Exhibit 2g SAMPLE AIM Monitoring Manual Vol.1.pdf

ii Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition i Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems

SECOND EDITION

Volume I: Core Methods by Jeffrey E. Herrick, Justin W.Van Zee, Sarah. E. McCord, Ericha M. Courtright, Jason W. Karl, and Laura M. Burkett

USDA - ARS Jornada Experimental Range Las Cruces, New Mexico ii

Date:

June 2021

Publisher:

USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range

P.O. Box 30003, MSC 3JER, NMSU Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8003 https://jornada.nmsu.edu

ISBN 0-9755552-0-0

Distributed by:

Cover photo:

Randy Hayes http://http://jornada.nmsu.edu www.uapress.arizona.edu iii Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The monitoring approach and methods described here are the result of a collaboration that began in 1994. The effort was led by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Jornada Experimental Range (JER) in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the USDI-Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The development has been guided by suggestions from a large number of indi-viduals who represent landowners, government agen-cies, and environmental organizations in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, China, Mongolia, Kenya, Namibia, and Australia. New Mexico State University faculty in particular, have provided ongoing support and input. Funding to support research associated with the development and testing of these protocols has been provided by the USDA-ARS, USDA- NRCS, USDI-BLM, Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), Department of Defense (DoD) Legacy Resources Program, the U.S. EPA, and the National Science Foundation Long-Term Ecological Research program under Grant No. 12-35828. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or any of the other organizations listed here. Countless reviewers, work-shop participants, students, and technicians have tested the methods described here. This input has been invaluable.

The manual and specific methods have been improved by suggestions from individuals who rep-resent the following organizations1:

• USDI-BLM

(Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, National Operations Center, Washington Office)

• CATIE-Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (Costa Rica)

Tropical (Honduras)

(California, New Mexico, Texas)

Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (México)

(Chihuahua and Sonora, México)

(Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Resource Assessment Division)

(Arizona, Colorado, Oregon)

• USDA-NRCS Grazing Lands Technology

Institute

Science Center

• U.S. National Park Service

(California, Nevada, Utah)

This is Volume I of a two-part document. Volume II includes guidance on monitoring program design and interpretation, as well as additional methods. For updates, electronic copies of data sheets and a user-friendly Access database and field (touchscreen) data entry system, please visit the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range website (https://jornada.nmsu.edu) and the Landscape Toolbox (https:// www.landscapetoolbox.org).

1This list does not necessarily imply endorsement by these organizations.

http://jornada.nmsu.edu http://www.landscapetoolbox.org http://www.landscapetoolbox.org iv

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

BACKGROUND

Te Core Methods volume of the second edition provides a single, standard reference for the core methods which are part of the BLM Assessment, In-ventory, and Monitoring Strategy (AIM) and NRCS National Resources Inventory (NRI). Tis contin-ues a process of methods standardization that began in 1998, during the frst NRI pilot, continued with the establishment of the NRI on non-federal range-lands in 2003, the publication of the frst edition of this manual in 2005, and subsequent adoption of the core methods by the BLM through its national AIM strategy in 2011. The process used to select the core methods for AIM Strategy has been described elsewhere*,**. A similar, but less formal process, was used by the NRCS to select the same methods for the NRI. All of these efforts were stimulated by the 1994 National Academy of Sciences publication, “Rangeland Health”*** and the report by the Soci-ety for Range Management Task Group on Unity in Concepts and Terminology****.

Development of this Core Methods volume was also signifcantly infuenced by input from individu-als representing a number of universities, national

* Toevs, G.R., J.W. Karl, J.J. Taylor, C.S. Spurrier, M. Karl, M.R. Bobo, and J.E. Herrick. 2011. Consistent Indicators and Methods and a Scalable Sample Design to Meet Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Information Needs Across Scales. Rangelands: 33(4):14-20.

** Herrick, J.E., M.C. Duniway, D.A. Pyke, B.T. Bestelmeyer, S.A. Wills, J.W. Karl and K.M. Havstad. 2012. A Holistic Strategy for Adaptive Land Management.

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 67: 105A-113A.

*** National Research Council. 1994. Rangeland Health: New Ways to Classify, Inventory and Monitor Rangelands.

National Academy Press. Washington, DC. 180 pp.

**** Task Group on Unity in Concepts and Terminology Committee Members. 1995. New Concepts for Assessment of Rangeland Condition. Journal of Range Management 48 (3):271–282.

and international organizations, and U.S. federal agencies. Te USFS, DoD, and NPS have provided particularly helpful input as we have attempted to align methods with those used by these organiza-tions, where possible, with the view to the eventual development of a national standard. A number of clarifcations and minor adjustments were made to the methods to complete the standardization process.

Tose that have the potential to afect consistency with previously collected data are noted below.

WHAT IS NEW IN THE 2ND EDITION?

• Te second edition reconciles minor methodological diferences between the frst edition, the NRCS NRI program and the BLM AIM Strategy in an efort to further standardize data collection methods among agencies.

• Vegetation height, Species inventory, and Plant identifcation methods are new additions to Volume I.

• Monitoring program design (Volume II, Chapters 1-8) is amended to refect the NRCS Conservation Planning Process and the BLM AIM Strategy.

