.

• Survey tracks of animals while driving back along the transect at a rate of 10 km per hour. o Divide the transect up into forty 250 m segments using the trip odometer on a GPS. o Record GPS waypoints at the beginning and end of each 250 m segment.

• At the start and end of the transect record: time, air temperature, snow depth (push the meter stick through the snow to the ground in three places and record the depths), general weather (cloudy, clear, overcast), and snow conditions (powdery, wet, crusty, or wind-blown).

• Since tracks of wildlife accumulate in snow over time, it is necessary to determine the number of days since last track-obliterating snow to “correct” the data. Record the number of days since last track-obliterating snow.

o Conduct track surveys between 3 and 6 days after “track-obliterating” snows. o Snow accumulation of <1 cm are not considered track-obliterating. o Use information from Environment Canada (http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca) to obtain regional

overviews of snowfall events. o Wherever possible contact local residents, government personnel, or ABMI crews in the region to

verify Environment Canada information. o Information about track-obliterating snowfall at a specific site can be determined based on snow

accumulation over vehicle tracks on roads near the sites.



• If it snows while conducting the survey, field staff decide whether the snow is sufficient to obliterate tracks and whether data collection should be abandoned for that day. If tracking is abandoned, then number of segments surveyed, and length of the segment surveyed, are recorded.

• Within each of the 40 segments, determine species identity for all tracks that intersect the transect, and note which species are observed in each segment.

o Species are included as present if their tracks occur within ~1 m on either side of the snowmobile. o Include ungulate “beds”, active squirrel middens, scats, and any other obvious sign that could be

unambiguously attributed to a species. o Some animals may travel along the transect. Include the species in any of the segments that it was

observed in. o When tracks are spotted that cannot be easily identified, stop the snow machine and collected

additional information. Follow the tracks for up to 200 m on either side of the transect in search of clear prints and/or additional sign (like scat) to aid making a positive identification. If the tracks still cannot be identified, recorded notes and rough sketches or photographs of the track including track dimensions and the depth that the animal sunk into the snow.

o Some species are of special interest because they are rare. When tracks of caribou, cougar, wolverine, or swift fox are encountered, measure the tracks and take a photograph (see Appendix 5). To save time, measurements are only required for the first 5 encounters of a special interest species along a transect.

• In remote locations where access by helicopter is necessary, transects are surveyed on snowshoes or skis. • Caution must be exercised if crossing a water body to ensure that the ice is thick enough for travel. If ice is

less than 15 cm thick, then go around the water body and resume the transect at the other side. Add enough additional transect to compensate for the transect that was missed.

• For safety reasons, do not conduct winter surveys when the temperature is below -30oC, or if the wind-chill is below -30oC.



Protocol Differences Between Forested/Mountain and Grassland/Parkland Some of the attributes measured during field sampling (e.g., Trees/Snags/Stumps and Downed Woody Material) are absent or at very low densities in sites located in the grassland and parkland natural regions. However, in these sites relatively short vascular plants such as grasses, herbs, and shrubs create the resources and habitat that other biota use. To better quantify the shorter vegetation in grassland and parkland regions additional sampling is done for shrubs, grasses/sedges and herbs at all ABMI sites in the grassland and parkland. A 5th low vegetation and shrub plot is established in the center of the most common ecosite type. Shrubs and low vegetation are described in this 5th plot, and a new protocol – cover of short vascular plants – is also conducted. The combination of protocols conducted during the spring and summer must be integrated in a slightly different way to accommodate the additional sampling in the grassland and parkland. The following table illustrates the differences in timing of protocols between mountain/forested and grassland/parkland sites. Timing of each data collection each protocol for forested/mountain and grassland/parkland sites. Protocols that differ in timing between regions are indicated in italics. Protocols that are conducted in grassland/parkland regions but not conducted in the forested/mountain are indicated in bold and italics.

Mountain and Forest Natural Regions Grassland and Parkland Natural Regions

Spring Protocols Spring Protocols Site Description Site Description Trees, Snags, Stumps Trees, Snags, Stumps Downed Woody Material Downed Woody Material Soil Arthropods Soil Arthropods Mineral Soil Mineral Soil Fungi Bryophytes Lichens Breeding Birds Breeding Birds Incidental Vertebrates Incidental Vertebrates

Summer Protocols Summer Protocols Surface Substrate Surface Substrate Vascular Plants Vascular Plants Shrub/2-Dimensional Cover Shrub/2-Dimensional Cover – plus a 5th Plot Cover of Low Vascular Plants Fungi Bryophytes Lichens Incidental Vertebrates Incidental Vertebrates Vegetation Clipping (Only 10% of Sites) Vegetation Clipping (Only 10% of Sites) Bulk Density (Only 10% of Sites) Bulk Density (Only 10% of Sites) Soil Classification (Only 10% of Sites) Soil Classification (Only 10% of Sites)



Detailed Low Vegetation Measurements in the Primary Site Type

This protocol is designed to monitor relative abundance of common vascular plants. The protocol is conducted in grassland and parkland regions only.

61

2 5 8

943

N

Low Vegetation Plots (0.5 x 0.5 m)

Grassland & Parkland Only

5 m

5 m

5 m

0.5 x 0.5 mPlots

5th Shrub/2-D Plot in Center of

Dominant Eco-type

7

100m

100m

61

2 5 8

943

NN

Low Vegetation Plots (0.5 x 0.5 m)

Grassland & Parkland Only

5 m

5 m

5 m

0.5 x 0.5 mPlots

5th Shrub/2-D Plot in Center of

Dominant Eco-type

7

100m

100m

Figure 15

Field Equipment: Plot frame (0.5 m x 0.5 m) Plant press Vascular plant field guide

• The primary (most common) ecosite type in the 1 ha site is identified – this will have been completed during the spring protocols.

• A large relatively homogenous area containing the primary ecosite type is identified in or near the 1 ha area. A 5th shrub plot (5 x 5 m) plus nine vascular plant cover plots (0.5 x 0.5 m) are established in so they are totally contained within the primary ecosite type (Figure 15).

• It is more important to locate these additional plots so they are totally within the primary ecosite type, than to have the plots in the central 1 ha site, although plots should be as near as possible to the 1 ha site.

• Measure and record the direction and distance from site center to the SW corner of plot 1. • Record the exact coordinates of the SW corner of all 9 cover plots so that the same plots can be re-measured

during the next visit. PLOT DESCRIPTION

• Determine the ecological site type of the plot, using the ecosite classification chart (above). • Describe slope position for the plot as:

o C=Crest – situated in a relatively level area on the top of a hill o S=Slope – situated on the side of a hill, include a modifier as 1 (i.e., S1) for slopes 2-5o, as 2 for


• Describe slope direction (looking down hill) of the plot as: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW • If a plot is disturbed (either by humans or naturally), indicate the percent disturbed and the cause of the

disturbance based on disturbance categories from the site description protocols. • Take a photo of the vegetation plots

o Use a digital camera with a 35 mm focal length and a quality setting of 2 Mega-pixels. o Stand 1 m SW of the SW corner of plot 1 and take the photo towards plot 9 o Include a back pack and/or DBH calipers approximately 5 m from the camera for scale. o Copy the photos onto a laptop computer when back at camp and ensure they are complete and

readable. In addition, back-up the photos onto a DVD. o Label as ABMI_[year]_[site]_[VegPlot].jpg (eg., ABMI_2005_1609_ VegPlot.jpg). o At the end of the field season copy the photos to a secure computer in the lab.



% COVER FOR SHRUBS

• Estimate 2-dimensional shrub cover, in the 5th 5 x 5 m plot, independently for three height categories (<0.5, 0.51 to ≤1.3 m, and >1.3 m high).

o Shrubs are defined as non-tree woody vascular plants >0.5 m in height. o Small trees are defined as trees <1.3 m in height. o Each of the three estimates cannot be greater than 100%, and are the percent cover that would be

recorded by photos that just included the increment in question. • Record percent cover for each individual shrub/tree species rooted within the plot. Percent cover is

determined by ocular estimation and requires practice before the start of the data collection to ensure the estimates are precise.

• Due to overlapping of leaves at different heights, percent cover for each individual species, and all species combined can be greater than 100%.

• Collect voucher specimens of unknown or uncertain specimens from outside the plot if possible. Take the voucher specimens to camp for identification during the evening.

• When collecting voucher specimens, record the ABMI site number and a unique reference code (UIS[site #]- #) and collector’s name on the field data sheet and on the sheet in the plant press (eg., the fifth unidentified specimen from site 383 would be: UIS383-05).


• At the end of the shift, take the press to the laboratory. These unknown specimens will be identified by experts (see Processing Vascular Plants).

2-DEMENSIONAL COVER OF LOW VEGETATION

• Estimate 2-demensional cover of low vegetation independently for each of four height classes (<10 cm, 11-25 cm, 26-50 cm, and >50 cm) in the 5th 5 x 5 m plot.

• Cover is estimated independently for shrubs/trees, grasses, sedges/rushes, all “other” vascular plants combined, mosses, lichens, fungi, litter (dead vegetation material plus DWM <2 cm in diameter), wood (live and dead trees >1.3 m tall, plus DWM >2 cm diameter), water, bare ground, rock, and animal matter.

• Estimates are the percent cover that would be recorded by photos that just included the height class in question.

• For each height class, estimates are the percent cover must sum to 100%. • Percent cover is determined by ocular estimation and requires practice before the start of the data collection to

ensure the estimates are precise. % COVER FOR LOW VEGETATION SPECIES

• To obtain better quantification of low vegetation, estimate percent cover for each vascular plant species in each of the nine 0.5 m x 0.5 m plots (Figure 14).

• Vascular plants must be rooted within the plot to be included in the estimation. • Percent cover is determined by ocular estimation and requires practice before the start of the data collection to

ensure the estimates are precise. • Due to overlapping of leaves at different heights, percent cover for each species (and all species combined)

can be greater than 100%. • Collect voucher specimens of unknown or uncertain specimens from outside the plot if possible. Take the

voucher specimens to camp for identification during the evening. • When collecting voucher specimens, record the ABMI site number and a unique reference code (UIS[site #]-

#) and collector’s name on the field data sheet and on the sheet in the plant press (eg., the fifth unidentified specimen from site 383 would be: UIS383-05). (Chris/Christina, is this what happened in 2007?)




