|
|
|
|
|
|
VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION
Major Points
The Wieslander Vegetation Type Map (VTM) collection is a dataset compiled in the 1920s and 30s, consisting of photos, species inventories, plot maps, and vegetation maps covering most of California. The data provide a snapshot of the state's vegetation in the early 20th century, making the collection an invaluable resource for examining changes in land cover and use, or habitat restoration.
In the late 1980s and early 90s an oak-woodland classification system was developed from approximately 4300 field plots collected as part of the Vegetation Type Map (VTM) survey conducted during 1919-1940's by the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Station.
The base information on species composition, percent cover by species, tree stand structure and environment was collected on 1/5 acre plots. Species cover was determined from a 33 foot wide belt on each plot.
By making this data set available on the web, the Vegetation Type Mapping project at UC Berkeley is providing a valuable service to current and future vegetation scientists and land managers.
Useful Web Sites
Scientific Reports
- Allen-Diaz, B.H. and B.A. Holzman. 1991. Blue oak communities in California. Madrono 38(2):80-95.
- Allen, B.H., B.A. Holzman, and R.R. Evett. 1991. A classification system for California's hardwood rangelands. Hilgardia 59(2):1-45.
- Kelly, M., B. Allen-Diaz, and N. Kobzina. Digitization of a historic dataset: the Wieslander California vegetation type mapping project. Accepted in Madrono
- Keeley, J.E., 2004. VTM plots as evidence of historical change: goldmine or landmine? Madrono 51(4): 372-378.
- Franklin, J., 2002. Enhancing a regional vegetation map with predictive models of dominant plant species in chaparral. Applied Vegetation Science, 5: 133-146
- Ertter, B., 2000. Our undiscovered heritage: Past and future prospects for species-level botanical inventory. Madrono, 47(4):237-252
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
