The data collected in the OASIS program will be used to fill two information needs. The primary purpose for the data collection is to determine the site series proportions for the OASIS project. In addition, SIBEC plots can be established to supplement the SIBEC database. SIBEC plots need only be established for site series with an inadequate sample size. The following discussion presents procedures to guide the establishment of plots and collection of site series data. Chapter 7 describes collecting SIBEC data.

Three methods of data collection are recognized: air photo interpretation, air call, and field measurement. Air photo interpretation is used for plots that can be positively classified from the aerial photographs (for example, water, glacier and rock). It is anticipated that plot access, determined in the pre-office screening phase, will identify some plots as inaccessible, and these plots will by done by air call. Plot access may also prove to be difficult once out in the field. These plots should also be done from the air, instead of the ground. Air calls are also appropriate for plots on private land to which access is denied. Field measurement is the preferred data collection method.

The three methods of collecting data are described below. All three methods require the Ground Inspection Form (GIF, FS212-2) to be filled out, which is a short ecological field sheet for classifying ecosystems. This form can be found at:

The plots identified in step 2 of section 3.4 are classified from aerial photographs. These plots are classified into one of the following categories:

1. Rock
2. Farm
3. Glacier
4. Industrial
5. Road
6. Urban
7. Water

Contact the project coordinator if you feel other categories are required. Fill in the GIF as in Exhibit 4.1.1. Describe the site in the Notes section of the GIF and record the site type in the site series field in the Ecosystem section.

Some plots are identified in step 3 of section 3.4 as being air calls. As well, the field crews may decide that some plots cannot be accessed from the ground, and these plots will become air calls. Air calls are done by accessing the plot location by helicopter. The field crew will assess the vegetation and terrain and assign a single site series to that plot from the helicopter. This requires field crews that are experienced in ecosystem classification and who are very familiar with the biogeoclimatic zone. Fill in the GIF as in Exhibit 4.2.1.

Plots that are not done by air photos or are not air calls, are sampled in the field. The following describes the field procedures.

Procedures to physically mark the plots in the field are established in order to facilitate quality control and relocating the plots at a later date if necessary. The guidelines presented below detail the field-marking procedures.

1. For each plot, travel by appropriate means to the pre-selected tie point.
2. Identify the tie point using blue tree log marking paint and red annotated ribbon. Where possible, try to select a healthy tree as the tie point or other sizeable, permanent object, such as a boulder.
3. Use the bearing and distance marked on the air photo to chain from the tie point to the plot centre; correct the tie line for slope.
4. Record any correction or offset made to the tie line to access the plot centre on the reconnaissance form (Exhibit 3.3.3).
5. Establish a plot centre at the end of the tie line by pounding a 3 foot aluminum rod into the ground.
6. Wrap red annotated flagging around the aluminum rod.
7. Select a suitable tree near the plot centre and designate it as the plot centre tree.
8. Flag the plot centre tree with two ribbons and paint the tree so that it can be clearly detected from a distance. Record the distance and bearing to the plot centre on a buttersoft plate and affix it to the plot centre tree.

Linking sample design, plot establishment, and data collection procedures with other ongoing projects is one benefit of the OASIS program. It is anticipated that field data could be useful as an auditing tool for future TEM/PEM projects. To facilitate continuity with other programs, field data should be collected on the GIF. The GIF should be used for every plot established to determine the proportional area of site series. For further information regarding this form, the reader is referred to Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems

http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/teecolo/fmdte/gif.htm.

Plots established to supplement the SIBEC database must conform to SIBEC Sampling and Data Standards

and utilize the VENUS software to capture the data. Remember to use the GRAVITI option for Ground Inspection Forms. The VENUS option is for FS882 forms.

Plot data are collected in the field for every plot located within a productive forest area. Plot data are not collected for non-productive plots including those located in water courses, alpine areas or rock; however, the plot should be designated as non-productive on the GIF.

The following describes the data collection procedures:

1. Establish a 400 m² (11.28 m radius) plot with the plot centre at the randomly selected location.
2. Ecologically classify the plot. The GIF is used to record the ecosystems. Instructions for filling out this form are found in B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks and B.C. Ministry of Forests (1998). If more than one site series is present in the plot, a soil pit and GIF is filled out for every site series. The percent area of each site series is recorded in the Ecosystem Polygon Summary section. The proportions of all site series must add up to 100. The distribution of each identified site series, non-productive area, and soil pit in the plot should be delineated on a map of the plot using Exhibit 4.3.2.1 or in the notes section of the GIF.

An example of a completed GIF is in Exhibit 4.3.2.2.

Continue to Chapter 5.
Return to Table of Contents.