• Te Plant density (formerly Belt transect) method is moved from Volume I to the Supplemental Methods section of Volume II.

• Instructions on Establishing a monitoring plot, Plot characterization and Plot observations are enhanced and moved to Volume I.

• New chapters on Quality Assurance and Quality Control are included in Volume I.

• Example transect length is now 25 m (75 ft) but transect length may vary by ecosystem and management objectives.

• Riparian vegetation and channel/gully profle methods are removed from Volume II.

v Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ iii

Preface to the 2nd Edition...............................................................................................v

Introduction

How to Establish a Monitoring Program

How to Establish a Monitoring Plot

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Plant Identification

Plot Characterization

Plot Observation

Core Methods

Data Entry and Quality Control

Appendix A: Plot characterization helpful resources

Appendix B: Data Sheets

1 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

INTRODUCTION

CORE METHODS (VOLUME I) INDICATORS

Line-point intercept with plot-level species • Bare ground • Vegetation composition • Non-native invasive inventory plant species • Plant species of management concern

Vegetation height • Vegetation height

Gap intercept • Proportion of soil surface in large intercanopy gaps

Soil stability • Soil aggregate stability

Integrated/modeled indicators Multiple core methods • Susceptibility to wind and water erosion

•Wildlife habitat structure

SUPPLEMENTAL METHODS (VOLUME II)

Compaction test • Soil compaction

Infiltration • Soil infiltration capacity

Plant production •Total annual production

Species richness (modified Whitaker method) • Biodiversity

• Non-native invasive plant species • Plant density Plant density • Plant species of management concern

Tree density • Structure diversity • Woody biomass

WHAT ARE CORE METHODS?

Core methods generate indicators which represent the minimum information necessary to describe three key ecosystem attributes: soil and site stability, watershed function, and biotic integrity (Figure 1).

Nearly everything we value about ecosystems depends on these attributes. These core methods can also be used to generate many additional indicators that directly inform multiple management objectives, such as maintaining wildlife habitat, biodiversity conservation, producing forage, and supporting watershed health. Modifications to the core methods are discouraged as they limit the ability to combine and compare datasets, and thus describe ecosystem attributes at multiple scales.

WHAT ARE SUPPLEMENTAL METHODS?

Supplemental methods, such as those described in

Volume II, Chapters 9-19, may be included when the core methods are insufficient to inform a particu-lar management objective. These additional methods are not intended to replace the core methods. Instead they provide additional information necessary to address specific management questions. Supplemental methods in conjunction with the core methods allow these data to be used for multiple management objectives by providing basic ecosystem attribute information while also meeting local monitoring needs.

Biotic Integrity

Vegetation grasses, forbs shrubs, trees

Wildlife vertebrates invertebrates

Soil and Site Stability

Soil Resources mineral nutrients, water organic matter, biota

Soil-Plant-Water Interface plant litter, soil structure biological crusts

Soil Resources

Hydrologic Function

Watershed hydrologic function riparian vegetation

Figure 1. The three key ecosystem attributes which are described by monitoring ecosystems using the core methods (adapted from Toevs et al. 2011, reprinted with permission).

HOW TO ESTABLISH A MONITORING PROGRAM

Before collecting field monitoring measurements (Figure 2) it is important to specify why, where, how, at what frequency, and at what intensity you will monitor. The methods described in the Core Methods volume are part of Step 8 in implementing a moni-toring program (Figure 3). Describing the anticipat-ed data analysis and interpretation of the monitoring data will also inform the characteristics of the moni-toring program design. Volume II of this manual provides detailed guidance on monitoring program design, data analysis and interpretation. In some cases, you may need to refer to Volume II (see ques-tions below) before continuing to read the rest of the Core Methods volume.

IS THE CORE METHODSVOLUME ALL I NEED?

Core Methods is the only volume needed if all of the following are “true.”

CRITERIA TRUE FALSE

IF FALSE,

THEN SEE VOLUME II

My management objectives are fairly well described. Chapter 1

I already know where I want to monitor. Chapter 3

I already know how frequently I want to monitor. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 22

Chapter 21*

The core indicators will answer my monitoring questions.

The basic monitoring strategy sounds reasonable, and I am either not aware of compaction or other problems not covered by the core methods or I have decided not to monitor these problems.

I am comfortable with a standard number of measurements (page 5) that will allow me to document large changes but may miss smaller changes.

I am not planning to monitor riparian areas.

I already know how to interpret the indicators.

Figure 2. Field monitoring measurement using Line-point intercept in Mongolia.

* For information about how to calculate additional indicators and interpret your results, please see Volume II, Chapters 20 and 21.

3 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

How to Establish a Monitoring Program

First Year: Step 1: Develop management objectives; select additional Develop ecosystem attributes & indicators to monitor Monitoring Program

Step 2: Set the study area and reporting units; develop monitoring objectives

Step 3: Select criteria for stratifying study area into similar land areas (if required).

