Vermillion/Cannon River Bottoms raw vegetation data from transect data

Detailed point center quarter sampling (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974) was conducted during late June along a 150-m long transect that started at a bird survey point. Four plots were sampled corresponding to the start, 50m, 100m and end points of each transect. At each of these four sample plots, species, diameter at breast height (dbh) and distance from the center of the plot were recorded tor trees (>8cm dbh) and saplings (≤8cm dbh). Number of standing snags (>8cm dbh and over 2 m tall) within 25m of the plot center were counted. Total basal area of each plot was estimated using a size 10 angle gauge and averaged over the four plots in each transect. As well, height of a representative canopy tree and understory sapling or shrub for each plot was estimated using a clinometer. Percent cover of herbaceous vegetation (including Phalaris and other herbaceous invasive plants) within a 10m circle was visually estimated (Mueller-Dombois and Ellenberg 1974). All herbaceous species within that 10m circle were recorded and cover of invasive plant species estimated.