• At the end of the shift, take the press to the laboratory. These unknown specimens will be identified by experts (see Processing Vascular Plants).



Additional Protocols to Complete the National Forest Inventory Most of the information required by the National Forest Inventory (NFI) is collected as part of the ABMI. However, a few additional elements must be sampled to complete the NFI. These additional NFI protocols have not yet been implemented in the ABMI. It is expected that they will be implemented at 10% of the ABMI sites.

N

100 m

Clip-plots

NN

100 m

Clip-plots

Figure 16

Vegetation Clipping

This protocol is designed to obtain samples of organic material to estimate carbon storage in the LFH.

Field Equipment: Plot frame (1.0 m x 1.0 m) Shears Paper bags

• Four 1.0 x 1.0 m plots are located, 100 m from site centre, in each sub-ordinal direction (Figure 16). These locations are 20 m past the center of the arthropod samples.

• Four separate sample bags are collected from each plot. Do not combine samples among plots. o Bag 1 – Shrubs: includes all woody shrubs and

small trees ≤ 1.3 m in height (one bag per plot) o Bag 2 – Herbs: includes herbs, forbs and graminoid species, regardless of height, (one bag per plot) o Bag 3 – Bryoids: includes mosses, lichens, slime molds and mushrooms (one bag per plot) o Bag 4 – Fine Woody Debris: all woody material ≤1.0 cm in diameter (one bag per plot) o If one or more of the bags has no material, still label the bag (see below), indicate on the bag that it is

empty, and return it with the other bags. • Shrubs are those species included, but not limited to, the following families: Betulaceae, Caprifoliaceae,

Cupressaceae, Ericaceae, Grossulariacaeae, Rosaceae (most), Salicaceae. • Clip all shrub, herb, and graminiod species at the ground level. • Only clip plants if the germination point is within the plot. If a plot splits a large clump of grass (where the

germination point is not easily determined) then clip the portion within the plot. If the base of the forage is in standing water, clip the material below the water line at the 2 cm height (if practical). If not practical, clip the material at the water line and record an estimate of the portion clipped in the comments.

• Clip the moss layer using larger, angled shears or simply pull out the moss. Care must be taken to clip the living mosses at the base of the green, photosynthetic material. The live moss layer must be removed before the forest floor organic sample is taken. The brown part of the moss layer is included as part of the forest floor organic sample.

• Collect all fine woody debris (FWD) ≤1.0 cm in diameter (includes cones, bark, wood chunks and other debris), that is above the litter layer. Clip pieces of FWD ≤1.0 cm at the plot edge if the piece extends out of the plot.

• If a piece of FWD is ≤1.0 cm at one end and >1.0 cm at the other, clip the piece and collect the portion ≤1.0 cm (eg., if a large woody debris piece located in the micro plot has fine branches ≤1.0 cm, these would be clipped at the tree bole or at >1.0 cm and collected). Pieces may be cut into convenient lengths to facilitate bagging the material.

• Pieces of FWD that extend into the litter are clipped at the surface of the litter layer. • Only collect aerial pieces of FWD located in the shrub layer (≤1.3 m above ground level). • Label all collection bags with the ABMI site, Plot (N, S, E, W), Material Collected (Shrub, Herb, Bryoid,

FWD), and number of bags/ plot (Bag 1 of “X”). • Clipped material must be air dried, when back at camp to inhibit development of mould or fungal growth.

Leave the material in paper bags open in a dry room for several days (shrubs and herbs for 24 hrs and



FWD for 36-48 hours) to remove excess moisture. Rotate the forage in the bags to ensure even drying and to prevent decomposition.

• Ensure bags are labeled correctly and store them in a dry location until they are shipped. • Pack the bags in a cardboard box and courier them to NFI for processing (see Processing Vegetation

Clippings – this document is still under development).

Soil Bulk Density

This protocol is designed to collect organic and mineral soils so that bulk density can be determined. Field Equipment:

Aluminum sampling frame 12 x 12 (inside dimension) x 15 cm height

TOP VIEW

SIDE VIEWSoil Sampling Excavation

20 cm

Restrictive layer

Litter layer

Organic layer

Mineral soil

Depth Measurements and Samples:

Forest Floor

cmTop Layer = 4 Samples

Middle Layer = 2 Samples

Bottom Layer = 1 Sample

0-15 cm

15-37.5 cm

37.5-52.5 cm

Mineral SoilExcavation Hole

10 – 14 cm

Forest FloorOrganics

4 samples

NE3 layers

NE2 layers

SE1 layer

NW1 layer

100 m

N

TOP VIEW

SIDE VIEWSoil Sampling Excavation

20 cm

Restrictive layer

Litter layer

Organic layer

Mineral soil

Depth Measurements and Samples:

Forest Floor

cmTop Layer = 4 Samples

Middle Layer = 2 Samples

Bottom Layer = 1 Sample

0-15 cm

15-37.5 cm

37.5-52.5 cm

Mineral SoilExcavation Hole

10 – 14 cm

Forest FloorOrganics

4 samples

NE3 layers

NE2 layers

SE1 layer

NW1 layer

100 m

N

NE3 layers

NE2 layers

SE1 layer

NW1 layer

100 m

NN

Figure 17

Aluminum sampling frame 11 x 11 x 20 cm

Ring sampler (10 cm diameter and 7.5 cm height)

Ring sampler (8 cm diameter and 10 cm height)

Hammer, Block of wood Spring scales (5kg, 1kg, 500g) Heavy weight plastic bags to

collect soil samples Plastic bag and glass beads Shovel, trowel, spoon Serrated knife Piece of aluminum to fit under

the sampling rings and frames

• Soil samples are taken 100 m from

site center in each sub-ordinal direction (Figure 17). These locations are 20 m past the center of the arthropod samples at the same location of the clip-plots.

• Minimize site disturbance by excavating as little soil as possible and by placing the excavated soil on a tarp. All of the excavated material must be returned to the pit (mineral soil on the bottom, covered with the organic material) and the surrounding areas returned to as close to natural as possible.

• Samples of the forest floor are taken from all four locations. • A total of seven mineral soil samples are collected during the initial set of surveys:

o 4 samples are taken from the top layer (0 to 15 cm), one from each corner of the 1 ha area, o 2 samples are taken from the middle layer (15 to 37.5 cm), only the NE and SW locations and o 1 sample is taken from the bottom layer (37.5 to 52.5 cm), only the NE location.

• During re-measurement only four mineral soil samples are collected: o 4 samples are taken from the top layer (0 to 15 cm), one from each corner of the 1 ha area,

BULK DENSITY OF FOREST FLOOR ORGANICS

• Samples of the forest floor are taken from all four locations. • Taking care not to compact soil in the sample area, remove all live vegetation, woody debris and green moss

and lichens from the sampling location (Live vegetation and woody debris will have been removed from the clip-plot already and soil can be sampled from the center of this plot. However, if the forest floor was compacted in the clip-plot during vegetation collection, then soil must be collected in a different area and the live vegetation/woody debris removed from this other area.)



• Place the 12 x 12 cm sample frame on the soil surface. • Use a sharp knife, handsaw, and/or clippers, carefully cut through the forest floor along the inner surface of

the frame to separate the sample from the surrounding soil. • With a hand trowel, use inward scooping motions to remove the entire volume of forest floor from within the

confines of the sampling frame. • Working over a tarp, place the LFH that has been collected into a sample bag. • To avoid carrying large rocks, scrape all the LFH from the rocks >7.5 (note that this soil must be saved in the

sample bag). Weigh the rocks to the nearest gram, record the weight so that volume can be calculated assuming rock to have a density of 2.65 g/cm3, and discard the rocks.

• Note that if large rocks were not included in the sample bag, then record the weight of the rocks on the bag and on the data sheet.

• Ensure that the forest floor sample extends to the point where it meets the mineral soil. o Distinguishing the organic/mineral interface can be difficult on sites with humus forms that are well

mixed (e.g. a Moder humus over an Ah layer). o Technically, a soil horizon is classed as mineral soil when it contains an organic carbon content ≤17%

by weight. o For field purposes, the determination is usually made by hand—feeling for the presence of mineral

materials in order to judge the organic/mineral interface. o Where the determination is unclear, make a best judgment in the field and then note it on the data

sheet in the comments section. • Record the average depth (in 0.1 cm increments) of the forest floor organic sample by taking four different

measurements within the excavation. These measurements will be used to calculate the volume of the excavation, and in turn, the bulk density of the forest floor organic layer.

• If the sample location is on a slope, ensure the average of the 4 depth measurements gives an accurate measure of the depth of forest floor organic sample (ie., measure throughout the 12 x 12 cm area in a representative manner). Under these circumstances, also measure the slope and record it in the comments.

BULK DENSITY OF THE TOP LAYER OF MINERAL SOIL

• Samples of the top layer of mineral soil are taken from all four locations. • After the litter and organic layer have been removed, collect the first layer of mineral soil.

o Place the 10 cm sampling ring on the soil surface, sharp edge downwards. o Select an area where there are no large roots or visible stones. o Drive the ring 7.5 cm into the ground by placing a block of wood on the ring and hammering on the

block until the ring is flush with the ground. Be careful to not damage the sampling ring by driving it into stones.

o Dig carefully around the ring with a soil knife or trowel until the ring can be lifted out of the soil with the sample intact.

o Slide the piece of aluminum under the sampling ring to create a core that is exactly 7.5 cm deep. o The use of the core to calculate bulk density requires that the soil sample be exactly the volume

of the ring. o Working over a tarp, place the soil sample into a heavy plastic bag for storage and transportation. If

soil spills onto the tarp, add that to the plastic bag also. o Repeat the extraction process for the next 7.5 cm core of mineral soil. It is important that the cores

are a continuous sample of the soil column – start the second core exactly where the first core stopped.

o Working over a tarp, place this second soil sample into the same heavy plastic bag as was used for the first sample.

o Together these first two samples form the top layer of mineral soil. • If during extraction, a sample partially falls out of the ring, then a new sample must be taken. • Clean the sampling ring between the top and middle layers to eliminate contamination (note that samples will

be used for chemical analyses). Normally a simple wipe with a clean rag is sufficient; however, if the rings have dried clay residue on them they must be washed with clean water.

