OOS 39
Mapping with the National Vegetation Classification: Purpose, Value, and Method

Thursday, August 14, 2014: 8:00 AM-11:30 AM
308, Sacramento Convention Center
Organizer:
Todd Keeler-Wolf
Co-organizer:
Julie Evens
Moderator:
Todd Keeler-Wolf
The National Vegetation Classification has been implemented as the standard for all Federal and many State Agencies. Classification of vegetation takes place on the ground through analysis of field plots. Vegetation maps combine the heuristic definitions of the classification with visually and geographically distinct representations. The value of quantitatively defined and accurate vegetation maps has increased immensely as value and decisions about land use increases. The first talk will report on a recent survey of users of vegetation map products in California. The presentation discusses responses to surveys conducted on a variety of users with local to regional geographic focus and also provides an economic evaluation of the roles of such mapping. The next talks explore methods of vegetation mapping and their evolution over time since the first maps were completed 15 years ago. These talks will cover the technical and methodological breakthroughs and remaining constraints on expressing vegetation through digital geographic products. Following this, a series of talks will explore some of the specific uses of vegetation maps including evaluating habitat connectivity, niche definition of certain species, and as management and monitoring tools. The closing talk will summarize the state of the art and the likely progress of uses of vegetation mapping and its integration with landscape analysis and conservation, This OOS provides the opportunity to learn from an array of presenters who discuss the value, purpose, and successes of mapping from users and producers of these products. Its outcome will be a clearer picture of how specific analyses and techniques can be assisted by NVC-based mapping, and how these and other techniques may be improved for future uses.
8:00 AM
The heuristic and economic values associated with vegetation mapping in California using the national vegetation classification
Danielle Bram, California State University, Northridge; Shawna Dark, California State University, Northridge
9:00 AM
Depicting floristic patterns inĀ fens, meadows, and grasslands
Jennifer Buck-Diaz, California Native Plant Society; Kendra Sikes, California Native Plant Society; Julie Evens, California Native Plant Society
9:20 AM
Improving the utility of national vegetationĀ and ecosystem maps
Charles Convis, ESRI Conservation Program
9:40 AM
9:50 AM
Developing spatially explicit habitat models for vertebrate distribution studies using fine-scale vegetation maps and the National Vegetation Classification
Melanie Gogol-Prokurat, California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Simon Bisrat, California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Crystal M. Krause, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
10:10 AM
Expecting and planning for adjustment: Using vegetation maps and climate data to model the distribution of novel bird habitat with climate change
Samuel D. Veloz, Point Blue Conservation Science; Dennis Jongsomjit, Point Blue Conservation Science; Leonardo Salas, Point Blue Conservation Science; Nathan Elliott, Point Blue Conservation Science