Vegetation Protocol Version 1.5 [PDF]

Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring Network VEGETATION MONITORING PROTOCOL IMPLEMENTATION MANUAL Version 1.5 March 2009

Cite as: TEAM Network. 2009. Vegetation Protocol Implementation Manual, v. 1.5 Tropical Ecology, Assessment and Monitoring Network, Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International, Arlington, VA, USA.

TEAM Vegetation Protocol – v 1.5

Acknowledgments This protocol, and all other TEAM Protocols, are collective works. They have been developed and reviewed by numerous scientists in a number of workshops held from 2005 and 2007 in Brazil and Panama. Those who have kindly given their time and expertise in drawing up this protocol include (in alphabetical order): Samuel Almeida, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi; Iêda Leão do Amaral, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Tim Baker, University of Leeds; Brad Boyle, University of Arizona; Francisco Barbosa, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Lucio Bede, Conservation International; Deborah Clark, University of Missouri; David Clark, University of Missouri; Michael Cummings, University of Maryland; Stuart Davies, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Janaína Batista Dimiz, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Brian Enquist, University of Arizona; Corneille Ewango, Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature and the Wildlife Conservation Society; Maria Aparecida de Freitas, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi; Jorge Gallardo, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Chuck Ghilani, Pennsylvania State University; Jenny Hewson, Conservation International; Marise Horta, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Johanna Hurtado, Organization for Tropical Studies; Suzanne Lao, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; Simon Lewis, University of Leeds; Elizabeth Losos, Organization for Tropical Studies; Flavio Luizão, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Thiago Igor F. Metzkor, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Átila Cristina Alves de Oliveira, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Oliver Phillips, University of Leeds; Nigel Pitman, Amazon Conservation Association; Tereza Cristina Spósito, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Bonaventure Sonke, Université de Yaoundé I – Cameroon; John Terborgh, Duke University; and Claudio Yukishige Yano, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia. Jorge Ahumada and Caroline Kuebler, Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring Network, Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International, compiled and wrote the TEAM Vegetation Protocol Implementation Manual. Series Editor, TEAM Protocol Implementation Manuals: Sandy Andelman, Vice President, Tropical Ecology, Assessment, and Monitoring Network, Center for Applied Biodiversity Science, Conservation International. The TEAM Monitoring Protocols are published by: The Tropical Ecology, Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Network Conservation International 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22202 Tel: 703.341.2400 TEAM Network online: www.teamnetwork.org Conservation International online: www.conservation.org Conservation International is a private, non-profit organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501 c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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CONTENTS CONTENTS...............................................................................................................3 1

INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................5 1.1

Key technical terms ....................................................................................6

1.2

Standard conventions used in this document ................................................6

2

SAMPLING DESIGN FOR THE VEGETATION PROTOCOL....................................7

3

PRE-SAMPLING ACTIVITIES.................................................................................8 3.1

Reconnaissance of the proposed vegetation plot locations...........................10

3.1.1

Pre-field Reconnaissance Activities ..........................................................10

3.1.2

Plot Placement Protocol. ........................................................................11

3.2

Shapefile submission................................................................................15

3.3

Technical visit ..........................................................................................15

3.4

Establishment of the plots .........................................................................15

3.4.1

Assemble and Train the Plot Establishment Crew......................................15

3.4.2

Assemble Equipment for Plot Establishment .............................................16

3.4.3

Establishing the Vegetation Plot ..............................................................16

3.5 3.5.1 4

Assemble and Train the Vegetation Census Crew........................................23 Pre-census measurement error estimation................................................24

FIRST CENSUS OF THE VEGETATION PLOT......................................................25 4.1

Equipment preparation for the first census..................................................26

4.1.1

Equipment list .......................................................................................26

4.1.2

Calibration of the diameter tape.............................................................26

4.2

How to measure the stems in a TEAM vegetation plot .................................28

4.3

Measuring Trees ......................................................................................30

4.3.1

Problem Trees.......................................................................................35

4.4 4.4.1

Measuring Lianas ....................................................................................41 Problem Lianas .....................................................................................43

4.5

Measuring the X and Y Coordinates of all stems .........................................45

4.6

Transcribing and uploading data from a First Census event .........................46

4.6.1

Transcribe the data from the Vegetation Protocol Field Forms ...................47

4.6.2

Upload all of the information to the TEAM Website ..................................48

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COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIMENS FROM THE VEGETATION

PLOT ......................................................................................................................49 5.1 5.1.1 6

Development of a Voucher Collection Plan ................................................49 Equipment list for collecting for Vegetation Plot........................................49

RE-CENSUS OF THE VEGETATION PLOT..........................................................51

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TEAM Vegetation Protocol – v 1.5 6.1

Equipment and the preparation of supplies for the re-census .......................51

6.1.1

Calibration of the Diameter Tape ...........................................................51

6.1.2

Equipment List ......................................................................................51

6.2

Pre-census measurement error estimation ..................................................54

6.3

Movement within vegetation plot to measure stems.....................................54

6.4

Measuring previously tagged stems ...........................................................54

6.5

Measuring Previously Tagged Lianas .........................................................56

6.6

Measuring New Tree and Liana Recruits ....................................................57

6.7

Measuring the X and Y Coordinates of the New Recruits..............................57

6.8

Uploading data from a Re-Census ............................................................57

6.8.1

Transcribe the data from the Vegetation Protocol Field Forms ...................57

6.8.2

Upload all of the information to the TEAM Website ..................................58

7

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .........................................................................60

8

EQUIPMENT LIST.............................................................................................61

9

GLOSSARY OF TERMS.....................................................................................63

10

BIBLIOGRAPHY ...............................................................................................64

11

APPENDIX A1. VEGETATION PLOT ESTABLISHMENT FIELD FORM......................67

12

APPENDIX A2. VEGETATION PLOT METADATA FIELD FORM .............................68

13

APPENDIX A3. VEGETATION PLOT FIRST CENSUS/NEW RECRUIT FIELD FORM..69

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APPENDIX A4. VEGETATION PLOT RE-CENSUS FIELD FORM.............................70