First Year: Step 4: a) Select and document supplemental monitoring Design methods; b) estimate sample sizes; c) set sampling Monitoring frequency; d) develop implementation rules Program

Step 5: Collect and evaluate pilot data to determine sampling su°ciency and the validity of the strata

Step 6: Apply stratiÿcation and select statistically valid monitoring locations

Step 7: Develop QA & QC procedures and data management plans

First Year:

Implement Step 8: Establish monitoring locations; collect data and Monitoring perform QA; perform data QC Program

Step 9: Evaluate baseline data and reÿne monitoring design and monitoring objectives as necessary

Every Year:

Maintain Step 10: Document management and disturbance; record Program short-term monitoring data (if applicable)

Every 1-10 Years*:

Step 11: Repeat monitoring at pre-determined frequency Repeat Long-term and perform data QA & QC Monitoring

Step 12: Analyze, interpret, report, and use monitoring results to apply adaptive management

*The frequency of repeat monitoring will vary by management objective. Typically, treatments (e.g., riparian restoration, post-ÿre rehabilitation) involving relatively rapid responses or where more frequent data may inform adaptive management (e.g., management changes in more mesic environments) require monitoring frequencies of less than once every 5 years. For more long-term management objectives (e.g., grazing management) and in arid environments where responses to management changes are slow to occur, monitoring frequencies of 8-10 years are usually su°cient.

Figure 3. Monitoring of core indicators program design, implementation and integration with management. For more detail on monitoring program design, see Volume II, MEMBERS OF A MONITORING TEAM (ONE INDIVIDUAL MAY HAVE MULTIPLE ROLES)

ROLE RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop management objectives and questions

• Develop monitoring objectives

• Select supplemental indicators to be monitored

Land Manager • Determine area to be monitored

• Design project specifications

• Select supplemental methods

• Describe QA and QC protocols

• Interpret results

• Oversee crew training and calibration

• Coordinate data collection

Field Crew Leader • Record data in electronic database or onto paper data sheets

• Ensure QA on each data sheet

• Coordinate QC on each data sheet

Recorder • Record data in electronic database or onto paper data sheets

• Perform QA on each data sheets

Observer • Perform data collection method

• Ensure proper technique for each method

Data Entry • Enter data from paper data sheets into a digital format (e.g.,Access database, Excel spreadsheet)

Data Error Checking • Check transcription from paper data sheets to digital format

• Perform QC on each data sheet

QUICK START MONITORING PROGRAM CHECKLIST*

STEP DONE?

Define monitoring objectives.

Review the adequacy of the core indicators and add supplemental or contingent indicators as needed.

Assemble background information (maps, photos, management history) and select general areas you would like to monitor.

Select monitoring sites. This may involve preliminary evaluations of risk or opportunity for change.

Define quality assurance and quality control objectives.

Describe each monitoring site’s management, landscape, and soil characteristics.

Establish permanent transects and begin monitoring.

* For a more detailed checklist, see the Introduction of Volume II, Section I.

5 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

ESTIMATED TIME REQUIREMENTS FOR CORE METHODS

MEASUREMENTS IN A THREE TRANSECT PLOT DESIGN

METHOD–PAGE NO.* TIME**

(HOURS)

NO. OF

PEOPLE INDICATORS GENERATED

Plot characterization and observation (for record of soil and site characteristics), page 16

1 0.5-1.0 2

Plot location on the landscape Soil characteristics Qualitative record that can help interpret quantitative indicators

Photos (for visual record of data), page 25

(1/line) 0.1-0.2 2 Qualitative record that can help interpret quantitative indicators

Line-point intercept (for plant cover and composition), page 27

150 pts.

(50/line) 0.5-1.5 2

Foliar cover (%) Plant basal cover (%) Bare ground (%)

Vegetation height (for vegetation structure), 30 pts.

(10/line) 0.25-0.5 2 Vertical structure of vegetation

Canopy gap intercept (for size and distribution of intercanopy gaps), page 41

3 lines 0.1-1.0 2 Proportion of line covered by large gaps between plant canopies

Basal gap intercept (for size and distribution of basal gaps), page 42

3 lines 0.1-1.0 2 Proportion of line covered by large gaps between plant bases

Soil stability test (for soil erodibility), samples (6/line)

0.4-0.6 1

Average surface stability:

• total (for sheet erosion)

• not under canopy (for raindrop impact)

Species inventory (for biodiversity), page 55 inventory 0.25 1

Species richness estimate Invasive species presence/absence Rare plants presence/absence

Photos Line-point intercept Canopy and basal gap intercept Soil stability test

* No. = Total number needed for three 25 m transects once the transects are established.

** Total person hours for a team of two people. Estimates are based on averages for an experienced team working in a variety of dryland plant communities.Time requirements may vary outside stated ranges due to factors such as crew experience and complexity of the plant community. One person can complete all methods, but we have found it most efficient to have a data recorder and an observer (except for Soil stability and Species inventory).

HOW TO ESTABLISH A MONITORING PLOT

It is important to carefully locate and describe each monitoring plot for two reasons. First, this information enables comparison of data collected on plots with similar soils, topography and climate – all of the which determine site potential. Second, this information helps to relocate the plot to continue monitoring that location over time.

ESTABLISH AND PERMANENTLY

MARK PLOTS AND TRANSECTS

Before establishing the plot, verify that the site is suitable by checking it against the project “rejection criteria” (see Volume II). Strict adherence to the rejection criteria protocol is necessary to preserve the population monitored and to eliminate bias.