• Due to the presence of specific features (e.g., rocks, DWM, etc.) it may not be possible to collect a sample to the desired depth. Take the sample from as close to the proper depth as possible. In addition:



i. On the data sheet note the reason the sample was collected from a different depth, ii. On the data sheet, the tag inside the bag and on the outside of the bag, note the actual depth range

of the sample (eg., 10-17.5 cm). • If a sample was not collected note the reason (e.g. hit bedrock, only large coarse fragments present, etc.).

Include an empty bag for the missing sample. On the data sheet, the tag inside the bag and on the outside of the bag, note that no sample was collected.

BULK DENSITY OF THE MIDDLE LAYER OF MINERAL SOIL

• This layer is sampled during the first round of data collection, but not sampled during subsequent re-measurements.

• Samples from the middle layer of mineral soil are taken from two locations only – the NE and SW. • Start the samples of the middle layer of mineral soil exactly where the top layer finished. It is important that

the cores are a continuous sample of the soil column. • It will be necessary to clear the top layer of mineral in an area that is approximately 2 times larger than the

core diameter to allow sampling of the middle layer. To reduce disturbance, do not clear more than a 20 cm diameter hole for sampling. Insure that the top sample area (ie where the core will be continued) is not disturbed or contaminated when clearing the surrounding top layer of mineral soil.

• Excavate the middle layer of mineral soil (15 to 35 cm depth) using the same method as for the top layer. • Two samples 8 cm diameter and 10 cm deep (ie., 15-25, and 25-35 cm depth) will be required to sample the

middle layer of mineral soil. • Working over a tarp, place the middle layer of mineral soil into a single heavy plastic bag that is different

from that used for the top layer. • It is important that the two cores for the middle layer of mineral soil are a continuous sample of the soil

column. • The use of the cores to calculate bulk density requires that the soil samples be exactly the volume of the

sampling ring. BULK DENSITY OF THE THIRD LAYER OF MINERAL SOIL

• This layer is sampled during the first round of data collection, but not sampled during subsequent re-measurements.

• Samples from the bottom layer of mineral soil are taken from the NE only. • Start the samples of the bottom layer of mineral soil exactly where the middle layer finished. It is important

that the cores are a continuous sample of the soil column. • It will be necessary to clear the middle layer of mineral in an area that is larger than the core diameter to allow

sampling of the bottom layer. To reduce disturbance, do not clear more than a 20 cm diameter hole for sampling. Insure that the top sample area (ie where the core will be continued) is not disturbed or contaminated when clearing the surrounding middle layer of mineral soil.

• Excavate the bottom layer of mineral soil (35-55 cm depth) using the same method as for the middle layers. • Two 8 cm diameter samples 10 cm deep (ie., 35-45, and 45-55 cm depth) will be required to sample the

bottom layer of mineral soil. • Working over a tarp, place the bottom layer of mineral soil into a single heavy plastic bag that is different

from that used for the top and middle layers. • It is important that the two cores for the bottom layer of mineral soil are a continuous sample of the soil

column. • The use of the cores to calculate bulk density requires that the soil samples be exactly the volume of the

sampling ring. SAMPLING SANDY SOILS

• Sampling sandy soils requires extra care because the cores may fall out of the ring during extraction. • Slide the piece of aluminum under the sampling ring to create core that are exactly the depth of the rings. • Do not use ring samplers on the face of the soil pit because the rings are circular and will therefore introduce

bias to the area of soil sampled by the ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ of the ring.



BEAD SAMPLING METHOD FOR STONY SOILS

• When soils are excessively stony the ring method cannot be used – do not smash the rings trying to get impossible samples.

• In stony soils use the bead method. • Use information about mineral soil (this information is during the spring visit to the ABMI site – see above),

plus a careful look at the aerial photography for the site to help determine the type of conditions that will be encountered.

• Generally higher elevation sites in the eastern slopes of the mountains have a higher probability of being stony, as does the Kazan upland in the NE corner of Alberta. Otherwise fluvial sites adjacent to streams or rivers are most likely to have stony conditions.

• Bring both the ring and the bead sampling materials to sites. • Extraction of the forest floor layer proceeds as described above. • After extraction of the forest floor layer, clear an area of the surrounding organic material that is larger than

the template (e.g. 20 cm diameter) to begin excavation of the mineral soil samples. • Level an area about 20 x 20 cm and excavate a circular hole to extracting the first soil sample. The circular

hole should be approximately 8 cm in diameter to allow for the extraction of approximately 1.0 liter of soil from each layer (note the three layers are 15, 20, and 20 cm deep).

• During the excavation, extreme care must be taken not to compact the sides of the hole, as this will affect the bulk density of the sample. A good way to avoid soil compaction during excavation is to keep the handle of the trowel pointed in towards the centre of the hole, with the blade of the trowel pointing outwards.

• Use inward scooping motions when extracting the sample. • Work over a tarp and take care so that none of the sample is lost or spilled. • Extract the loose soil and gravel (< 7.5 cm) from the hole using a long-handled soupspoon and place in a 10

mm, heavy-duty bag. • Clean the face of the hole using the hand-clippers or knife. All roots extending into the hole must be clipped

and included in the sample. • Using your fingers or knife, smooth the surface of the hole and make sure there are no voids (i.e., where

coarse fragments may have been extruding). If there are voids, the dimensions of the hole must be extended to accommodate a reasonably smooth surface.

• Using a 5 mm weight plastic bag, line the hole and fill the bag with the glass beads. Make certain the surface of the beads is flush with the top of the excavated hole.

• Pour the beads into the 1.0 l graduated cylinder, to the nearest 100 ml graduation. The volume of the remaining 100 ml to 500 ml of beads can be measured using the 100 ml cylinder for greater accuracy. Record the total volume, to the nearest 10.0 ml.

• Rocks less than or equal to 7.5 cm in diameter are included in the sample. • To avoid carrying large rocks, scrape all the soil from the rocks >7.5 (note that this soil must be saved in the

sample bag). Weigh the rocks to the nearest gram, and record the weight so that volume can be calculated assuming rock to have a density of 2.65 g/cm3.

• Note that if large rocks were not included in the sample bag, then record the weight of the rocks on the bag and on the data sheet.

• In very rocky soils, it may not be possible to excavate all three samples at each of the four locations. If this occurs: o Collect as many of the samples as possible from the locations describe in the figure.. o For missing samples, move within a 1.5 m radius of the pre-define location and attempt to collect the

sample. WETLAND SOILS AND DEEP ORGANICS (PEAT SAMPLING)

• Only sample wetland soils at one location. • Sample 100 m from site center along the NE transect (i.e., use the normal NE location for soil bulk density

sampling). • Wetland soils should be sampled during the driest portion of the field season. • Clear the living biomass from the area to be sampled. • The soil surface after living biomass removal represents ‘zero depth’.



• The top layer of organic soil is collected using the 12 x 12 x 15 cm aluminum sampling frame. • Place the frame on the sampling point and cut, collect and measure the total organics in the layer 0-15 cm. • If the organic material is fibrous and/or rooty, use a serrated bread knife to pre-cut the organic layer prior to

inserting the frame to 15 cm depth (use clippers or a saw to sever large roots). • Excavate the area approximately 20 x 20 cm adjacent to one side of the sampling frame and use a serrated

knife to cut along the bottom of the frame prior to removal of the sample. • Record the sample volume. Assuming a depth of 15 cm, the sample volume is 12 x 12 x 15 cm = 2160 ml

(2.16 L). • If the average depth is different from 15 cm, measure the depth of the excavation at four points, record the

depth represented by the sample, and re-calculate the sample volume. • Three more samples of organic soils are collected at the next three depths (15-35, 35-55, and 55-75 cm) using

the 11 x 11 x 20 cm aluminum sampling frame. These layers of organic soil are collected using the 11 x 11 x 20 cm aluminum sampling frame.

• If necessary, remove surface material around the sampling area before inserting the sampling frame to 35 cm depth.

• Assuming the second sample represents the depth from 15-35 cm, its volume is 11 x 11 x 20 cm = 2420 ml (2.42 L)

• The third (depth 35-55 cm) and fourth (depth 55-75 cm) sample are collected similar to the second sample, and will be similar volume if the complete sample is obtained.

• With each successive excavation, bale out as much water as possible and attempt to take the sample. • If the sample is very wet and heavy, then only bring back as much of the sample as possible. Make a note on

the data sheet, in the comments section, as to why the sample was unobtainable and how much of it (what depth and volume) was obtained.

• Record the ecological site classification for the area where the sample was obtained. • Label each sample with the ABMI Site, Layer (Organic 1, Organic 2, etc.), Sample Number, and Number of

samples (eg., Sample 1 of “X”). FIELD PROCESSING OF SOIL SAMPLES

• Pre-make labels in the lab that include spaces for ABMI Site, Sample Layer, Sub-ordinal Direction (NE, SE, SW, NW), and Number of Samples (eg., Sample 1 of “X”).

• Place one label inside each of the sample bags. In addition, label the outside of the bag with similar information.

• Keep soil samples at approximately 4oC in a refrigerator (or cooler with ice while in the field) to maintain the sample chemistry.

• Pack the sample bags in a cooler with ice and courier the cooler to NFI such that they receive the samples within 7 days of soil collection (see Processing Soil Bulk Density Samples – this document is still under development).

N80

m

Clip-plots & Bulk Density 20

m

Arthropods

Soil Pit>50 m

>30 m

NN80

m

Clip-plots & Bulk Density 20

m

Arthropods

Soil Pit>50 m

>30 m

Figure 18

Soil Description Based on a Soil Pit

This protocol describes soil characteristics of the primary ecosite type. Field Equipment:

Canadian System of Soil Classification (1998) Shovel

• The primary ecosite type of the 1 ha area is

determined as part of the surveys during June. • Characteristics of organic and mineral soil

layers are further described based on bulk



density sampling just outside the four corners of the 1 ha area. • The soil pit location (Figure 18)must be:

o in the primary ecosite site type (i.e., primary moisture / nutrient category) of the 1 ha area o in as undisturbed location as possible o at least 50 m outside the boundary of the 1 ha area o at least 30 m for all other sampling areas/plots outside the 1 ha area

o Minimize site disturbance by excavating as little soil as possible and by placing the excavated soil on a tarp. The hole, however, needs to be large enough to examine soil profile. All of the excavated material must be returned to the pit (mineral soil on the bottom, covered with the organic material) and the surrounding areas returned to as close to natural as possible.