15

APPENDIX A5. VEGETATION PLOT COLLECTION SHEET...................................71

16

APPENDIX A6. SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION FORM ...........................................72

17

APPENDIX A7. TERRAIN INCLINATION CORRECTION......................................73

18

APPENDIX A8. EXAMPLE OF MAP FOR PLOT SETUP ..........................................74

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1

INTRODUCTION

This manual describes in detail all the steps and procedures needed to implement the TEAM Vegetation Protocol. The methodology is based on the collective knowledge of numerous scientists with many years of experience in censusing trees in tropical forests at different temporal and spatial scales (Lieberman et al. 1985, 1996; Dallmeier et al. 1992; Condit 1998; Clark et al. 1999; Pitman et al. 1999; Phillips and Baker 2002; Baker et al. 2004; Malhi et al. 2004). The TEAM Vegetation Protocol provides a standardized methodology for the census and measurement of all stems (trees, lianas, palms and tree ferns) in a 1ha plot that have a diameter of 10 cm or more at a height of 1.3 m above the ground. There are at least six 1-ha plots at each TEAM site and stems are remeasured annually. Repeated annual censuses of trees and lianas in permanent plots are the most robust way to monitor changes in aboveground biomass in tropical forests (IPCC 2006). The main focus of this protocol is to provide a solid methodology to measure the effects of climate change on forest growth, mortality and function (Condit 1998; Clark et al. 1999; Pitman et al. 1999; Phillips and Baker 2002; Baker et al. 2004; Malhi et al. 2004; IPCC 2006). Examples of the questions that can be addressed with this protocol include: ! Is the aboveground biomass of tropical forests increasing or decreasing in response to global climate change? ! How do different functional groups of tropical forest plants respond to changes in climate and land use? Three workflows have been developed to illustrate the implementation of the TEAM Vegetation Protocol1. Each of the steps illustrated in these workflows is thoroughly described in this document. The three workflows are: 1. Pre-sampling activities (e.g., sampling design proposal, plot reconnaissance, establishment, crew training) (Figure 1) 2. First-year census (e.g., preparation, measurement error, data collection, stem mapping)(Figure 10). 3. Subsequent re-census (includes steps for adding new recruits) (Figure 24). The TEAM Vegetation Protocol is strongly dependant on well-trained technicians to collect the standardized data. It is important to quantify and calibrate the technician’s measurement error; this is crucial for the consistency and credibility of the data. Strictly follow the guidelines in this manual to ensure standardization of the data collected at the site, and as such comparability with data collected throughout the TEAM Network. Consult section 7 for a description of the roles and responsibilities of different members of the TEAM staff regarding the Vegetation Protocol. Direct any questions and comments to the TEAM Vegetation protocol manager (email: [email protected]).

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A workflow is a reliably repeatable pattern of activity or actions enabled through a systematic organization of resources, defined roles, and information flows, into a work process that can be documented and learned.

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1.1 Key technical terms A description of the technical terms used in this document is provided in a Glossary (section 9), but for expedience, some that are commonly mentioned are defined here in Box 1. BOX 1. Key technical terms used in this document. ! !

!

! ! !

! ! ! !

DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). A standard forestry measurement; the diameter of a stem is measured at 1.3 m up the stem from the forest floor. Individual. A genetically unique entity or organism. For many plants (e.g., some lianas) it is very difficult to delineate the individual in the field. In many cases the individual has more than one measurable stem at 1.3 m from the ground. POM (Point of Measurement). The exact location along the stem where the diameter is measured. For most trees this will be at the height of 1.3 m but for some with buttresses, fluting, damage or deformity the height will not be 1.3 m. When the POM is not at 1.3 m, the height at which the DBH was measured must be recorded in the field forms. Sampling Design. Refers to the number of plots (sample size), their locations (spatial distribution), and the time of year and frequency of successive sampling periods (temporal distribution). Sampling Period. The specified time (e.g., week, month, climatic season) when all stems are measured. The TEAM Vegetation Protocol has one sampling period in a calendar year, and it must be during the wet season. Stem. The stem is the measurable unit in the vegetation protocol. It can be a single measurable ascending trunk or bole or each of several branching trunks or boles in a tree, liana, palm or tree fern. A single individual can have several measurable stems. Stem ID. A unique code, assigned on the basis of a standard convention to a particular stem. Subplots. Each of the twenty-five 20 × 20 m sections which comprise a 1ha Vegetation Plot. Vegetation Plot. The 1-ha (100 × 100 m) plot where the DBH of all stems of !10 cm DBH are measured annually. Vegetation plot ID: A unique code, assigned using a standard convention, for a particular vegetation plot. See Section 4.3 (and the Data Management Protocol) for the convention TEAM uses to identify plots.

1.2 Standard conventions used in this document The following conventions will be used in this document: ! When text is in bold it is to emphasize critical points. Sometimes entire paragraphs are written in bold. This means that the information is critical and needs to be considered carefully. Sometimes text is both bold and underlined; this is an additional level of emphasis stronger than bold alone.

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!

! !

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Complicated procedures are often broken down into discrete steps. You will see these numbered with a brief description of the step in bold. Sometimes steps themselves are broken into sub-steps, bulleted with lower case letters (a. b. c., etc.). Names of standard TEAM field forms or Excel templates are in italics (e.g., Vegetation Plot Form). The names of particular variables in field forms or Excel templates are underlined (e.g., Diameter). Usually the name of the field form or Excel template where the field is located is referred to in the text at the end of the sentence [e.g., “Fill in the Date of Census: Year, Month, Day, and the Name(s) of the technician(s) measuring the diameter of the stem (Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruit Field Form)”].

