Aboveground mangrove forest plant metrics with calculated biomass and carbon stocks obtained in West Florida from 2013-09-18 to 2024-01-30

This dataset contains data on aboveground mangrove forest plant metrics with calculated biomass and carbon stocks obtained in West Florida from 2013-09-18 to 2024-01-30. These data have been collected at all of our site pairs of natural and restored mangrove forests (Windstar Country Club natural and restored, Henderson Creek natural and restored, Fred and Idah Schultz Nature Preserve and the Kitchen, and E.G. Simmons Regional Park and the 19th Avenue mangrove wetland). Coring locations were established targeting low, medium, and high elevations at all sites. A 10x10 meter plot was established around the coring location. The species, status (live, dead, or dead and decayed), and diameter at breast height (DBH, measured at 1.3 meter above ground) of all large trees (> 5 cm DBH) was recorded for all trees in the 10x10 meter plot. A 5x5 meter subplot was established in one corner of the 10x10 meter plot with representative seedling and sapling presence. The species, status, and DBH was recorded for all saplings (DBH > 1 cm) in the subplot. Shrub mangroves (DBH < 1 cm and height > 30 cm) were also measured in the 5x5 meter subplot. Measurements for shrubs included species, status, canopy volume (length, width, and height), total height, and stem diameter at 30 cm above the ground. Measurements of up to 30 shrubs were recorded, and the total number of shrubs in the 5x5 meter plot were counted. The height of up to 30 mangrove seedlings (height < 30 cm) were recorded, and the total number of each species of seedling were recorded in the 5x5 meter plot. The biomass and carbon in aboveground vegetation were calculated following the methods and equations cited in Radabaugh KR et al. 2023 A spatial model comparing above-and below ground blue carbon stocks in southwest Florida mangroves and salt marshes. Estuaries and Coasts 46(6):1536-56.