• Record the exact coordinates (latitude and longitude in decimal degrees) of the soil pit, and the general location (e.g. 60 m east of the SW corner of the 1 ha plot)

• The soil pit is excavated and soil classified according to the Canadian System of Soil Classification (1998). • Obtain a photograph of the soil profile (with a pencil included for scale) on a digital camera at a 3M pixel

setting. • Back-up and label the photo onto a laptop computer once back at camp. Label the photograph as:

ABMI_[year]_[site]_soilpit.jpg (eg., ABMI_2005_546_soilpit.jpg). Copy all photos to secure computer at the end of each shift.

• Enter the CSSC classification for the profile, including the Order, Great Group, and Subgroup (up to nine characters long).

• Use the Canadian System of Soil Classification (1998) codes (eg., GLCU.HR for Gleyed Cumulic Humic Regosol, GLG.SO for Gleyed Gray Solod).

• The profile must be classified to the Order level as a minimum, and to the Subgroup level, if possible. • Record one of the seven soil drainage classifications (Agriculture Canada Expert Committee on Soil Survey

1983): 1. Very Rapidly – Water is removed from the soil very rapidly in relation to supply. Excess water flows

downward very rapidly if underlying material is pervious. There may be very rapid subsurface flow during heavy rainfall provided there is a steep gradient. Soils have very low available water storage capacity (usually less than 2.5 cm) within the control section and are usually coarse textured, or shallow, or both. Water source is precipitation.

2. Rapidly – Water is removed from the soil rapidly in relation to supply. Excess water flows downward if underlying material is pervious. Subsurface flow may occur on steep gradients during heavy rainfall. Soils have low available water storage capacity (2.5 – 4 cm) within the control section, and are usually coarse textured, or shallow, or both. Water source is precipitation.

3. Well – Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Excess water flows downward readily into underlying pervious material or laterally as subsurface flow. Soils have intermediate available water storage capacity (4-5 cm) within the control section, and are generally intermediate in texture and depth. Water source is precipitation. On slopes subsurface flow may occur for short durations but additions are equaled by losses.

4. Moderately Well – Water is removed from the soil somewhat slowly in relation to supply. Excess water is removed somewhat slowly due to low perviousness, shallow water table, lack of gradient, or some combination within the control section and are usually medium to fine-textured. Precipitation is the dominant water source in medium to fine textured soils; precipitation and significant additions by subsurface flow are necessary in coarse-textured soils.

5. Imperfectly – Water is removed from the soil sufficiently slowly in relation, to supply to keep the soil wet for a significant part of the growing season. Excess water moved slowly downward if precipitation is the major supply. If subsurface water or groundwater, or both, is the main source, the flow rate may vary but the soil remains wet for a significant part of the growing season. Precipitation is main source if available water storage capacity is high; contribution by subsurface flow or groundwater flow, or both, increases as available water storage capacity decreases. Soils have a wide range in available water supply, texture, and depth, and are gleyed phases of well-drained subgroups.

6. Poorly – Water is removed so slowly in relation to supply that the soil remains wet for a comparatively large part of the time the soil is not frozen. Excess water is evident in the soil for a large part of the time. Subsurface flow or groundwater flow, or both, in addition to precipitation are the main water sources; there may also be a perched water table, with precipitation exceeding evapotranspiration. Soils have a



wide range in available water storage capacity, texture, and depth, and are gleyed subgroups, Gleysols, and Organic soils.

7. Very Poorly – Water is removed from the soil so slowly that the water table remains at or on the surface for the greater part of the time the soil is not frozen. Excess water is present in the soil for the greater part of the time. Groundwater flow and subsurface flow are the major water sources. Precipitation is less important except where there is a perched water table with precipitation exceeding evapotranspiration. Soils have a wide range in available water storage capacity, texture, and depth, and are either Gleysolic or Organic.

• Record one of three moisture classifications: Xeric: water removed very rapidly in relation to supply; soil is moist for brief periods following

precipitation. The primary water source is precipitation. Mesic: water is removed somewhat slowly in relation to supply; soil may remain moist for a significant, but

sometimes short, period of the year. Available soil moisture reflects climatic inputs. The primary water source is precipitation in moderate to fine-textured soils and limited seepage in coarse-textured soils.

Hygric: water is removed so slowly that the water table is at or above the soil all year; gleyed mineral or organic soils. The primary water source is a permanent water table.

• Describe the landform on the basis of parent soil material and mode of deposition: A = Anthropogenic – Artificial or human-modified material, includes landfills, road fill and mine spoils. C = Colluvial – Deposits as a direct result of gravity (talus, landslide deposits); on steep terrain, below rock

bluffs; coarse fragments, angular, same rock type as bedrock; coarse fragments > 35%, loosely packed, porous; landslide and slope failure deposits

E = Eolian – Materials deposited by wind action F = Fluvial – River deposits L = Lacustrine – Lake sediments; includes wave deposits M = Morainal – Material deposited directly by glaciers S = Saprolite – Rock containing a high proportion of residual silts and clays formed by alteration, chiefly by

chemical weathering; note that physically weathered shales and sandstone are included in this parent material type

V = Volcanic – Unconsolidated pyroclastic material W = Marine – Marine sediments; includes wave deposits UU = Unspecified Unconsolidated – A layered sequence of more than three types of genetic material R = Bedrock – Outcrops/rocks covered by less than 10 cm of soil I = Ice – Permanent snow, glaciers, and ice fields B = Bog – Sphagnum or forest peat material F = Fen – Sedge peat materials derived primarily from sedges with inclusions of partially decayed stems of

shrubs formed in a eutrophic environment due to the close association of the material with mineral-rich waters

SW = Swamp – A peat-covered or peat-filled area with the water table at or above the peat surface. The dominant peat materials are shallow to deep, mesic to humic forest and fen peat formed in a eutrophic environment resulting from strong water movement from the margins or other mineral sources

UO = Unspecified Organic Genetic Material • Record the humus form, and if possible further subdivide this form based on

http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/manuals/describing_soils.pdf Appendix 3. Humus form represents the layer of the organic and organic-enriched mineral horizons at the soil surface. Subdivision is based essentially on those primary morphological features that reveal fundamental differences in genesis. These are the presence or absence of diagnostic organic horizons, and the degree of incorporation of fine humus into the mineral soil and the intensity of binding between organic and mineral fractions. Secondary morphological features (such as structure, thickness, and composition of horizons) and distinctive characteristics allow for further division. L = Mull – Subdivisions: LC=Compact; LF=Fine; LM=Medium; LC=Coarse D = Moder – Subdivisions: DM=Mull-like; DT=Typical; DR=Raw R = Mor – Subdivisions: RF=Fibrimor; RH=HumiFibrimor; RM=Fibrihumimor; RI=Humimor P = Peaty Mor – Subdivisions: PH=Humic; PM=Mesic; PF=Fibric

http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/manuals/describing_soils.pdf



AM = Anmoor • Record any soil features that are encountered in the soil pit and the depth (in centimeters) to each feature.

Depth is measured from “zero depth” (interface between mineral soil and ground surface organics): W = Water table or seepage M = Mottles (not applicable in organics) R = Root restricted pan B = Bedrock F = Frozen layer C = Carbonates N = Not applicable or no feature

• Record the horizontal designation according to CSSC (1998) conventions. • Record depth (cm) from the top of the mineral/organic soil surface (zero depth) to the upper horizon

boundary. • Note that 0 is the boundary between the LFH layer and the top of the mineral/organic soil – thus the top of the

first mineral/organic horizon is recorded as “0” zero. • All depths are recorded as positive values. • LFH depths are listed starting with “L”, then “F”, then “H”. Organic and mineral horizons are listed in

ascending order. • Record the color description of the rooting-zone mineral soil (based on the Munsell Color Chart codes).

Record “N” to indicate not applicable when there is bedrock or no soil present. • Describe the soil texture determined by estimating the percentage of clay (less than 0.002 mm diameter) and

sand (0.05 to < 2.0 mm diameter). Soil textural classes and codes are determined from the soil texture triangle according to CSSC classification rules: C = Clay, SC = Sandy Clay, SCL = Sandy Clay Loam, CL = Clay Loam, Si = Silt, SiS = Silty Sand, SiL = Silty Loam, SiCL = Silty Clay Loam, L = Loam, SL = Sandy Loam, LS = Loamy Sand, S = Sand, VFS = Very Fine Sand, FS = Fine Sand, MS = Medium Sand, CS = Coarse Sand, VCS = Very Coarse Sand.

• Record the percentage of coarse fragment content, based on volume within the mineral horizon, for 3 categories of coarse fragments:

o Gravel = <7.5 cm diameter or <15 cm length; o Cobbles = 7.5 to 25 cm diameter or 15 to 38 cm length; o Stones = >25 cm diameter or >38 cm length.

• Collection of soil samples from the soil pits is still under development including aspects of storage and chemical analysis Collect soil samples from up to 5 of the most important (usually the major) horizons in the soil pit to help characterize soil type, and to determine bulk density of these horizons.

o Create a flat vertical surface along one side of the soil pit. o At the center of each horizon to be sampled, drive the 10 cm ring sampler into face of the soil.

Placing a block of wood on the ring and hammer on the block until the ring is flush with the face. o Dig carefully around the ring with a soil knife or trowel until the ring can be lifted out with the

sample intact. Some work may be required to free the sample behind the ring. o When the ring is out, trim the bottom and top of the ring of any excess soil projecting beyond the

ring. The use of the sample to calculate bulk density requires that the soil sample be coincident with the edges of the ring.

o If during extraction, a sample partially falls out of the ring, then a new sample must be taken. o Samples will be used for chemical analyses. Thus it is important to clean the sampling ring between

samples. Normally a simple wipe with a clean rag is sufficient; however, if there is dried clay residue on the ring it must be washed with clean water.

o Place the soil sample into a heavy plastic bag for storage and transport. o Place a label with ABMI Site Number and the Horizon Name inside the sample bag. In addition, label

the outside of the bag with the same information. o Keep soil samples at approximately 4oC in a cooler with ice while in the field and subsequently in a

refrigerator to maintain the chemistry of the sample. o Pack the sample bags in a cooler with ice and courier the cooler to an appropriate lab within 7 days of

soil collection (see Processing Soil Pit Samples – this document is still under development).