Permanent plot and transect markers such as rebar stakes or rock cairns can be installed to assist with plot relocation. Do not use t-posts, which can be attractive to livestock and wildlife, which rub against them. In projects where permanent markers are not permitted, such as in the NRI, precise GPS coordi-nates alone will suffice. For more information on plot monumentation, see Elzinga et al. 2001*.

It is recommended that more than one transect be established at a plot. Multiple transects distribute observations across the plot, capture within-plot vari-ability, and are less sensitive to directional patterns than a single transect. Transect length may vary by project, but should be applied consistently at each plot. See Volume II for a more information on mod-ifying transect length and other plot measurements.

HOW TO ESTABLISH A TRANSECT

* Elzinga, C.L., D.W. Salzer, J.W. Willoughby and J.P. Gibbs.

2001. Monitoring Plant and Animal Populations, Blackwell Publishing. 368 pp.

Figure 4. Transect line pulled straight and taut.

1. Pull out the tape and anchor each end with a steel stake (Figure 4).

Rules

1.1 Keep measuring tape taut and straight.

1.2 Keep measuring tape as close to the ground

as possible (thread under shrubs using a steel stake or PVC pipe with a carabiner as a “nee-dle”), but not so close that it disturbs the soil surface or afects the natural way the vegeta-tion stands below the tape.

1.3 If necessary, reverse-string the tape by an-

choring the reel at the endpoint of the transect and working back towards the “0” start point of the transect, while a second person guides the person stringing the tape in a straight line through shrubs and other vegetation. Tis is the most efcient way to string a straight tape in shrubby areas.

UNITS

Both English and metric units are included for each measurement. For simplicity, many of these conversions are approximate. For example, the rough equivalent for a 25 m line is listed as 75 ft instead of 84 ft.This is because it is easier to select 50 points along a 75 ft transect (every 1.5 ft). Note that while metric units are preferred and in some cases required (BLM AIM), in NRI English units are used. For precise conversions, please see Volume II,Appendix B.

7 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

How to Establish a Monitoring Plot

MULTIPLE TRANSECT PLOT DESIGNS

2. Spoke design (Figure 5a).

Rules

2.1 Place a permanent stake into the ground at

the center of the monitoring plot. Tis stake will also serve as the camera point (Photo Points, page 25).

2.2 Starting with 0 degrees or a randomly select-

ed azimuth (compass direction: 0° to 359°), extend a tape in the azimuth direction to a distance of 5 m (15 ft) further than the length of the transect. Install a stake at the 5 m mark. Tis will serve as the 0 m end of your transect, because the transect begins 5 m from the center point.

2.3 Anchor the far end of the transect with a

stake.

2.4 Repeat transect establishment at regular

intervals in a circle around the plot. Te in-terval depends on the number of transects.

Many monitoring programs use three tran-sects, with 120° between each transect.

3. Intersecting transect design (NRI) (Figure 5b).

Rules

3.1 For instructions on establishing an NRI in-

tersecting transect plot, see the NRI Graz-ing Land On-Site Data Collection Hand-book of Instructions (http://www.nrisurvey.

org/nrcs/Grazingland/2017/instructions/ instruction.htm). Te NRI instructions are updated annually. Substitute “2017” for the current year when visiting this handbook.

3.2 Two 50 m (150 ft) transects are laid out per-

pendicular to each other. Te tapes should intersect at the 25 m (75 ft) mark (see the Plot Design box).

3.3 Be careful to minimize trampling inside the

plot, as the plot center is also part of the data collection area.

3.4 When collecting Line-point intercept mea-

surements on a crossed-transect design, make sure that the point at 25 m (75 ft), where the transects meet, is only included once in indicator calculations.

4. Parallel transect design (Figure 5c).

Rules

4.1 Identify the azimuth of the slope or a ran-

domly selected azimuth.

4.2 Extend the tape in the azimuth direction to

establish a base transect.

4.3 Systematically place transects perpendicular

to the base transect.

4.4 Anchor both ends of each transect with a

stake.

SINGLE TRANSECT PLOT DESIGNS

5. Single transect upland design (Figure 5d).

Rules

5.1 Anchor and mark the 0 m end of the tran-

sect.

5.2 Using a randomly selected azimuth (compass

direction: 0° to 359°), extend the tape in the azimuth direction to establish the transect.

5.3 Anchor the far end of the transect with a

stake.

6. Single transect linear feature (e.g., stream, pipe-line, road) design (Figure 5e).

Rules

6.1 Anchor and mark the 0 m end of the tran-

sect. Ensure the 0 m end is placed such that the transect will cross the linear feature per-pendicular to the feature, and the 0 m end is 5 m beyond the feature.

6.2 Extend the tape perpendicular to the linear

feature.

6.3 Anchor the far end of the transect with a

stake.

http://www.nrisurvey.org/nrcs/Grazingland/2013/instructions/instruction.htm http://www.nrisurvey.org/nrcs/Grazingland/2013/instructions/instruction.htm http://www.nrisurvey.org/nrcs/Grazingland/2013/instructions/instruction.htm

How to Establish Monitoring Plots

PLOT LAYOUT DESCRIPTION

25 m spoke design covers ~0.3-hectare (~0.7 acres). 50 m (~75 ft) spoke design covers a 1 hectare (~2.35 acres)

(a) Spoke Design area.Transects begin 5 m (15 ft) from the plot’s center to focus trampling around center stake and minimize disturbance effects on transects.