SAMPLING DESIGN FOR THE VEGETATION PROTOCOL

The sampling design for the TEAM Vegetation Protocol was set up to detect at least a 1% annual change in above ground biomass at a local site with a probability of 0.95 (Andelman et al. in prep.). This requires a sample of one to five 1-ha plots for tropical rainforest sites (Andelman et al. in prep.). The TEAM Vegetation Protocol is not designed to estimate and monitor the detailed dynamics of tropical forests at a local scale (e.g., seedling to sapling dynamics), nor to monitor changes in the biomass or abundance of rare species. Smaller stem size classes would need to be measured (below 10 cm DBH), and much larger sample sizes (>25 ha) would be required to answer these questions (Condit et al. 1998; Losos et al. 2004). The sampling design of the TEAM Vegetation Protocol is a compromise between the sample size required to detect at least a 1% change in above ground biomass and the ability to detect this change in a relatively short time (annually). Following these guidelines, the protocol suggests the establishment of at least six 1-ha vegetation plots (100 × 100 m) in the core study area of the TEAM site. Following the Sampling Design Protocol, if an elevational gradient exists (the difference between the highest and lowest elevation at the site is more than 1000 m) in the core study area, then the vegetation plots should be stratified, with two plots each at the low, mid and high elevation strata. If there is no gradient in elevation, the six vegetation plots should be randomly located in the core study area to sample the major vegetation types(s), while taking into account any constraints, which may make access difficult. The vegetation plots should be placed within a buffered zone of up to 500 m, and at least 100 m from a trail or access point. For more information, please refer to the TEAM Sampling Design Protocol (http://www.teamnetwork.org/en/protocols). Each vegetation plot must be placed on a relatively homogeneous soil type and terrain (Campbell et al. 2002; Phillips and Baker 2002). For example, a plot located in a patchwork of white sand and clay soils is unacceptable. If the plot is placed on terrain with a slope, the entire plot must be located on the slope. The plot must also be free of water bodies such as lakes, ponds or permanent streams. 7


See section 3.4.3 for details on how to locate the appropriate sites for the vegetation plots. The vegetation plots are sampled annually during the dry season and in the same month. All trees, palms, tree ferns and lianas larger than or equal to 10 cm DBH are measured. The exact locations of the six vegetation plots (shapefiles on a map) must be submitted as part of the Sampling Design proposal prior to them being marked out on the ground. Additional information regarding the sampling design process and submission of the vegetation protocol shapefile is available in the Sampling Design Protocol. The sampling design proposal must be submitted to and approved by the TEAM Technical Staff, before any work on the vegetation protocol can begin. Please refer to the section ‘Submission of the Sampling Design proposal’ in the Sampling Design Protocol for clear guidelines on how to submit the proposal and which materials are needed.

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PRE-SAMPLING ACTIVITIES

Once the sampling design proposal has been submitted and approved by TEAM Technical Director, a series of activities need to commence before the first census. These pre-sampling activities include: (1) reconnaissance of the proposed vegetation plot locations, (2) re-submission of the shapefile if the proposed vegetation plot locations have been moved as a result of the reconnaissance, (3) approval of the revised shapefile by the TEAM Network Office, (4) development of the collection plan, (5) putting together an establishment crew, (6) equipment preparation, (7) establishment of the vegetation plots in the field, (8) training of the data collection crew, and (9) estimation of measurement error of the technicians taking the measurements. Some of these steps, in particular the reconnaissance of the proposed vegetation plot locations will require the involvement of someone with GIS technical expertise. All these steps are shown in a workflow in Figure 1.

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Figure 1. Workflow of the sampling design proposal process and the pre-sampling activities involved.

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3.1 Reconnaissance of the proposed vegetation plot locations Once the TEAM technical director has approved the sampling design proposal, the site manager should carry out the reconnaissance activities. These involve a multi-step process that includes preparations for going into the field as well as a plot placement field protocol (see section 3.1.2 below). The plot placement protocol covers the mapping of the plot locations and an investigation of their condition. If they are deemed unsatisfactory for any reason, the protocol provides the procedure for their relocation. If a vegetation plot is moved, then the spatial information of the new location (the coordinates of the four corners of the plot) have to be collected and submitted (as a shapefile) for approval. Each step of the reconnaissance activities should be followed in the order listed. 3.1.1 Pre-field Reconnaissance Activities A person with GIS technical expertise should be involved in steps 1-4 below. a. Overlay the following in a GIS software package: a. The elevation stratification layer, if applicable, or a remote sensing image; b. the field station location shapefile; c. the proposed vegetation plot shapefile; d. the core study area shapefile; and e. shapefiles of the major and minor access routes. b. Determine access points to the vegetation plots. Using the major and minor access route layers, the field station location shapefile, and remote sensing image, identify access points for the proposed vegetation plots. c. Print maps. Print out a couple of copies of the overlay created above, to assist in getting to the access points. Print also enlarged versions of the areas where the plots will be tentatively located (0.5 km2 in side) d. Upload to the GPS unit. Upload both the access points and the four corners of each of the proposed vegetation plots to the GPS unit (see the Sampling Unit Protocol for details). e. Gather field equipment: a. GPS unit b. Printed maps, described in steps 1-3 above c. Stakes d. 50-m tapes e. Brunton Sight Master Compasses f.

Brunton Clino Master Clinometers

g. Orange flagging, 2 rolls h. Grid paper and pen

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3.1.2 Plot Placement Protocol. 1. Travel from the field station to the first access point to reach the vegetation plots. Travel to the first access point with the help of the GPS unit. If access is difficult or impossible, then use the map to find an alternative route. 2. Go to the 0,0 corner of the vegetation plot. Using the GPS unit, go to the 0,0 corner of the vegetation plot. Put in a stake with flagging to mark the spot. 3. Document walking conditions from access point to plot. conditions you find as you walk from the access point to of the vegetation plot—steep slopes, streams difficult to subject to occasional or periodic flooding, for example. route and document it.