PART 2. APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Equipment List The equipment needed to implement the ABMI field data collection includes: • Field gear needed by each crew member, • Standard equipment needed by each of the field crews to gather data and access/move around the sites, • Equipment needed by each of the crews specific to spring terrestrial protocols • Equipment needed by each of the crews specific to summer terrestrial protocols, and • Equipment needed by each of the crews specific to winter terrestrial protocols.

Some equipment items are not specific to a particular protocol, but rather are required either for multiple protocols, or to address unforeseen circumstances.

Personal Equipment • Bear spray • Two-way radio • GPS unit • Binoculars • Compass • Spare AA batteries for camera, GPS, and 2-way radios • Coveralls (optional) • Cruiser vest (optional) • Hardhat (optional) • Daypack • Rubber boots • Field boots • ATV Helmet • Jacket (nylon shell) • Hip waders • Rain jacket • Rain pants • Covered clipboard and field notebook • Leather gloves • Insect repellent • Mora knife

Standard Field Equipment for All Crews • Cellular/Satellite telephone • Laptop computer • Metal detector • Markers, pens, and pencils • Maps, air photos, satellite images • Digital camera w/ memory card • Vertex hypsometer w/ transponder • Tape measure (100 m) • Aluminum 50 cm DBH Calipers • DBH tape (5 m) • Field Guides (Specific to Crew) • Emergency kit containing:



Flares Matches First aid kit

• Axe • Flagging tape • Pigtails

Equipment Specific to Spring Terrestrial Crews • Omni-Directional bird recorder (with tripod, battery, charger, hard drive.) • Backpack for bird recorder • Soil corer • 500 ml measuring cup and cloth sample bags • Carpenters measuring tape (15 m) • Go-No-Go Tool (DWM) • Specimen cooler w/ ice • Tree paint

Equipment Specific to Summer Terrestrial Crews • Plant press • Paper collection bags • Soil collection bags • Increment borer w/ straws • Folding saw • Spherical (concave) densiometer • Mirror • Tree planting shovel • 50 cm folding ruler • Mini flashlight • 500 cc ring sampler (10 cm diameter and 7 cm height) • Mallet w/ block of wood • 5 x 5 x 15 cm frame (Organic soils) • 0.5 x 0.5 m Plot Frame • 1.0 x 1.0 m Plot Frame • Shovel • Trowel and/or long handle spoon • Serrated knife

Equipment Specific to Winter Terrestrial Crews • Skis • Snowshoes • Snow boots • Down parka • Wind pants • Winter windbreakers • Survival kit containing:

Sleeping bag Tent Matches



Appendix 2: Example of an Access Data Sheet Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute ABMI SITE: 721 Access Description Date:__May 14, 2003__________________ Crew:___JB/KB___________________ Maps Where Access Is Recorded Direction & Distance to Nearest Town 1:24,000 Map _______________________ _____Approx. 50KM_NE of Slave Lake_ 1:62,500 Map ___X___________________ Camp Location: Slave Lake (ATCO)___ Time From Camp to Site: 1 hour 15Mins Location Of Site Township 77 Latitude1 55.63xxx Range 3 Longitude1 114.37xxx Section 3 Meridian 5

Site Description Comments: Site is wet in the NE quadrant, crews will need rubber boots.

1 – record decimal degrees (5 decimals) Helicopter Access to Site

GPS Label at Start Point with Latitude & Longitude

Landing Pad Description Direction and Dist. to Site Centre or Next Waypoint

NOT APPLICABLE

Truck Access to Site


Road Name & Type Direction and Dist. to Site Centre or Next Waypoint

(Slave Atco) 55.78xxx/114.09xxx Hwy 88 north - Paved 20 KM North (N) to marthillrd (marthillrd) 55.79xxx/114.09xxx Martin Hills RD – Good Gravel 42.3 KM East (E) to T721-2 (T721-2) 55.50xxx/114.16xxx Meridian Tower RD – Good Gravel 16.4 KM Northwest (NW) to T721-3 (T721-3) 55.61xxx/114.30xxx Unnamed – Gravel Road 1.6 KM North (N) to T721-4 (T721-4) 55.62xxx/114.30xxx Unnamed – Gravel Road 4.1 KM West (W) to Q721-1 (Wellsite)

Quad Access to Site


Trail Description Direction and Dist. to Site Centre or Next Waypoint

(Q721-1) 55.62xxx/114.37xxx Cutline (Good Shape) 1.6 KM North (N) to W721-1

Walking Access to Site Centre


Trail Description Direction and Dist. to Site Centre or Next Waypoint

(W721-1) 55.63xxx/114.37xxx Through Cutblock 200 M at 286 degrees to site centre



Appendix 3: Ecological Site Classification Descriptions Simplification of Forest Ecosite Types To Be Used In The ABMI For the ABMI we have simplified the ecosite types from the “Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta” by Beckingham and Archibald (1996), “Field Guide to Ecosites of West-Central Alberta” by Beckingham et al. (1996), “Field Guide to Ecosites of Southwestern Alberta” by Archibald et al. (1996), “Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Upper Foothills Subregion of Alberta” by Willoughby (2005), “Range Plant Community Types for the Subalpine and Alpine Subregions” by Willoughby and Alexander (2006), “Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Montane Subregion of Alberta” by Willoughby et al. (2005), “Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Lower Foothills Region of Alberta” by Lawrence et al. (2005), “Guide to Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Dry and Central Mixedwood Subregions in Alberta” by Willoughby et al. (2006), and Range Plant Communities and Range Health Assessment Guidelines for the Foothills Fescue Natural Subregion of Alberta” by Adams et al. (2005).

Twelve broad categories of vegetation types were created – these were labeled based on the common moisture/nutrient level. The categories were then subdivided based on composition of overstory trees. Note that the classifications of ecosites are based on vegetation communities and not soil information. The first letter in the moisture code indicates nutrient status (P=Poor, M=Medium, R=Rich, V=Very Rich), and the second letter indicates moisture conditions (X=Xeric, M=Mesic, G=Hygric, D=Hydric, OW=Open Water). Acronyms noted under the ecosite categories follow the literature that was summarized with the following additions: BM=Boreal Mixedwood, BH=Boreal Highlands, SB=Subartic, CS=Canadian Shield, WC=Ecosites described for West-Central Alberta, SW= Ecosites described for Southwestern Alberta, LF=Lower Foothills, UF=Upper Foothills, MN=Montane, and SA=Subalpine.

Upland Vegetation Communities and Corresponding Ecosite Types Used by the ABMI

1. Bearberry/Lichen --- PX

The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by bearberry and lichen, although bog cranberry and juniper sometimes are common at high elevations. This community is expected when soils are nutrient poor, and a moisture regime of xeric to subxeric.

1a) Pine –The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by bearberry and lichen, although bog

cranberry is common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by pine. Ecosites Included:

• BM a1 (lichen Pj) • BH a1 (bearberry Pj) • SB a1 (bearberry Pl) • SB a2 (bearberry PlAw) • SB a3 (bearberry Aw) • CS a1 (bearberry Pj) • WC_LF b1 (bearberry/lichen Pl) • SW_LF a1 (bearberry Pl) • WC_UF b1 (bearberry lichen Pl) • SW_UF a1 (bearberry Pl) • SW_MN a1 (limber pine/juniper FdPf) • SW_MN b1 (bearberry Pl) • WC_SA b1 (bearberry/lichen Pl) • SW_SA a1 (lichen Pl)

2. Labrador Tea/Feather Moss --- PM

The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by Labrador tea and feather moss, although at bog cranberry



is common at some sites, and at upper elevations in the mountains bilberry and grouse-berry are common at some sites. This community is expected when soils are nutrient poor to medium, and moisture regime is submesic to hygric.

2a) Pine – The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by Labrador tea and feather moss, although bog cranberry, blueberry, are common at some sites, and at upper elevations in the mountains bilberry and grouse-berry are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by pine. Ecosites Included:

• BM c1 (Labrador tea – mesic PjSb) • BH c1 (Labrador tea – mesic PjSb) • SB c1 (Labrador tea – mesic PlSb) • CS c1 (Labrador tea – mesic PjSb) • WC_LF d1 (Labrador tea-mesic PlSb) • SW_LF c1 (Labrador tea-mesic Pl) • SW_LF f1 (Labrador tea-hygric Pl) • WC_UF d1 (Labrador tea-mesic PlSb) • WC_UF e1 (tall bilberry/arnica Pl) • SW_UF c1 (tall bilberry/Labrador tea Pl) • WC_SA d1 (rhododendron-mesic Pl) • WC_SA f1 (rhododendron-subhygric Pl) • SW_SA e1 (false azalea-grouseberry Pl)

2b) Other – The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by Labrador tea and feather moss, although bog cranberry is common at some sites, and at upper elevations in the mountains bilberry, heather, and grouse-berry are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by a variety of species including spruce, fir, and trembling aspen. Ecosites Included:

• SW_LF c2 (Labrador tea-mesic AwSwPl) • WC_UF e2 (tall bilberry/arnica AwSwPl) • WC_UF e3 (tall bilberry/arnica Sw) • WC_UF e4 (tall bilberry/arnica Fa) • SW_UF c2 (tall bilberry/Labrador tea Sw) • SW_UF c3 (tall bilberry/Labrador tea Fa) • WC_SA d2 (rhododendron-mesic Se) • WC_SA d3 (rhododendron-mesic Fa) • WC_SA f2 (rhododendron-subhygric SeFa) • SW_SA c1 (subalpine larch/heather LaFa) • SW_SA d1 (spruce/heather Se) • SW_SA e2 (false azalea-grouse-berry Pw) • SW_SA e3 (false azalea-grouse-berry-Se) • SW_SA e4 (false azalea-grouse-berry Fa)

2c) Sb – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea and feather moss, although bog cranberry is sometimes common. The overstory is dominated by black spruce. Ecosites Included:

• BM g1 (Labrador tea – subhygric SbPj) • BH g1 (Labrador tea – subhygric SbPj) • SB e1 (Labrador tea – hygric SbPl) • CS d1 (Labrador tea – subhygric SbPj) • WC_LF h1 (Labrador tea subhygric SbPl) • WC_UF h1 (Labrador tea subhygric SbPl) • SW_UF c4 (tall bilberry/Labrador tea PlSb) • SW_UF f1 (black spruce/Labrador tea SbPl)



3. Hairy Wild Rye --- MX

The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by hairy wild rye, although bearberry is sometimes common. This community is expected when soils have medium nutrient levels, and a moisture regime of subxeric to mesic. These soil conditions are mainly found on south facing slopes in mountains.