The NRI intersecting transect design covers ~0.2

(b) Intersecting Design hectares (~0.4 acres).Two 50 m (150 ft) transects intersect at the 25 m (75 ft) mark at plot center.The transect arms are oriented 45 degrees in both directions

(c) Parallel Transect Design

(d) Single Transect Design

(e) Linear Feature Design

(e.g., riparian) from magnetic north.

Standard transect length is 25 m (75 ft). Parallel transects are evenly spaced.Transects may run perpendicular to the slope or perpendicular to a randomly selected azimuth.

Standard transect length is 25 m (75 ft); a multiple single transect design is often used to maximize replication at landscape scale.

Standard transect length is 25 m (75 ft); a multiple single transect design is often used to maximize replication at landscape scale. Length may vary depending on linear feature size, extent, or potential impact.

Figure 5. Example plot layout designs. Plot layouts may be adjusted to meet monitoring objectives so long as the number of measurements taken remains the same.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

☐ Avoid disturbing vegetation and the soil surface in the transect area.

☐ Keep the transect tape as close to the ground as possible by threading the tape under vegetation yet do not disturb the soil surface while doing so.

☐ If needed, use additional stakes at various intervals to secure the tape close to the ground, especially where wind is a consideration.

☐ GPS coordinates for the plot location and transect start points (where required) are recorded on the Plot Characterization Data Sheet.

☐ Always walk on the same side of the transect tape.

9 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

Figure 6. Careful establishment of a plot is one step in the quality assurance process.

The power of monitoring data cannot be over-stated. As data are applied to land management deci-sions and research questions, the utility of the data are amplified. A data error in the field can be com-pounded as analysis and interpretation of the data progresses, and can ultimately affect results and con-clusions. Conversely, high quality data will be strengthened by strict adherence to protocols and procedures to minimize sampling error. For this rea-son, correct and consistent technique among field observers and careful attention of data recorders is critical. A carefully planned sequence of quality assurance and quality control steps will ensure the integrity and accuracy of the data.

TYPES OF ERROR IN MONITORING

Several types of data errors can occur in a moni-toring project. Sampling error occurs when your estimate of an indicator is different than the actual (true) value because you have sampled only a portion of the entire population. Good sample design (see Volume II, Chapter 5) ensures that sampling errors only affect the precision of the estimate without affecting its accuracy (i.e., no bias). Good sample design also allows you to calculate and minimize sampling error. Measurement error is a type of non-sampling error that occurs when the value recorded is different than the true value for an object being observed. This could be because the object was mea-sured incorrectly by the observer or because the object was recorded incorrectly by the data recorder.

Measurement errors can affect both precision and accuracy, resulting in biased results. This section dis-cusses minimizing measurement errors in monitoring data.

WHAT ARE QA AND QC?

Quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) are processes of ensuring data integrity and minimiz-ing measurement errors throughout the monitoring process, from planning your monitoring objectives to data collection to data analysis and interpretation.

Quality assurance is a proactive process employed to maintain data integrity. Training, calibration, proper technique, standardized data organization, on-plot data review, readjustments in response to data review, and communication between the data manager and data gatherers are all components of quality assurance. Quality assurance is a continuous effort to prevent, detect, and correct measurement errors throughout the monitoring project.

Quality control is a reactive process to detect mea-surement errors after the data collection process is complete. Quality control will also determine com-pliance with applicable standards and can be project or protocol specific. Users of monitoring data pre-determine the amount of variability or error they are willing to accept for certain measurements. A prop-erly designed QC protocol describes the level of error in a data set. Defects detected in the data set are often resolved by deleting data that are not suitable for analysis. Data corrections or replacements are rare and must be substantiated by other data sources.

Good habits in QA will minimize the effort and data deletion associated with QC.

WHERE DO QA AND QC OCCUR?

Quality assurance takes place in a unique way at nearly every step of the project: planning, training, calibration, data collection, data compilation, and data review.

Quality control takes place in the office or at a time and place removed from the data collection event.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

WHEN DO QA AND QC OCCUR?

Quality assurance is an all-encompassing process from the beginning of the monitoring project until its conclusion. Daily QA to clean data and correct technique takes place in the field. Errors detected during QA are corrected immediately as you are in the same time and place as the actual plot conditions.

Quality control occurs after all field decisions (good and bad) have taken place. Error corrections during QC are limited because plots cannot be revis-ited with the exact conditions that occurred during data collection.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR QA AND QC?

Everyone involved in a monitoring project is responsible for a portion of QA and QC (see page 4).

The land manager provides clear communication of the monitoring objectives and methods so that data are collected appropriately. The land manager pro-vides expert-level training and support, organization, calibration and justification of personnel expertise, field observer oversight, and quality control checks.

Since QC is an inspecting/checking process, it can be performed by anyone, as long as they know the limits and parameters of the data they are checking.

Sometimes a brief training session is necessary for QC personnel, so they know how to identify errors.

Once identified, the data manager makes the deci-sion what to do next. If an error is unexplainable, this is called nonconformity, and the data are deleted.

Occasionally, an investigation can help decipher an error, and the data can be retained.