Document the the first corner cross or areas Find the best

4. Tentatively mark the other corners of the plot. Using the compass and tape, tentatively place the other four corners of the plot. DO NOT CUT ANY VEGETATION WHILE DOING THIS 5. Document plot perimeter conditions. Walk around the perimeter of the plot. Document the conditions experienced, as you did when walking from the access point to the plot (step 3). If they preclude access, change the plot location using the guidelines outlined in step 10 below. 6. Walk through the plot and document conditions. If the perimeter conditions are suitable, walk through the plot, checking and documenting the conditions by examining the soil layer and the terrain. Look for any abrupt changes in terrain and/or soil type. Look for streams or areas subject to occasional or periodic flooding—these features are unacceptable and will require that the plot be moved to another location. Remember to NOT CUT ANY VEGETATION WHILE EXAMINING THE PLOT. High densities of lianas or trees, or other features of the vegetation which create difficulty in moving through the plot should not be reasons for moving the location of the plot. 7. Does the vegetation plot have relatively homogeneous soils and terrain, without any water bodies, seasonal streams or areas subject to flooding? a. Yes, then go to step 8 and from there to section 3.2. b. No, the vegetation plot is not on homogeneous soil and terrain and/or there are water bodies, seasonal streams or areas subject to flooding. Continue with step 8. 8. Create a rough map. With the help of the enlarged map of the area, use grid paper to create a rough map of a larger area, 300 × 300 m, surrounding the vegetation plot. The map should sketch the general terrain conditions, the location of any streams or depressions, including those that can be crossed, any slopes and the direction of the slope and any plateaus. Include the approximate size (in meters) of these topographic features on the map. 9. Moving the proposed vegetation plot location. If the vegetation plot needs to be relocated, study the printed map, along with the rough map 11


created in step 8, and move the plot according to the steps below. This process is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and a workflow is shown in Figure 4. a. Move the vegetation plot Northward. On the map, move the vegetation plot in a northerly direction in increments of 10 m, up to a total of 100 m. If, for example, the plot is at the edge of a stream, and moving it 20 m in a northerly direction allows the plot to be in a suitable location, then place the plot in this new location. If after moving it 100 m in a northerly direction, the plot is still not in a suitable area, then move it from this location in an easterly direction (step B). Be sure to maintain the 100-m buffer between the vegetation plot and any trails, and ensure that the plot is no more than 500 m from any of the trails. If a suitable location is found, continue to step 10.

Figure 2. An example of the plot placement protocol. A. The initial location of the plot is determined randomly with constraints; this initial location is not suitable due to a stream crossing through. B. The plot is moved in 10 m increments northward along the (0,0)(100,0) axis of the plot, up to 100 m until a suitable location is found. The new location (1) is also unsuitable because the stream is still inside the plot. C. Following the protocol, the plot is moved eastward, southward and then westward in the same way as above, but none of the new locations (2), (3) are suitable either, so it is back to the original location (4). Location (2) has a stream and also terrain with slope and flat terrain. Location (3) is flat and has no stream, but its southeast corner is within 100 m of a trail. Moving the plot westward from the original location does not improve the situation because of the stream. D. The plot is then moved southwards from its original position (1) to location (5) which is found to be suitable.

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b. Move the vegetation plot Eastward: Repeat step a. but in the East direction. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10. c. Move the vegetation plot Southward: Repeat step a. but in the South. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10. d. Move the vegetation plot Westward: Repeat step a. but in the West. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10. e. Move the vegetation plot Southward: Repeat step a. but in the South. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10.

Figure 3. A case in the plot placement protocol where the plot did not have to be moved 100 m until a suitable location was found. The plot is moved first 10 m northward and then another 10 m. After this second move a suitable location (2) is found (stream is not inside the plot and terrain is homogeneous). f.

Move the vegetation plot Westward. Repeat step a. but in the West. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10. g. Move the vegetation plot Northward. Repeat step a. but in the North. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10. h. Move the vegetation plot Eastward. Repeat step a. but in the East. If a suitable location is found, go to step 10. i. If a suitable location has not been found after these steps, then the plot cannot be located in this area. Go to the access point for the second proposed location for a plot and repeat steps 7-11. Repeat the steps for a third proposed location if the second location is still unacceptable. 13


Figure 4. Workflow of the Plot Placement Protocol.

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10. Collect Spatial information. Using the 50-m tape and compass: a. measure the perimeter of the vegetation plot and place a stake at each corner. Moving clockwise, use the following convention to name the corners: (0,0), (0,100), (100,100), and (100,0). b. Take a GPS reading at the (0,0) corner and take the bearings from the (0,0) corner to the (0,100) corner and from the (0,0) corner to the (100,0) corner (these bearings should be at a right angle). Write this information on the Vegetation Plot Installation Form.

3.2 Shapefile submission Submit a shapefile of the new proposed vegetation plot locations to the TEAM portal. This shapefile contains the new proposed location of the (0,0) corner of each plot and the bearing readings from the (0,0) to the (0,100) and (100,0) corners. (in decimal degrees, datum WGS84; see GPS instructions in the TEAM Sampling Design Protocol). The TEAM remote sensing specialist will evaluate this information and respond to the site manager within 10 business days.

3.3 Technical visit After the locations of the vegetation plots have been approved by the TEAM remote sensing specialist, the TEAM technical director or his/her delegate in the region will schedule a visit to the site to check the locations in the field. This site visit is necessary to ensure consistency of the implementation of the protocol across sites in the network. If any problems are detected with the placement of any or several of the plots, the Plot Placement Protocol will need to be repeated as required. Plot establishment (section 3.4) should only proceed when the final locations of the plots have been approved by the TEAM technical director or his/her delegate in the region.

3.4 Establishment of the plots The establishment of the plots can begin after the technical visit has been completed, and the locations of all vegetation plots approved by the TEAM network office. The network office will send a map of each of the plots to the site manager with the locations of all corners, bearings and 20x20 m subplot numbers (see Appendix A8 for an example). This process of plot establishment consists of the assembly and training of a plot establishment crew, preparations for the plot establishment trip, and the plot establishment process itself (placing and surveying the baselines of the plot and placement of stakes every 10 m). Follow the steps below.