3a) None – The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by hairy wild rye, other grasses and bearberry. No trees are present. Eosites included:

• WC_LF a1 (Shrubby grassland) • WC_UF a1 (Shrubby grassland) • WC_MN a1 (shrubby grassland) • WC_MN a2 (gramminoid grassland) • WC_SA a1 (shrubby grassland) • WC_SA a2 (gramminoid grassland)

3b) Pine – The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by hairy wild rye, although Canada buffalo-berry, bearberry, green alder and feather moss are common at some sites. The overstory is usually dominated by lodgepole pine or Douglas fir. Ecosites included:

• WC_LF c1 (hairy wild rye Pl) • SW_LF b1 (bearberry/hairy wild rye Pl) • WC_UF c1 (hairy wild rye Pl) • SW_UF b1 (bearberry/hairy wild rye Pl) • WC_MN b1 (bearberry Fd) • WC_MN b2 (bearberry Pl) • WC_MN c1 (hairy wild rye Fd) • WC_MN c2 (hairy wild rye Pl) • SW_MN c1 (Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye Fd) • SW_MN c2 (Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye Pl) • WC_SA c1 (hairy wild rye Pl) • SW_SA b1 (bearberry/hairy wild rye Pl)

3c) AwMix – The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by hairy wild rye, although Canada buffalo-berry and bearberry are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by trembling aspen, with lesser amounts of lodgepole pine and white spruce. Ecosites included:

• WC_LF c2 (hairy wild rye Aw) • WC_LF c3 (hairy wild rye AwSwPl) • SW_LF b2 (bearberry/hairy wild rye Aw) • SW_LF b3 (bearberry/hairy wild rye AwSwPl) • WC_UF c2 (hairy wild rye Aw) • WC_UF c3 (hairy wild rye AwSwPl) • SW_UF b2 (bearberry/hairy wild rye Aw) • SW_UF b3 (bearberry/hairy wild rye AwSwPl) • WC_MN b3 (bearberry Aw) • WC_MN b4 (bearberry AwSwPl) • WC_MN c3 (hairy wild rye Aw) • WC_MN c4 (hairy wild rye AwSwPl) • WC_MN b2 (bearberry Aw) • WC_MN b3 (bearberry AwSwPl) • SW_MN c3 (Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye Aw) • SW_MN c4 (Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye AwSwPlFd)



• WC_SA c2 (hairy wild rye PlAw)

3d) Spruce – The shrub/ground strata is usually dominated by hairy wild rye, although Canada buffalo-berry, bearberry and feather moss are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by spruce. Ecosites included:

• WC_LF c4 (hairy wild rye Sw) • WC_UF c4 (hairy wild rye Sw) • SW_UF b4 (bearberry/hairy wild rye Sw) • WC_MN b5 (bearberry Sw) • WC_MN c5 (hairy wild rye Sw) • WC_MN_SA c3 (hairy wild rye Se)

4. Low-bush Cranberry/Canada Buffalo-berry --- MM

The shrub/ground strata is often dominated by low-bush cranberry and Canada buffalo-berry, although the vegetation community is variable and blueberry, alder, rose, Saskatoon, Labrador tea, bearberry, thimbleberry, bog cranberry, willow, fir, and feather moss may be common. This community is expected when soils have medium to rich nutrient levels, and a moisture regime of submesic to mesic.

4a) PineMix – The shrub/ground strata is often dominated by low-bush cranberry and Canada buffalo-berry, although bog cranberry, green alder, feather moss, and a variety of other shrubs are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by pine with lesser amounts of trembling aspen, balsam popular, paper birch, and spruce. Ecosites Included:

• BM b1 (blueberry PjAw) • BH b1 (blueberry PjAw(Bp)) • SB b1 (Canada buffalo-berry PlAw) • CS b1 (Canada buffalo-berry green alder PjAwBw) • WC_LF e1 (Low-bush cranberry Pl) • SW_LF d1 (low-bush cranberry/wild sarsaparilla Pl) • SW_MN d1 (creeping mahonia-white meadowsweet Fd) • SW_MN d2 (creeping mahonia-white meadowsweet Pl) • SW_MN e1 (thimbleberry/pine grass Pl)

4b) Aw – The shrub/ground strata is often dominated by low-bush cranberry and Canada buffalo-

berry, although alder, rose, bog cranberry, and a variety of other shrubs are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by trembling aspen. Ecosites Included:

• BM b2 (blueberry Aw(Bp)) • BM d1 (low-bush cranberry Aw) • BH b2 (blueberry Aw) • BH d1 (low-bush cranberry Aw) • SB b1 (Canada buffalo-berry Aw) • CS b2 (Canada buffalo-berry green alder Aw) • WC_LF e2 (low-bush Cranberry Aw) • SW_LF d2 (low-bush cranberry/wild sarsaparilla Aw) • SW_MN e2 (thimbleberry/pinegrass Aw)

4c) AwMix – The shrub/ground strata is often dominated by low-bush cranberry and Canada buffalo-

berry, although alder, rose, feather moss, and a variety of other shrubs are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by trembling aspen and a mix of spruce and pine. Ecosites Included:

• BM b3 (blueberry AwSw) • BM d2 (low-bush cranberry AwSw)



• BH d2 (low-bush cranberry AwSwSb) • SB b1 (Canada buffalo-berry AwSwSb) • CS b3 (Canada buffalo-berry green alder AwSwSb) • WC_LF e3 (low-bush cranberry AwSwPl) • SW_LF d3 (low-bush cranberry/wild sasaparilla AwSwPl)

4d) Sw – The shrub/ground strata is sometimes dominated by low-bush cranberry and Canada

buffalo-berry, although rose, fir, feather moss, and a variety of other shrubs are common at some sites. The overstory is usually dominated by spruce. Ecosites Included:

• BM b4 (blueberry SwPj) • BM d3 (low-bush cranberry Sw) • BH b3 (blueberry SwPj) • BH d3 (low-bush cranberry Sw) • SB b1 (Canada buffalo-berry Sw) • WC_LF e4 (low-bush Cranberry Sw) • SW_LF d4 (low-bush cranberry/wild sarsaparilla Sw) • SW_UF d1 (silver-berry Sw) • SW_MN e3 (thimbleberry/pinegrass Sw)

5. Horsetail --- MG The shrub/ground strata contains horsetail, although dogwood, alder, rose, low-bush cranberry, Labrador tea, willow, and feather moss may be common at some sites. This community is expected when soils have medium to rich nutrient levels, and a hygric moisture regime.

5a) PbMix – The shrub/ground strata contains abundant horsetail, although alder, rose, low-bush cranberry, willow, and feather moss may be common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by balsam popular and a mix of trembling aspen, paper birch, and white spruce. Ecosites Included:

• BM f1 (horsetail PbAw) • BM f2 (horsetail PbSw) • SB d1 (horsetail PbBw) • SB d2 (horsetail AwSw) • CS e1 (willow/horsetail AwBpPb) • WC_LF i1 (horsetail PbAw) • WC_LF i2 (horsetail PbSw) • WC_MN f1 (horsetail PbAw)

5b) Spruce – The shrub/ground strata contains abundant horsetail and feather moss, although

Labrador tea and willow may be common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by white or Engelmann spruce. Ecosites Included:

• BM f3 (horsetail Sw) • BH f1 (horsetail Sw) • SB d3 (horsetail Sw) • CS e2 (willow/horsetail AwSwSb) • WC_LFi3 (horsetail Sw) • SW_LF h1 (white spruce/horsetail Sw) • WC_UF j1 (horsetail Sw) • SW_UF h1 (white spruce/horsetail Sw) • WC_MN f2 (horsetail Sw) • SW_MN g1 (horsetail SwPb)



• SW_MN g2 (horsetail Sw) • WC_SA g1 (horsetail Se) • SW_SA h1 (horsetail Se)

5c) Sb – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea and feather moss with horsetail

present in lesser amounts. The overstory is usually dominated by black spruce. • BM h1 (Labrador tea/horsetail SwSb) • WC_LF j1 (Labrador tea/horsetail SbSw) • SW_LF g1 (black spruce/ horsetail SwSb) • SW_LF g2 (black spruce/horsetail Sb) • WC_UF i1 (Labrador tea/horsetail SbSw) • SW_UF g1 (black spruce/horsetail SbSw)

6. Dogwood/Fern/Feather Moss --- RG

The shrub/ground strata usually contains dogwood, fern, and abundant feather moss, although rose, alder, bracted honeysuckle, devil’s club, and fir are common at some sites. This community is expected when soils have rich nutrient levels, and a subhygric moisture regime.

