SSHCZO -- Vegetation -- Survey to Validate LiDAR -- Shale Hills -- (2010-2010)

A vegetation survey was conducted May through July, 2010 to validate the LiDAR data collected in July. Thirty-nine 30-diameter circular plots were chosen. Within each plot, trees over 18cm diameter were counted, species names recorded, and height and diameter measured. In meadow and wetland plots, average vegetation height and dominant plant species were recorded. In meadow and wetland plots, average vegetation height and dominant plant species were recorded.

Leaf Area Index (LAI) and canopy closure (CC) data were collected between July 14 and July 23, 2010 for meadow (M), wetland (W), and forest (Leading Ridge – LR) sites in addition to the Shale Hills catchment. LAI was measured using a LAI-2200 instrument (LI-COR Biosciences). Canopy closure was measured with a spherical densiometer, Model C Forest Densiometers). See “Notes” and “Key” sheets within the data file for additional details.