3.4.1 Assemble and Train the Plot Establishment Crew The vegetation protocol requires a crew of 2-3 technicians, who spend 3-5 days surveying and establishing each vegetation plot. The technicians should have 15


previous field work experience, preferably with surveying and compass use, and be prepared to spend several days in the field, sometimes staying at satellite camps under uncomfortable conditions (rain, mosquitoes, high humidity, etc.). The crew must include technicians who can: 1. Read a compass and clinometer. This person must be very familiar with reading a compass and using a clinometer. 2. Measure distance. Two people are required to handle the 50-m tape, one of whom is the person using the compass and clinometer. 3. Record the data. One person is in charge of recording all the data in the field using the Vegetation Plot Establishment Form. This person should also be responsible for transcribing the data into the appropriate Excel template and therefore be familiar with Excel spreadsheets. After the technicians have been selected, the site manager must carry out a training session to ensure that they are familiar and comfortable with using the vegetation plot establishment equipment; particularly the compass and the clinometer (refer to section 3.4.3). This training session can be held near the field station and include setting up the two sample baselines of a vegetation plot and one additional line.

3.4.2 Assemble Equipment for Plot Establishment The following equipment will be needed to mark out the vegetation plots in the field. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Two 50-m tapes Two Brunton Sight Master Compasses Two Brunton Clino Master Clinometers Two 1 m measuring poles (marked with paint every 20 cm) Two rolls of orange flagging A flashlight with spare batteries Medium-thick nylon string for exterior baselines of 1-ha plot, 450 m per ha. 8. Thinner, but still strong, cotton string for the interior subplots 9. 121 one-meter-long PVC pipes with holes in the top for the aluminum tags 10. Aluminum tags with coordinates marked on them 11. Aluminum wire (for attaching tags to stake) 12. A map of the 1-ha vegetation plot with all its coordinates (e. g. Figure 11, will be sent by network office) 13. A Vegetation Plot Establishment Form

3.4.3 Establishing the Vegetation Plot Once the establishment plan has been approved, the technical site visit has been completed, the technicians have been trained, and the equipment assembled, the next step is to set up the vegetation plots in the field. The technicians will first need to mark out the two baselines (the two sides of the square at 90º) and then 11 perpendicular lines, each 100 m long. This is the standard method used by most professional surveyors (Chuck Ghilani pers. comm. 2005). The first and second baselines are the most important, as they are the lines from which all the others are measured and checked. Use extreme care in placing the two lines to

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ensure that they are precisely 100 m long and at the correct bearing, perpendicular to each other. Record all appropriate information on the 1-ha Plot Establishment Field Form, including the compass bearings for the two baselines. Careful documentation of the bearings will ensure that any stake found missing can be accurately replaced. One to two cm of error/100 m is allowed when establishing the 1-ha plot. The 1-ha plot needs to be planar, and a clinometer should be used when measuring the plot on a slope or incline to ensure this (see Figure 5). Use a line of medium thick string to mark the perimeter and the thinner string to mark the edges of the subplots. To mark the corners of the plot start (0,0) corner and move clockwise; the next corner should be (0,100) (see Figure 11). Follow the guidelines below to ensure proper establishment of the vegetation plot.

Figure 5. How to measure distance and where to place stakes on slopes.

3.4.3.1 Marking the outside edge, the first baseline—(0,0) to (100,0) a. Place the first corner stake. Place the 1 m measuring pole in the location for the (0,0) corner stake in the appropriate location, according to the establishment plan. One end of a ball of string is tied tightly to the pole. The line of string marks the edges of the 1-ha plot and shows which trees are to be censused and the subplot that they are in. The person with the compass starts by standing at the (0,0) corner with the 0 end of the 50-m tape directly over the pole. b. Place the second stake: !

A second person walks with the 50-m tape and the ball of string, directed in the appropriate direction by the compass holder.

!

Once the person holding the meter tape reaches 10.00 m, then it marks the location and places the 1 m pole on the ground.

!

The second person should turn on the flashlight and direct it 17


towards the compass holder (this ensures a more precise bearing). !

Then the compass holder, still with the compass directly over the (0,0) stake, directs the placement of the (10,0)- stake so that it is at the correct compass bearing.

!

Then the compass holder should take the clinometer and measure the angle (slope) between the top of the 1 m pole at (0,0) and the top of the 1 m pole at (10,0) (see Figure 5)(where the flashlight should be). Round of this value to the nearest degree.

!

Use Appendix A7 to correct the horizontal measurement on the ground to take into account the slope. For example, if the angle is 5 degrees, then the distance between the poles should be 10.04 m instead of 10.00 m (4 cm more).

!

The measuring tape must be pulled tight, and then a permanent stake should be placed exactly at the (0,0) corner. The compass holder carefully double-checks the bearing once the stake is firmly in the ground.

!

The stake should be marked with an aluminum tag and the right coordinates.

!

Place string. On completing the first 10-m stretch, tie the string around the PVC stake and attach a metal tag with (10,0) marked on it using the aluminum wire.

!

Measure up the next 10-m stake. At this time, the compass holder moves with the 0 cm end of the tape and the compass to the (10,0) stake and directs the tape measure holder so that he or she walks the correct bearing to place the next stake (20,0). Repeat steps (a) through (e) to place the remaining stakes; (20,0), (30,0), etc. until you reach the last stake at the 100-m mark (100,0) (Figure 8A). Tie orange flagging tape alongside the aluminum metal tag onto the even-numbered stakes: (0,0), (20,0), (40,0), 60,0), (80,0) and (100,0).

!

The first baseline is then complete.

3.4.3.2 !

Special problems when placing the lines

If there is a tree near the baseline, determine whether it is in the plot. i. The compass holder must determine which side of the tree the tape holder will need to walk to ensure that the string runs along the correct side of the tree. ii. If a large tree is directly on the baseline such that the compass holder is unable to see the person with the tape, then it is necessary to measure the distance to the edge of the tree, place a temporary stake on the exact point of the baseline compass bearing right by the tree, and then, using the compass and tape measure, maneuver around the tree and complete the measurement to the 10-m mark from the other

18


side. See Figure 7 for a diagram of this procedure. iii. The compass holder must determine whether the large-trunked trees straddling the perimeter are within the 1-ha plot or not. For this it is necessary to determine the center of the trunk. If the center is within the 1-ha plot, then the string must be placed on the correct side of the tree to include it. Likewise, if the center falls outside of the plot, the string should exclude it (see Figure 6). The compass holder should constantly direct the tape holder as to which side they should go around trees on or near the baseline.