6a) Pl – The shrub/ground strata usually contains dogwood, fern, and abundant feather moss,

although bracted honeysuckle, alder, devil’s club, and fir are sometimes common. The overstory is usually dominated by lodgepole pine. Ecosites Included:

• WC_LF f1 (bracted honeysuckle Pl) • SW_LF e1 (bracted honeysuckle fern Pl) • WC_UF f1 (bracted honeysuckle Pl) • SW_UF e1 (green alder/fern Pl) • SW_SA f1 (thimbleberry Pl)

6b) PbMix – The shrub/ground strata usually contains dogwood, fern, and abundant feather moss, although rose, alder, bracted honeysuckle and devil’s club are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by deciduous tress (usually balsam popular, but sometimes trembling aspen and paper birch) although spruce and pine may be common. Ecosites Included:

• BM e1 (dogwood PbAw) • BM e2 (dogwood PbSw) • WC_LF f2 (bracted honeysuckle AwPb) • WC_LF f3 (bracted honeysuckle AwSwPl) • SW_LF e2 (bracted honeysuckle fern AwPb) • SW_LF e3 (bracted honeysuckle fern AwSwPl) • WC_UF f2 (bracted honeysuckle Pb) • WC_UF f3 (bracted honeysuckle PbSwPl) • SW_UF e2 (green alder/fern Pb) • WC_MN d1 (dogwood PbAw) • WC_MN d2 (dogwood PbSw) • SW_MN f1 (balsam poplar Pb)

6c) Spruce – The shrub/ground strata usually contains dogwood, fern, and abundant feather moss,

although rose, alder, bracted honeysuckle, devil’s club and fir are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by spruce and fir. Ecosites Included:

• BM e3 (dogwood Sw) • BH e1 (fern Sw) • WC_LF f4 (bracted honeysuckle Sw)



• SW_LF e4 (bracted honeysuckle fern Sw) • WC_UF f4 (bracted honeysuckle Sw) • WC_UF f5 (bracted honeysuckle Fa) • SW_MN d3 (creeping mahonia-white meadowsweet Sw) • SW_SA f2 (thimbleberry FaSe)

7. Not Treed --- NT

The shrub/ground strata is either non-vegetated or dominated by shrubs, grasses, sedges and forbs. A very wide variety of nutrient levels, and moisture regimes are present.

7a) Alpine – Sites occur at elevations above tree line. The shrub/ground strata is either non-vegetated

or dominated by heathers, grasses, sedges and forbs. Trees are absent due to climatic conditions.

7b) Flood – Sites are usually found at the edge rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands where vegetation is disturbed frequently by flooding. The shrub/ground strata is either non-vegetated or dominated by shrubs (often willow), grasses, sedges and forbs. Trees are absent due to the frequent flooding. Ecosites Included:

• WC_LF g1 (shrubby meadow) • WC_LF g2 (forb meadow) • WC_UF f6 (bracted honeysuckle, willow) • WC_UF g1 (shrubby meadow) • WC_UF g2 (forb meadow) • WC_MN e1 (meadow) • WC_MN e2 (forb meadow) • WC_SA e1 (shrubby meadow) • WC_SA e2 (forb meadow) • SW_SA g1 (dwarf birch/tufted hair grass)

7c) Ice – Sites are usually at higher elevations, where the vegetation is disturbed frequently be ice and

snow. The shrub/ground strata is either non-vegetated or dominated by shrubs, heathers, grasses, sedges and forbs. Trees are absent due to the action of ice and snow.

7d) Dry – Sites are usually in the grassland and parkland, where moisture stress limits establishment

and growth of trees. The shrub/ground strata is either non-vegetated or dominated by shrubs, grasses, sedges and forbs.

7e) Geo – Geological features (eg., rock outcrops, sand dunes, etc) limit tree establishment and

growth. The shrub/ground strata is either non-vegetated or dominated by heathers, grasses, sedges and forbs.

Lowland Vegetation Communities and Corresponding Ecosite Types Used in the ABMI

8. Bog – Labrador Tea/Peat Moss/Lichen --- PD

The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea, peat moss and lichen. This community is expected when soils are nutrient poor and have a hydric to subhygric moisture regime. The soil is saturated for part or all the year.

8a) SbLt –The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea, peat moss and lichens, although bog cranberry and cloudberry are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by black spruce and larch. Ecosites Included:

i. In J.D. Beckingham et al. (1996), J.D. Beckingham and J.H. Archibald (1996), and J.H. Archibald et al. (1996)



• BM i1 (treed bog) • BH h1(treed bog) • SB f1 (treed bog) • CS f1 (treed bog) • WC_LF k1 (treed bog) • SW_LF l1 (treed bog) • WC_UF k1 (treed bog) • SW_UF i1 (treed bog) • WC_SA h1 (treed bog)

ii. In Willoughby (2005), Willoughby et al. (2005), and Willoughby et al.(2006) • DMD9 Sb-Lt/Labrador tea/Moss

8b) Shrub – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea, peat moss and lichens, although

bog cranberry and cloudberry are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by black spruce and larch but these trees cover <20% of the area. Ecosites Included:


• BM i2 (shrubby bog) • BH h2 (shrubby bog) • SB f2 (shrubby bog) • CS f2 (shrubby bog) • WC_LF k2 (shrubby bog) • WC_UF k2 (shrubby bog) • WC_SA h2 (shrubby bog)

ii. In Willoughby (2005), Willoughby et al. (2005), and Willoughby et al.(2006) • UFE5 Sb/Willow • j19 Sb/Labrador tea/bog cranberry/cloudberry

9. Poor Fen – Labrador Tea/Peat Moss/Sedge --- MD

The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea, peat moss and sedge. This community is expected when soils are nutrient poor and have a hydric to subhygric moisture regime. The soil is saturated for part or all the year.

9a) SbLt – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea, peat moss and sedges, although bog cranberry, dwarf birch and river alder are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by black spruce and larch. Ecosites Included:


• BM j1 (treed poor fen) • BH i1 (treed poor fen) • SB g1 (treed poor fen) • CS g1 (treed poor fen) • WC_LF l1 (treed poor fen) • SW_LF j1 (treed poor fen) • WC_UF l1 (treed poor fen) • SW_UF j1 (treed poor fen) • WC_MN g1 (treed fen) • WC_SA i1 (treed fen)

ii. In Lawrence et al. (2005), and Willoughby et al.(2006) • DMD8 Sb/Willow/Moss • j20 Sb-Lt/sedge/moss



9b) Shrub – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by Labrador tea, peat moss and sedges, although

bog cranberry, dwarf birch and river alder are common at some sites. The overstory is dominated by black spruce and larch but these trees cover <20% of the area. Ecosites Included:


• BM j2 (shrubby poor fen) • BH i2 (shrubby poor fen) • SB g2 (shrubby poor fen) • CS g2 (shrubby poor fen) • WC_LF l2 (shrubby poor fen) • WC_UF l2 (shrubby poor fen) • SW_UF j2 (shrubby poor fen) • WC_MN g2 (shrubby fen) • WC_SA i2 (shrubby fen)

ii. In Lawrence et al. (2005), and Willoughby et al.(2006) • DMA19 Bog willow • c11 dwarf birch willow/sedge/peat moss

10. Rich Fen – Dwarf Birch/Willow/Sedge/Grass/Moss --- RD

The shrub/ground strata is dominated by dwarf birch, willow, sedge, and moss. This community is expected when soils are medium to rich and have a hydric to subhygric moisture regime. The soil is saturated for part or all the year.

10a) SbLt – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by dwarf birch, willow, sedge, and moss. The overstory is dominated by black spruce and larch. Ecosites Included:


• BM k1 (treed rich fen) • BH j1 (treed rich fen) • SB h1 (treed rich fen) • CS h1 (treed rich fen) • WC_LF m1 (treed rich fen) • SW_LF k1 (treed rich fen) • WC_UF m1 (treed rich fen) • SW_UF k1 (treed rich fen)

ii. In Willoughby (2005), Willoughby et al. (2005), and Willoughby et al.(2006) • DMC15 Pb/Reed grass • E17 Sb-Lt/Labrador tea • D12 Sb/Willow/Wire rush-Sedge/Moss • J21 Lt/bog birch/sedge/moss

10b) Shrub – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by dwarf birch, willow, sedge, and moss, and includes floating mats of vegetation. The overstory is dominated by black spruce and larch but these trees cover <20% of the area. Ecosites Included:


• BM k2 (shrubby rich fen) • BH j2 (shrubby rich fen) • SB h2 (shrubby rich fen)



• CS h2 (shrubby rich fen) • WC_LF m2 (shrubby rich fen) • SW_LF k2 (shrubby rich fen) • WC_UF m2 (shrubby rich fen) • SW_UF k2 (shrubby rich fen)

ii. In Willoughby (2005), Adams et al.(2005), Lawrence at al.(2005), Willoughby et al. (2005), Willoughby et al.(2006), and Willoughby and Alexander (2006)

• DMA10. Willow/sedge • DMA10a Willow/marsh reed grass • c10 willow-bog birch/water sedge • D2a Drummond’s willow • D3a Bebb willow/beaked sedge • D8 Mrytle lv’d willow/sedge • D9 Basket willow/sedge • UFB1 Willow-bog birch/water sedge • D11 Sw/willow/water sedge/golden moss • SACFB1 Willow/bog birch/water sedge • SACFB2 Willow/water sedge • FFC2 Beaked willow/sedge/tufted hair-grass

10c) None – The shrub/ground strata is dominated by dwarf birch, willow, sedge, and moss, and includes floating mats of vegetation. Trees and shrubs cover <20% of the area. Ecosites Included:


• BM k3 (graminoid rich fen) • BH j3 (graminoid rich fen) • SB h3 (graminoid rich fen) • CS h3 (graminoid rich fen) • WC_LF m3 (graminoid rich fen) • SW_LF k3 (graminoid rich fen) • WC_UF l3 (graminoid poor fen) • WC_UF m3 (graminoid rich fen) • SW_UF j3 (graminoid poor fen) • SW_UF k3 (graminoid rich fen) • WC_MN g3 (graminoid fen) • WC_SA i3 (graminoid fen)

ii. In Willoughby (2005), Lawrence at al.(2005), Willoughby et al. (2005), Willoughby et al.(2006), and Willoughby and Alexander (2006)

• DMA1 Sedge meadow • DMA2 Marsh reed grass meadow • B12 Beaked/water sedge • B12a Awned sedge • SACFA1 Water/beaked sedge • UFA1 Water/beaked sedge meadow • b8 water edge meadow

11. Marsh – Cattail/Rush/Reed --- VD

The shrub/ground strata is dominated by cattails, rushes or reed grass. This community is expected when soils are very rich and have a hydric moisture regime. Water is above the rooting zone for part or all of the year.