Data recorders and observers are in the most pow-erful position to ensure data integrity, as they are the plot experts. It is the role of the field team to record an accurate portrayal of the plot for the land man-ager. A well-defined QA plan is the most effective way for the data gatherer to ensure the data set is utilized to its potential.

ARE QA AND QC REQUIRED?

Yes. QA and QC are an integral part of monitor-ing to ensure data consistency and accuracy.

QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DATA COLLECTION PROCESS

FREQUENCY ACTIVITY

• Practice proper technique.

• Maintain data organization.

Continuously • Document errors.

• Keep the ecological context in mind.

• Solicit expert advice if needed.

• Back up your data.

• Review data sheets for completeness and correctness.

• If errors are found, return to the plot to collect the correct data.

Daily • Upload and name photos.

• Identify unknown plant species.

• Back up your data after corrections have been made.

• Review data for completeness and errors with an

Weekly ecosystem expert or team leader.

• Identify any remaining unknown plant species.

• Back up your data.

Monthly AND upon change to a new ecosystem

• Calibrate data gatherers for each method in the protocol.

• Review data for completeness and errors with an ecosystem expert or team leader.

• Back up your data.

11 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

ARE QA AND QC THE SAME FOR

EACH METHOD AND PROJECT?

No. The general principles of QA and QC apply throughout the project, but practical QA activities will vary by method. For each method in this manual, quality assurance methods are also explained. See page 57 for a description of QC procedures in more detail.

STANDARD METHODS (RULE SET)

1. Begin project metadata (see Volume II).

Rules

1.1 Defne monitoring objectives and project

area.

1.2 Determine indicators and appropriate data

collection methods.

1.3 Document sample design.

1.4 Determine the acceptable range of error for

data collection. Tis includes the maximum range of variation permissible in the GPS coordinates and crew calibration.

1.5 Determine plot rejection criteria.

1.6 Describe project plot layout. Be sure to doc-

ument the required number, length, and lo-cation of transects within the plot.

2. Provide training to feld data collection crews.

Rules

2.1 Train crews in the appropriate data collec-

tion methods as described in this manual and developed in Step 1.

2.2 Use expert trainers and online method

videos (https://www.landscapetoolbox.org) to provide consistent and correct training.

2.3 Provide QA procedure training to all feld

crews.

3. Calibrate all feld crews.

Rules

3.1 Select an area with a diverse assortment of

features that will represent the ecosystem being monitored. Consider the vegetation diversity, soil surface features, and heteroge-neity.

3.2 Lay out a measuring tape exactly as you

would for a monitoring transect.

3.3 Each observer collects data along the same

transect, following the method rules and QA for each method.

3.4 Be especially careful not to move the transect

tape for these exercises. An immobile tape will help refect the data gatherer's efort, rather than variability due to a moving tape.

3.5 Encourage data gatherers to step lightly

around the transect tape, otherwise the area around it will be heavily trampled.

3.6 Calculate the indicator summaries. It may

be helpful to record results into a table (e.g., Tables 2, 3, and 4).

3.7 Assess the range of variation among data

gatherers (Table 1). Is it acceptable?

3.8 If data gatherers are not within the accept-

able range of variation, examine the data sheets to identify where discrepancies oc-cur. Walk the transect as a group and note unique and problematic features along the line. Discuss the methodology, quality assur-ance rules and repeat Steps 3.3-3.7.

CALIBRATION

Calibration of data gatherers is an integral component of the quality assurance process.

Calibration ensures that a data gatherer collects data accurately each time and that data are collected consistently with other data gatherers, including the training expert. Calibration of all data gatherers occurs immediately following training, each time data collection begins in a new ecosystem, and at regular intervals throughout the monitoring season. During each calibration, the expert data collector or trainer observes each data gatherer for proper technique and corrects methodological problems immediately.

https://www.landscapetoolbox.org

Table 1. Calibration criteria for each field method that can be calibrated.

METHOD CALIBRATION CRITERIA

Line-point intercept

Gap intercept

All observers must be within 10% absolute of one another for each indicator. For example, if calculated indicators are 23%, 24.5%, 30.5%, and 32%, then calibration criteria have been met.

However if calculated indicators are 89%, 79%, 84%, and 90%, then calibration criteria have not been met.

Vegetation height Count the number of vegetation heights in each category.The number of plant heights in each category should not differ by more than 2.

Species inventory The number of species recorded by each observer should differ by no more than 2 species

4. Begin data collection.

Rules

4.1 Follow data collection methods completely

and consistently.

4.2 Review data sheets for completeness and

correctness. If errors are identifed, return to the plot to collect the correct data.

4.3 Back up your data early and often.

5. Recalibrate feld crew.

Rules

5.1 Recalibrate crews once per month or upon

transitioning to data collection in a new eco-system, whichever comes frst.

5.2 Follow calibration methods described in

Step 3.

6. Archive calibration data according to data management protocols.

7. Complete data collection.

8. Review data for completeness and correctness.

If errors are identifed, return to the plot to collect the correct data.

9. If data were collected on paper data sheets, enter data into a digital format (e.g., Access database or Excel spreadsheets). See page 58 for data entry methods.