Figure 6. A tree is considered inside only if more than 50% of the cross sectional area at breast height lies inside the plot perimeter.

19


Figure 7. How to circumvent a large tree straddling the perimeter when marking out the 1-ha plot.

20


Figure 8. Marking out the plot in the field. A: First Baseline of 1-ha plot. Start at (0,0) and place stakes every 10 m (mark with orange tape every 20 m), towards (100,0) using a compass and a clinometer. B. Placement of the orthogonal baseline from (0,0) to (0,100) in the same way. C. Placement of the (10,0)-(10,100) line ensuring that the distance between this line and the (0,0)-(0,100) line is 10 m at 40 m and then again at a 100 m. D. Continuation of this process with the next line (20,0)-(20,100). The rest of the lines are laid out in the same way.

3.4.3.3

Marking the second baseline—(0,0) to (0,100)

The second baseline must be placed at a bearing that is exactly 90" from the first baseline, starting at the first (0,0) stake (Figure 8B). The bearing of the second line should be recorded on the 1-ha Plot Establishment Field Form. Repeat steps (a) through (g) from the previous section. Once these steps are finished, then the second baseline is completed.

3.4.3.4

Completing the 1-ha plot:

The rest of the 1-ha plot is marked out from the two baselines by placing ten lines parallel to the second baseline and perpendicular to the first baseline. Follow steps (a) through (f) in sections 3.4.3.1 and 3.4.3.3. 21


a. Place the first four stakes. Start on the (10,0) stake and place the (10,10), (10,20), (10,30), (10,40) using the same compass bearing that was used to establish the second baseline. Place orange tags with the coordinates on the even numbered stakes. b. Check distance to parallel line. For the (10,40) stake, using the compass bearing that is 90º from the first baseline, check the distance between the (10,40) stake and the (0,40) stake. Confirm that the distance is 10 m to the nearest centimeter (assuming slope is negligible). If there is slope use Appendix A7 to estimate the correct distance to the stake. If the distance is outside this range, then the previous stakes will need to be checked and repositioned if necessary (Figure 8C). c. Continue to place stakes. If the distance is within the range, then continue with the (10,50), (10,60), (10,70), (10,80), (10,90), and (10,100) stakes. d. Check distance to parallel line. At the (10, 100) stake, again use the compass bearing that is 180º from the first baseline, check the distance between the (10,100) stake and the (0,100) stake. Confirm that the distance is 10 m to the nearest centimeter. If the distance is outside this range, then the previous stakes will need to be checked and repositioned if necessary. e. Establish (20,0) to (20,100) line. If the distance between the (10,100) and (0,100) stakes is within the range, then repeat the steps (a) through (d) in this section, for all the stakes in the (20,0) through the (20,100) line. See Figure 8D. f.

22

Mark out the remaining eight 100-m lines. Follow all steps (a) through (d) in this section (see Figure 9).


Figure 9. A vegetation team setting up a 1-ha plot at the Ferreira Penna Research Station, Pará, Brazil. Top left, sighting the 50-m tape with the compass, then (below) checking the placement of the string. Top right tying the string to the corner stake. Bottom right shows a corner stake.

3.5 Assemble and Train the Vegetation Census Crew The technicians responsible for measuring (diameter-taker), for writing down information in field forms (note-taker), and for painting and marking the trees (painter) should be selected very carefully by the Site Manager at the TEAM site. A different person should do each of these roles and, if possible, each should perform the same role on every census. This is to ensure consistency and quality of the data being collected. The personnel responsible for these roles need to be hard workers with field experience, and conscientious of the importance of the data being collected. They must be detail-oriented, open-minded and willing to learn. The three key roles for data collection in the vegetation protocol are as follows:

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! ! !

Note-taker. This person records all necessary information on the field forms. They also check the location of the diameter tape to make sure it is in the correct location on the tree. Diameter-taker. This person is in charge of taking the diameter (DBH) measurements. They must be trained to take diameter measurements and ensure the tape is calibrated at the start of each census period. Painter. This person paints the POM and nails the tag to the tree.

After selecting the people for each of these roles, the Site Manager should train them. It is suggested that a special training plot is established for this sole purpose. The site manager should carefully read sections 4.3 (Measuring Trees), 4.3.1, (Problem Trees) and 4.4 (Measuring Lianas), go through them with the technicians, and then practice with them in a training plot close to the field station, measuring, marking and recording data for several dozen stems (trees and lianas). The technicians should practice on problematic stems (both trees and lianas), and learn how to use this manual in the field, so that they can deal in case they find they are fooled when on their own in the field. After all personnel is familiar with the measuring process, an estimate of the measurement error of the crew should be obtained (see next section).

3.5.1 Pre-census measurement error estimation To improve the accuracy and precision of diameter measurements, which is particularly important for annual measurements, there should be an error calibration of the person responsible for measuring the diameter of the stems (diameter-taker). The diameter-taker measures 100 trees, and then measures the same trees again 2-3 days later. The difference between the two measurements should give an estimate of the measurement error of the diameter taker. Follow the steps below: 1. Tree selection. The site manager should select 100 tagged trees from the training plot randomly. Trees in this plot will provide the data for the calibration. 2. Diameter-taker measures at least 100 trees. The crew should measure and record at least 100 stems excluding problem +stems (see section 4.3.1). 3. Measure the same trees again. After 2-3 days, the census team should re-measure the same 100 trees that they measured previously. Do not take the first day’s field form into the field. 4. Compare the measurements. The site manager should enter the data from both days’ measurements into an Excel spreadsheet and using the script provided by TEAM (http://www.teamnetwork.org/en/protocols/bio/vegetation) compare the diameter data. The difference between the two datasets will give the diameter taker’s measurement error. A very conscientious measurer should have a very low measurement error. The diameter taker must have 100% of the measurements within 3 mm, 90% of his/her measurements within 1 mm and 70% of his/her measurements must be exact.