11a) None – There is no tree or shrub component to this vegetation community. Ecosites Included:


• BM l1(marsh) • WC_LF n1 (marsh) • WC_MN h1 (marsh)

ii. In Willoughby (2005), Lawrence at al.(2005), Willoughby et al. (2005), Willoughby et al.(2006), and Willoughby and Alexander (2006)

• DMA1a Bulrush-Cattail • DMA21 Tall manna grass • DMA22 Common reed grass • DMA23 Reed canary grass • DMA26 Creeping spike rush • B17 Creeping spike rush • B18 Small fruited bulrush • B19 Great bulrush • B20 Cattail • b7 marsh reed grass slough

12. OW (Open Standing Water - Lake)

Open water with < 10% cover of rooted vegetation.

12a) Lake – <10% rooted vegetation cover within an area of at least 1 ha.

12b) River – <10% rooted vegetation cover within a river that is >20 m wide.

References: Archibald J.H., G.D. Klappstein, and I.G. Corns. 1996. Field Guide to Ecosites of Southwestern Alberta. UBC

Press, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. Adams, B.W., R. Ehlert, D. Moisey and R.L. McNeil. 2003 (updated 2005). Rangeland Plant Communities and

Range Health Assessment Guidelines for the Foothills Fescue Natural Subregion of Alberta. Rangeland Management Branch, Public Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Lethbridge, Pub. No. T/038 85 pp.

Beckingham J.D. and J.H. Archibald. 1996. Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta. UBC Press, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.

Beckingham J.D., I.G. Corns, and J.H. Archibald. 1996. Field Guide to Ecosites of West-Central Alberta. UBC Press, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.

Lawrence, D., Lane, C.T., Willoughby, M.G., Hincz, C., Moisey, D, and C. Stone. 2005. Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Lower Foothills Region of Alberta. Rangeland Management Branch, Public Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Pub. No. T/083 244 pp.

Willoughby, M.G. 2005. Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Upper Foothills Subregion of Alberta. Rangeland Management Branch, Public Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Pub. No. T/068 138 pp.

Willoughby, M.G., Alexander, M.J., and B.W. Adams. 2005. Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Montane Subregion of Alberta. Rangeland Management Branch, Public Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Pub. No. T/071 248 pp.

Willoughby, M.G. and M.J. Alexander. 2006. Range Plant Community Types and carrying Capacity for the Subalpine and Alpine Subregions. Rangeland Management Branch, Public Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Pub. No. T/072 225 pp.

Willoughby, M. G., Stone, C., Hincz, C., Moisey, D., Ehlert, G., and D. Lawrence. 2006. Guide to Range Plant



Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the Dry and Central Mixedwood Subregions in Alberta. Rangeland Management Branch, Public Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Edmonton, Pub. No. T/074 254 pp.



Appendix 4: Bird Species For Incidental Species Surveys

Waterfowl (Anatidae) Sandpipers and Allies (Scolopacidae) Loons (Gaviidae) Canada Goose Common Snipe Common Loon Snow Goose Willet Pacific Loon Ross's Goose Wandering Tattler Red-throated Loon Greater White-fronted Goose Whimbrel Yellow-billed Loon Brant Greater Yellowlegs Grebes (Podicipedidae) Trumpeter Swan Lesser Yellowlegs Clark's Grebe Tundra Swan Baird's Sandpiper Eared Grebe Mute Swan Buff-breasted Sandpiper Horned Grebe Wood Duck Curlew Sandpiper Pied-billed Grebe Gadwall Least Sandpiper Red-necked Grebe Eurasian Wigeon Pectoral Sandpiper Western Grebe American Widgeon Semipalmated Sandpiper Pelicans (Pelecanidae) American Black Duck Sharp-tailed Sandpiper American White Pelican Mallard Solitary Sandpiper Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) Blue-winged Teal Spotted Sandpiper Double-crested Cormorant Green-winged Teal Stilt Sandpiper Herons (Ardeidae) Cinnamon Teal Upland Sandpiper American Bittern Northern Shoveler Western Sandpiper Black-crowned Night Heron Garganey White-rumped Sandpiper Cattle Egret Northern Pintail Long-billed Curlew Great Blue Heron Canvasback Eskimo Curlew Great Egret Redhead Hudsonian Godwit Green Heron Ring-necked Duck Marbled Godwit Little Blue Heron Greater Scaup Ruddy Turnstone Snowy Egret Lesser Scaup Surfbird Tricolored Heron Tufted Duck Red Knot Rails and Coots (Rallidae) King Eider Sanderling American Coot Common Eider Dunlin Sora Harlequin Duck Ruff/Reeve Virgina Rail Surf Scoter Short-billed Dowitcher Yellow Rail White-winged Scoter Long-billed Dowitcher Cranes (Gruidae) Black Scoter Wilson's Pharlarope Sandhill Crane Longtailed Duck (Oldsquaw) Red-necked Pharlarope Whooping Crane Bufflehead Red Pharlarope Plovers (Charadriidae) Common Goldeneye Stilts and Advocets (Scolopacidae) American Golden-Plover Barrow's Goldeneye American Advocet Black-billed Plover Ruddy Duck Black-necked Stilt Killdeer Common Merganser Ibises (Threskiornithidae) Mongolian Plover Red-breasted Merganser White-faced Ibis Mountain Plover Hooded Merganser Pacific Golden Plover Piping Plover Semipalmated Plover



Hawks and Eagles (Accipitridae)

Jays and Crows (Corvidae)

Osprey Blue Jay Bald Eagle Gray Jay Golden Eagle Stellar's Jay Northern Harrier Clark's Nutcracker Sharp-shinned Hawk Black-billed Magpie Cooper's Hawk American Crow Northern Goshawk Common Raven Broad-winged Hawk Grouse and Allies (Phasianidae) Ferruginous Hawk Blue Grouse Red-tailed Hawk Gray Partridge Rough-legged Hawk Ring-necked Pheasant Swainson's Hawk Ruffed Grouse Vultures (Cathartidae) Sage Grouse Turkey Vulture Sharp-tailed Grouse Falcons (Falconidae) Sharp-tailed Ptarmigan American Kestrel Spruce Grouse Merlin Willow Ptarmigan Prairie Falcon Woodpeckers (Picidae) Peregrine Falcon Northern Flicker Gyrfalcon Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Owls (Strigidae) Red-naped Sapsucker Barred Owl Red-breasted Sapsucker Boreal Owl Williamson's Sapsucker Burrowing Owl Black-backed Woodpecker Great Gray Owl Downy Woodpecker Great Horned Owl Hairy Woodpecker Long-eared Owl Lewis's Woodpecker Northern Hawk Owl Pileated Woodpecker Northern Pygmy Owl Red-headed Woodpecker Northern Saw-whet Owl Three-toed Woodpecker Short-eared Owl Picoides (Woodpecker) Snowy Owl Eastern Screech-Owl Western Screech-Owl



Appendix 5: Supplemental Information for Mammal Tracking When tracks that cannot be easily identified or when species of high interest are encountered, additional information is collected. Take a photograph of the track from an angle that ensures the track is easily seen. In addition, create sketches of the track that include track dimensions (stride length, straddle, paw length, paw width, and claw length, see below), and the depth that the animal sank into the snow. Assign a best guess species to all of these tracks in the field, because the sketches and pictures are difficult to assess after the fact.

Stride Stride is measured from the same point in two consecutive footprints of the same foot.

Claw length

Straddle

Straddle

Straddle is measured at the widest point of a trail or group pattern.

Measurement of print size and claw length.

Width

Length



Coyote versus Fox When coyote or fox tracks are encountered, record track dimensions for an average track on or near the transect. Take one set of measurements in each segment and assign the track to species based on those measurements.

Coyote Red Fox stride length 30-40 cm (12-16 in.) 30-40 cm (12-16 in.) straddle width 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) 8-10.5 cm (3-4 in.) print width 5.0-5.5 cm (2-2.2 in.) 5.0-5.5 cm (2-2.2 in.) print length 5.5-6.5 cm (2.2-2.6 in.) 5.0-5.5 cm (2-2.2 in.)

Swift Fox/Grey Fox Arctic Fox stride length 20-25 cm (8-10 in.) 15-36cm (6-14 in.) straddle width print width 2.8-3.8cm (1 – 1.75 in.) (1.75-2.25 in.) print length 3.8-4.1cm (1.25-1.7 in.) (2-2.25 in.)

Marten and Fisher When marten or fisher tracks are encountered, record track dimensions for an average track on or near the transect. Take one set of measurements in each segment and assign the track to species based on those measurements.

Marten Fisher bounding stride length 61 cm (24.4 in.) 65 cm (26 in.) bounding straddle width 9 -12 cm (3.6-4.8 in.) 15-20 cm (6-8 in.) print width 4 - 5 cm (1.6-2 in.) 6 - 7 cm (2.4-2.8 in.) print length 4 - 5 cm (1.6-2 in.) 6 - 7 cm (2.4-2.8 in.)

Moose, Caribou, and Elk These tracks can be hard to distinguish in deep, dry snow. If unclear ungulate tracks are encountered, follow tracks off the transects to find scat or a better track to aid in identification. Antelope versus Deer Track dimensions are very similar so care should be taken in antelope habitat. Antelope tracks tend to be narrower in the front portion (more teardrop shaped) than deer tracks.

Antelope Deer stride length 75-85 cm (29-33 in.) 90-100 cm (35-39 in.) straddle width 12-20 cm (4.75 -8 in.) 14-20 cm (5.5 -8 in.) print width 5.5cm (2 in.) 4.5-6.5 cm (1.75 – 2.5 in.) print length 6.5cm (2.5 in.) 7-9 cm (2.75 - 3.5 in.)



Lynx versus Bobcat Take special care to examine hare trails carefully for the presence of overlying lynx prints. Lynx tracks are generally larger and less distinct than bobcat tracks.

Lynx Bobcat stride length 30 - 70 cm (12 - 28 in) 13-40 cm (5-16) straddle width 18cm (7.2 in.) print width 7.5-10 cm (3-4 in) 6.3-7 cm (2 ½-2 ¾ in.) print length 7.5-10 cm (3-4 in) 6.3-7 cm (2 ½-2 ¾ in.)

Cougar Tracks of this species can be confused with lynx or bobcat, watch for a tail drag and note depth and size of the track in the snow. Measure the tracks because the species is of special interest. Wolverine Tracks of this species are not hard to distinguish. However, measure the tracks because the species is of special interest.

Field and Laboratory Data Collection Protocols

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