10. Conduct QC, page 58.

11. Complete project metadata.

Rules

11.1 Note which plots were sampled.

11.2 Note which plots were visited but rejected, and list the reason(s) for plot rejections.

11.3 Note which plots were never visited.

13 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

Table 2. Example data from a Line-point intercept calibration. Orange highlights designate indicators that need to be discussed among the observers before recalibration.

LINE-POINT INTERCEPT CALIBRATION

Name % Foliar Cover % Bare Ground % Standing Dead % Litter Cover % Rock Fragments

Alan 10 8 2 34 3

Marla 27 12 4 28 5

Roberta 24 9 4 30 6

James 22 11 6 9 1 Min 10 8 2 9 1 Max 27 12 6 34 6

Table 3. Example of a calibration indicators table for Gap intercept. Orange highlights designate indicators that need to be discussed among the observers before recalibration.

GAP INTERCEPT CALIBRATION

Name # of gaps 25-50 cm

% of line gaps 25-50 cm

# of gaps 51-100 cm

% of line gaps 51-100 cm

# of gaps 101-200 cm

% of line gaps 101-200 cm

# of gaps >200 cm

% of line gaps >200 cm

Alan 603 12.1 1454 29.1 508 10.2 0 0

Marla 786 15.7 1214 24.3 1058 21.2 0 0

Roberta 865 18.3 1019 20.4 529 10.6 0 0

James 1067 23.6 1342 22.9 630 11.4 0 0 Min 603 12.1 1019 20.4 508 10.2 0 0 Max 1067 23.6 1454 29.1 1058 21.2 0 0

Table 4. Example of a calibration indicators table for Vegetation height. Orange highlights designate indicators that need to be discussed among the observers before recalibration.

VEGETATION HEIGHT CALIBRATION

Name

Total Woody Heights Total Herbaceous Heights

0 to 50 cm 51 cm to 1 m 1.01 to 2 m > 2 m 0 to 10 cm 11 cm to 30 m 31 to 50 cm > 50 cm

Alan 4 2 4 N/A 9 1 N/A N/A

Marla 3 6 1 N/A 9 1 N/A N/A

Roberta 4 4 2 N/A 8 2 N/A N/A

James 5 2 3 N/A 10 0 N/A N/A Min 3 2 1 N/A 8 0 N/A N/A Max 5 6 4 N/A 10 2 N/A N/A

PLANT IDENTIFICATION

Species identification is critical to successfully STANDARD METHOD (RULE SET) completing the Line-point intercept, Vegetation WHERE FIELD IDENTIFIC ATION IS NO T POSSIBLE height, and Species inventory methods. Whenever 1. Assign an unknown plant ID number.

possible, plants are identified to species in the field. Rules Many regions have detailed field guides, plant keys, 1.1 If genus is known, but not species, use either and identification resources available in both paper the PLANTS Database genus code (in the and digital formats. If you are unable to identify a U.S., https://plants.usda.gov) or record an plant in the field, collect a plant specimen for later unknown plant code and note the genus at identification. Some projects and areas have regula- the bottom of the data sheet.

tions that govern where and how specimens are col- 1.2 If genus and species are unknown, use the lected. Consult with the landowner to confirm that following codes, adding sequential numbers specimen collection is permissible. Where herbari- as necessary:

um-level specimen collection is not required, the AF# = Annual forb (also includes biennials) simple plant collection procedure below can be fol- PF# = Perennial forb lowed to preserve your unknown plant specimen AG# = Annual graminoid until it is identified. Once a specimen is identified, it PG# = Perennial graminoid may be discarded, if preferred. SH# = Shrub

TR# = Tree

MATERIALS

• Paper for mounting (thick paper is best, but 2. Take photographs of the plant.

Rules typing paper will work, size 8.5" x 11", or A4)

2.1 Capture diagnostic features of the plant in • Pencil

plants later.

Table 5. A simple plant ID card can guide the plant identification process. Project protocols will determine the information collected for each unknown plant species.

EXAMPLE OF AN UNKNOWN PLANT ID CARD

GENERAL INFORMATION

Unknown Plant ID: Date:

Plot Name : Collector:

Photo number(s):

SPECIMEN INFORMATION

Tree / Shrub / Sub-shrub / Forb / Grass / Cactus / Succulent (circle) Woody / Herbaceous (circle)

Approximate height : cm / in / ft / m Abundance:

Flowers? (Y/N) Seeds? (Y/N)

General Description:

http://plants.usda.gov

15 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

Plant Identification

3. Collect the plant.

Rules

3.1 Ensure that you have the land owner’s per-

mission, and the laws allow you to collect specimens. Be aware of rare plants and do not collect those species.

3.2 Finish all measurements on the plot before

collecting specimens.

3.3 If possible, collect a specimen of the un-

known plant species from outside the plot.

3.4 If the plant species can only be found inside

the plot, collect a sample only if more than 10 individuals exist on the plot.

3.5 Collect as many features of the unknown

specimen as possible: root, stems, branch-ing, leaves, fowers, fruits, and seeds.

4. Place the plant between several pieces of news-paper. Te layers of paper will absorb moisture and allow quicker drying. Prevent leaves, stems and fowers from folding back onto themselves or from laying on top of other parts of the spec-imen. Spread the plant out as much as possible.

