Questions_Rangeland_Vegetation_Inventory_041124_b_0002.docx

Rangeland Vegetation Inventory RFQ, BIA, ENA, Branch of Natural Resources

1. Project Area and Sampling Plan:

Regarding the project area (tribal trust and individual Indian allotment lands spanning approximately 1,619,153 acres with around 873 study plots) we'd like clarification on the sampling strategy:

Are we tasked with revisiting all or a portion of the 873 plots to devise an efficient sampling plan?

Yes, all. Need baseline data for year initiated and other inventories completed.

Would we need to generate additional randomized points as part of this sampling strategy?

Yes, the number and size of quadrats needed to collect is based on a statistically valid sample. If pedestalling and erosion was recorded, or if the point is within 200 m of residence or farmland. Each unit is managed separately that should be the unit of analysis.

2. Data Collection Requirements:

We definitely have the capability to collect vegetation attributes as outlined, including cover (basal and foliar) of major herbaceous plant species, composition, frequency, density, utilization, rangeland health assessment, and transect photography. However, our efficiency depends on the quality of the ESDs and the availability of the Rangeland Health Reference Sheet. For example, if a RH Reference Sheet is not available, we would need to use the DIRH protocol, which may significantly impact our efficiency.

· Would there be provisions for requesting extensions in such scenarios?

We can provide the Rangeland Health Reference Sheet.

We can consider the request for extension(s).

· Can we exercise professional judgment, such as employing ocular estimates, to enhance efficiency?

For Production, the accuracy of the data depends on the training and ability of the person collecting the data and must be able to identify plant species and determine current year’s growth. To maintain proficiency in estimating, plants should be periodically harvested and weighed to check estimates of production. Sample plants weighed can be used as visual models for comparison. (METHODS – Double Weight Sampling).

The rangeland health assessment procedure involves qualitative assessment of the degree of departure of each indicator from “reference conditions” for a specific ecological site. For this reason it should only be used by those with extensive training and experience with local ecological sites. (Pellant et. Al. 2005).