24


The reasons for large discrepancies (greater than 3 mm) should be examined. Common reasons for such discrepancies include: ! ! ! ! !

Falling bark (the second measurement would be less than the first); measuring over a liana in one measurement instead of under it; failure to clean all loose bark, lichens and moss at the first measurement; misreading of the diameter tape; and failure to place the diameter tape perpendicular to the bole (this is increasingly hard to replicate on as tree trunks get larger).

If the diameter taker’s error rate is outside the acceptable range, he/she should be trained again in how to measure tree and liana diameters. Further training and testing is necessary until his or her error rate falls within the acceptable range. This error measurement test must be done every year, at the start of the annual census. It is very important to have an estimate of measurement error when taking annual diameter measurements. In addition to the annual census data, the measurement error data needs to be submitted to the TEAM data repository in the “Measurement Error” tab within the TEAM Vegetation Excel file (see section 4.6). Without the proper measurement error data, the census data will not be approved by the TEAM Information Systems Manager and cannot be incorporated into the database.

4

FIRST CENSUS OF THE VEGETATION PLOT

The sections below describe all the steps required to successfully complete the census of a 1-ha vegetation plot for the first time. It is assumed here that the plot has been successfully marked out (all stakes are in place) and GPS locations of the four corners of the plot have been obtained, submitted to TEAM data repository, and approved by the TEAM Remote Sensing Specialist. It is also assumed that an adequate census crew has been assembled and trained and that the measurement error of the diameter taker has been properly assessed so that it falls within the standards required by the protocol (see section 3.5.1). All vegetation plots must be censused and measured within a 4-5 week period during the dry season of the region. Subsequent re-censes should be done at the same time of year every year at each TEAM site. All stems (trees, lianas, palms and tree ferns) with a diameter !10 cm, need to be measured, painted and tagged within the plot. The sections below describe (1) how to walk through the plot to carry out the measurements, (2) how to measure the trees, (3) how to take measurements of problematic trees, and (4) how to measure the lianas. Even though the steps for measuring “normal” trees (trees which do not have buttresses, deformities, etc. i.e., those which are problematic) are described first, all stems in the plot including problematic trees and lianas (except for trees that require a ladder, section 4.3.1.9), should be measured as they are encountered. A workflow illustrating the steps involved in the first census can be found in Figure 10. 25


4.1 Equipment preparation for the first census All equipment and supplies need to be gathered and prepared, and the diameter tapes (5 m and 10 m) must be calibrated before going to the field. This process is described below.

4.1.1 Equipment list Prepare the following equipment and supplies to take to the field: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Two 5-m calibrated diameter tapes One 10-m calibrated diameter tape Two rolls of orange flagging A Clipboard “Rite in the Rain” pens 1.6 m-tall stick with 1.3 m clearly marked Stencil for POM mark (the stencil should be the width of the diameter tape and made of flexible material) 8. Orange spray paint 9. Roll of 8-gauge, green grafting tape 10. 600-700 consecutively numbered aluminum tags (more tags might be necessary if the region has a higher number of trees/ha). 11. Blank aluminum tags 12. Numbered Hand Stamp Steel Dies 13. Aluminum nails 14. Hammer 15. 40 iron nails for very hard wood 16. Four 3-m Swedish ladders 17. Tree caliper 18. Two Brunton Sight Master compasses 19. Two Brunton Clino Master Clinometers 20. 12-gauge, green grafting tape 21. Vegetation Plot Metadata Field Form on Rite in the Rain paper 22. Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruits Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper

4.1.2 Calibration of the diameter tape The diameter tape must be checked for stretching before each plot is measured. This calibration is done by comparing the measurement given by the tape against a 1-m aluminum stick (use the standard 1-m aluminum stick provided in the equipment supplies list). Remember that the diameter tape measures the diameter of the tree directly, so it is not in the same scale as a common tape measure (1 cm on the diameter tape = 3.1416 cm on a common tape measure). Measure out 300 mm on the diameter tape and compare this length with the 1-m aluminum stick. If the reading of the tape is 945.0 mm or greater, then the tape needs to be replaced. A diameter tape that has not stretched, should measure 942 mm against the 1-m stick. If the diameter tape shows 300 mm (diameter), that would be equal to a circumference of 942 mm, and if the tape has stretched 1 mm, that would be equal to a 945-mm circumference. Repeat this calibration with all the measurement tapes that will be used in the census.

26


Figure 10. Workflow showing all the steps in the first census in the Vegetation Protocol.

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4.2 How to measure the stems in a TEAM vegetation plot The measurement of stems in the plot is easier if the job is broken up in smaller subplots (20 × 20 m) and the crew concentrates in each of these subplots, one at a time. The plots are numbered the following way: the subplot 1 corner stakes are (0,0), (20,0), (20,20) and (0,20) (see Figure 11). Continuing along the second baseline, the subplot 2 corner stakes are (0,20) (20,20), and (40,40), (0,40). Subplots 3, 4, and 5 are numbered similarly, ending at the (0,100) corner. The subplot 6 corner stakes are numbered (20,100), (40,100), (40,80) and (20,80). Subplots 7, 8, 9, and 10 are numbered continuing towards the first baseline. See Figure 11 for the remaining subplots.

Figure 11. The subplots in the vegetation plot, including coordinates and subplot numbers.