Rules

4.1 Place the prepared plant in a press or be-

tween 2 heavy books, small bricks, or fat surfaces and allow to air-dry.

4.2 Check periodically that drying is occurring

and mold is not forming on the plant. Be-fore a plant is completely dried and while it is still malleable, it can be repositioned on the drying paper if necessary.

4.3 Change out damp newspaper as necessary.

5. After the plant has completely dried, move it from the press or drying paper and position it on a piece of mounting paper (Figure 7).

Rules

5.1 Tape the plant down securely in discrete

places so that diagnostic features are visible (e.g., leaves, fowers, stems). It is acceptable to cut the plant to preserve these features.

5.2 Attach a label to a corner of the paper.

Include the plot name, unknown plant ID number, and the date on the label.

6. Optional: Record additional plot and species information (see Table 5).

Rules

6.1 Name of collector, date, plot name.

6.2 Photo number(s).

6.3 Brief description of the plant--growth habit, height, reproductive parts, variation noted between plants, abundance on the plot, col-or and location relative to other plant species (e.g., under a shrub, in a rocky area).

6.4 Plant family or genus (if known).

7. Store specimens in plastic sleeves inside a binder.

Tis is a convenient way to aggregate unknown plants for future identifcation. Binders are portable and easy to take to the feld. In humid environments, it is possible to preserve the dry plant specimens in sealable clear plastic bags or with lamination to protect the specimens from moisture damage. Add dessicant packages to the bags if necessary.

8. Create a master list of unknown plants to keep track of them between plots.

9. Identify the plant with the assistance of dichoto-mous keys, a botanist, or websites (e.g., https:// plants.usda.gov in the U.S.) as resources.

10. Once a plant is identifed, replace the unknown codes with the species code on the Line-point intercept, Vegetation height, and Species in-ventory data sheets. If using paper, be sure to update both paper and digital versions of data sheets.

Figure 7. Example of a pressed plant specimen.

PLOT CHARACTERIZATION

(WHEN BASELINE DATA ARE COLLECTED) MATERIALS

Basic information describing locations where monitoring data are collected must be recorded in order for data to be compared or combined with data from other locations. Plot characterization informa-tion includes features of the plot that will not change between visits, and therefore only needs to be com-pleted upon plot establishment. Features of the plot that may change (e.g., precipitation information, erosion, management use) are recorded during each visit using the Plot Observation Data Sheet (Appendix B). All of this information is used to inform data analysis and interpretation.

Plot characterization and observations are com-pleted in three basic stages: (1) prior to field data collection, (2) at the plot, and (3) as part of the qual-ity control process. Plot climate and information about known disturbances are recorded before visit-ing the plot. While at a plot, GPS locations, soils, land use, and observed disturbance are described.

Standard locations and distinctive elements of the plot are photographed. After data collection, plot characterization and observations are reviewed for clarity, completeness and accuracy.

• Electronic device for paperless data collection (preferred) OR clipboard, Plot Characterization Data Sheet (Appendix B) and pencil(s)

resolution; higher resolution may be required if photos will be used for quantitative analysis)

• Photo ID board (chalk or whiteboard) or Photo ID card (Appendix B) on a clipboard

with pan or receptacle tray

long (dulled to prevent injury)

• 500 ml plastic measuring cup with volume markings

• 1 N or 1 M HCl (hydrochloric acid) in a dropper bottle (optional)

• Munsell soil color chart or mobile phone soil color app (optional)

• Ecological site descriptions and soil map unit descriptions (where available)

Table 6. Example of the general plot information and location section from the Plot Characterization Data Sheet.

Site: Little Mesa Pasture Ownership: Private Establishment Date: 4/27/2012

Plot ID: LM 25-1 Visit Date: 5/30/2013

Observer(s): Simon Montero, Johanna Reiter, Mariko Cinta GPS Coordinate System:

Decimal degrees Datum : NAD83 Zone (if applicable): NA Elevation

☐ m ☐ ftLatitude Longitude

Plot Center 41.125193 -112.558832 1349

Transect Azimuth Length ☐ m ☐ ft

Transect Start Aspect

Latitude Longitude

1 0 25 41.125180 -112.558853 420

2 120 25 41.1251003 -112.558841 Slope (%)

3 240 25 41.125221 -112.55816 17%

17 Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems 2nd Edition

Plot Characterization

STANDARD METHODS (RULE SET)

1. Record general plot information (Tables 6 and

7).

Rules

1.1 Record site or management unit and land

ownership.

1.2 Record plot name (Plot ID). Once a plot

name is established it is permanent and can never be changed.

1.3 Record plot establishment and/or visit date

and the plot observer(s).

1.4 Describe layout of the plot including num-

ber, length and orientation of transects.

Draw a rough plot sketch to approximate scale. Label the start and end of each tran-sect. Indicate slope and aspect, and draw prominent landscape features, human and animal impacts.

2. Describe the location of the plots (Tables 6 and 7).

Rules

2.1 Record GPS coordinates of plot center (re-

quired) and transect starts (optional), in-cluding coordinate system and datum. Ver-ify that data are complete and accurate, and make sure to allow the GPS enough time to maximize its accuracy by locating as many satellites as possible. It is also a good idea to mark the plot center with a GPS waypoint to upload to a computer at a later date.

2.2 Record…