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Overview The validation sites are chosen randomly for statistical assessment of the final Phragmites map, these sites were chosen from a random selection of “points” within the Coastal Great Lakes Wetlands to 10 km inland. A minimum of two validation sites should be visited per day, with collection of opportunistic “training” data. Before heading out, these validation sites need to be viewed in the airphoto archive and land ownership determined. Nearby wetlands will be selected for field visit for “training” data, these do not need to be random. Training and Validation sites should be assessed using the following characteristics: At least ½ acre (.2 ha or 40 m x 50m) of fairly homogenous ecosystem type (Note: type may be mixed species) Biophysical Measurements Water level, Dominant veg ht, density with date/time and GPS stamp Required Equipment Field Sheets or PC GPS unit Compass Tape measurer Flagging Camera Ski pole (for water level) Data to be recorded Brief description of site conditions General ecotype (shrub, emergent, open water, upland) % Cover (veg, open water, etc) Dominant species Height of dominant vegetation and density Water level/time of day Estimate size of ecotype-draw on Airphoto Photos in each direction (N-S, E-W)with GPS tag-use compass Brief description of location of site GPS locations of point of entrance and edge and center locations, mark on air photo Walk perimeter for GPS, only if reasonable Overview: Field Measuring a Validation or Training Site Example Air Photo of Wetland Complex Quality of the Phragmites Map is Heavily Dependent on High Quality Field Measurements
Procedure Get set of 2 validation sites from Rick for next visit Locate sites in GIS/Airphoto, determine ownership and receive permission (if necessary) to enter sites Identify areas for Training data to be collected, consult with Rick and Mike or Liza or Laura Print maps/Airphotos with locations overlaid, make sure GPS unit has the Validation locations to be visited Determine if boats are needed, find locations for boat launch (see boating protocol) Plan travel Check that all equipment is packed and ready for the field GPS locs Preparing for a New Wetland Site Visit Example AirPhoto with sites
Measuring Validation Sites Data to be recorded • Brief description of site conditions • General ecotype (shrub, emergent, open water, upland) • % Cover (veg, open water, etc) • Dominant species • Height of dominant vegetation and density • Water level/time of day • Estimate size of ecotype-draw on Airphoto • Photos in each direction (N-S, E-W) with GPS tag-use compass • Brief description of location of site • GPS locations of point of entrance and edge and center locations, mark on air photo • Walk perimeter with GPS, only if reasonable Overview • In-situ vegetation and water depth measurements provide ground truth data for the validation of the Phragmites map and for determining sources of error. • At the Site • Collect a GPS location at the entrance to the validation site • Using a compass establish the bearing to the validation location. Use this with the GPS to find the specific Validation location. • Collect information on the way to the validation location: changes in vegetation with GPS tag/photo, keep notes. • Place flagging tape along path for easier exit from the validation point if the vegetation is tall and dense, as appropriate • Once at the Validation Site location conduct characterization and measurements N Validation Location E Field Person W If possible find a high point where the wetland can be viewed for drawing boundaries on the airphoto of phrag extent S Photos taken from Validation location in 4 cardinal directions (N, S,E,W)
Measuring Training Sites Data to be recorded • Brief description of site conditions • General ecotype (shrub, emergent, open water, upland) • % Cover (veg, open water, etc) • Dominant species • Height of dominant vegetation and density • Water level/time of day • Estimate size of ecotype-draw on Airphoto • Photos in each direction (N-S, E-W)with GPS tag-use compass • Brief description of location of site • GPS locations of point of entrance and edge and center locations, mark on air photo • Walk perimeter with GPS, only if reasonable Overview • In-situ vegetation and water depth measurements provide ground truth data for the creation of the Phragmites map and for determining variation in appearance of Phragmites and other vegetation cover at different sites. • These sites are not random, but more opportunistic, and locations can be added in the field, use the pre-determined locations as a guide. • At the Wetland Complex • Collect GPS locations to help identify areas of different emergent wetland type of at least ½ acre in size. Either get a few GPS locs and draw boundary on airphoto, or walk a boundary and get GPS locs. • If traversing far into a site, use flagging and get a GPS loc at the point of entry to aid in backtracking • Collect information on each of the ecosystem types using the data sheet (see “Data to be Recorded” at right) and take photos in 4 cardinal directions with GPS tag. N Validation Location E Field Person W If possible find a high point where the wetland can be viewed for drawing boundaries on the airphoto of phrag extent S Photos taken from Validation location in 4 cardinal directions (N, S,E,W)
Overview Be sure to check the weather and look at the sky before putting the boat in the water If it seems unsafe and the site won’t be able to be visited again, pick a backup Validation Location Determine locations for launching the boats before going to a site Make sure there is enough gas in the boat Before going in the water, notify MTRI that you are getting in water, provide your location/site Required Equipment Jonboat or kayaks Pfds Oars Motor Boating Protocol Launching the Boat • Before going in the water, notify MTRI that you are getting in water, provide your location/site • Notify MTRI when you are safely out of the water with the boat Your safety is more important than collection of measurements!!!!