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So, if you follow the numbering from the (0,0) corner, the subplots go through 1-5 in one direction and then, moving to subplot 6, you go back down in the opposite direction (Condit 1998) (Figure 11). All stems of 10 cm DBH or more (and larger than or equal to 1 cm in the 40 x 40 m subplot) must be identified and measured (Dallmeier and Comisky 1996). Mark the Point of Measurements (POMs) on all the measured stems and tag them with a unique number. The painting and tagging must be done in such a way that when someone walks through the 1-ha plot, all markings on the stem should be facing him or her. Subplots 1-5, therefore, will have markings facing one direction; 6-10 will have markings facing the opposite direction, etc. This greatly facilitates the annual re-census because it helps field personnel identify where a series of five subplots ends (e.g., 1-5) and where the neighboring series of subplots begins (6-10) by just looking at the marks on the trees). Measure all the stems in one subplot before moving on to the next. The subplot can be further subdivided into 4 quadrates of 10 m × 10 m (Figure 12). For subplot number 1, first measure all the stems in the quadrate with the corner that is marked (0,0), then move anticlockwise to the next quadrate with the corner that is marked (20,0) and measure all the stems in that quarter. Then move to the quadrate with the corner marked (20,20) and measure all the stems there. Finally, move to the quadrate with the corner marked (0,20) and measure all the stems in that section. Move to the next subplot (2) and repeat the same steps (Figure 12).

20 m

Figure 12. Suggested movement of field personnel within subplots when measuring stems. 29


4.3 Measuring Trees This section describes how to collect the diameter data from the trees in the vegetation plot. Follow these steps closely to ensure data is collected in a standardized fashion. 1. Check that all trees with 10 cm DBH and greater to be measured are in fact within the subplot. If a tree is on the edge of the vegetation plot, then the note-taker and the diameter-taker should stand at each corner of the subplot and judge whether the tree is in the subplot or not. A tree is considered in a subplot if more than 50% of the base of the trunk is within the subplot (Figure 6). This estimation should be done visually. 2. Problem trees. If a tree is leaning, buttressed, damaged or injured, dead, fluted, or otherwise problematic, please refer to the Problem Tree section 4.3.1. It is important to be aware of the various problems that can effect the diameter measurement, and record the appropriate condition code on the field form. 3. Using the stick to measure 1.3 m, the diameter-taker should clear the trunk for the diameter tape. Clear off any loose bark, moss or anything else that might get in the way of the diameter tape. Move any lianas away from the trunk but do not cut the lianas (Condit 1998). 4. At 1.3 m, pull the tape around the tree trunk. Be sure that the diameter tape is on the correct side. The tape will say “Diameter in Centimeters and Millimeters” on it. If the tape has red numbers on it, then it is not the Diameter side of the tape. Always be sure that the correct side of the tape is visible around the entire tree trunk. If the tape is twisted, incorrect measurements will be given. Make sure that the diameter tape is perpendicular to the main axis of the tree trunk (see Figure 13).

30


1.3 m

Figure 13. The correct placement of the diameter tape (red line) on the trunk of a tree when it is leaning. The tape must be placed perpendicular to the main axis of the stem; not parallel to the ground. 5. Double check the tape. Have the note-taker look at the tape, checking that it is not twisted or snagged, and that the tape is perpendicular to the main axis of the tree trunk, especially on the side of the tree opposite to the person holding the diameter tape. 6. Read the diameter tape. The diameter-taker should pull the tape tight around the trunk of the tree and move the tape back and forth to ensure tightness. Hold the tape tight and read the measurement. Read the number that crosses over the 0 cm line on the tape, recording the diameter to the nearest millimeter (Condit 1998). It is important to recognize that the diameter numbers are read from right to left. Look at Figure 14 for an illustration of this point. The diameter in Figure 14a is 11.5 cm, not 12.5. The diameter in Figure 14b is 11.3 cm, not 12.7 cm. This is a very easy mistake to make, particularly when starting with the first trees of the day, but awareness of the potential mistake is important and will minimize errors in the field. If the 31


measurement is exactly in between two millimeter marks on the diameter tape, then round down to the nearest millimeter.

A

B

Figure 14. The correct reading of the diameter tape. A. The diameter is measured from right to left aligning the bottom as a reference. In this case the diameter is 11.5 cm. B. If the diameter is read from left to right the measurement 12.7 cm is obtained which is incorrect!! The correct measurement is 11.3 cm. 7. Working as a team helps to minimize errors. The diameter-taker reads the diameter tape, and the note-taker checks the positioning of the tape and records the diameter on the field form (Figure 15). The diameter-taker should call out the number, and then the note-taker should repeat the number out loud. The diameter-taker should recheck the number after it is repeated by the note-taker.

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Figure 15. Measuring the DBH of a tree. 8. Mark the POM. The diameter-taker should mark the Point of Measurement (POM) with a marker or crayon at exactly where the diameter tape was located. Mark the POM location by removing the end of the diameter tape, and marking under the edge of the remaining diameter tape (Figure 16). This mark should not be made with a knife, machete, or by scratching the tree with a finger or end of the diameter tape. These types of marks can cause problems in future re-censuses, especially if they cause the bark to swell, thus inflating future diameter measurements and exaggerating growth rates. 9. Paint the POM. After the crayon mark is made, the painter should put a stencil with the width of the diameter tape over that point and paint the stencil area, indicating for future censuses where the POM is located (Dallmeier et al. 1992). The paint should be only applied at the POM using the stencil to minimize future measurement error. Use an exterior emulsion paint (Figure 16).

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Figure 16. Where to mark the POM on the tree, after measuring the diameter. The POM is marked below the diameter tape where the reading was done in between the wrapped-around tape (See Figure 14).

a. Paint should be applied using a spray-paint or a small brush. b. Trees in a subplot should all be painted on the same side, opposite to the direction of travel through the subplots. If the POM mark is not in the opposite direction of travel through the subplot, then continue to paint around the trunk with the stencil. c. Vivid colors, such as orange or yellow, are preferred as they are easier to see in the forest; waterproof paint or other oil based paints are best (Sheil 1995; Condit 1998). d. If the trees at the site react to paint or if the bark frequently peels off, then an alternative method for identifying the POM is needed. Put a nail in 10 cm above the POM. This method will not work at sites in the Amazon as certain species (e.g., some Burseraceae and Chrysobalanaceae) react to the nail. 10. Tag the tree. The painter is in charge of tagging the trees. Using the 1.6 m stick, nail the aluminum tag with an aluminum nail at the height of 1.6 m. The aluminum tags should be placed in sequential order, so that the trees with smaller numbers are in subplot 1 and the highest numbered trees are in subplot 25. The nail should be hammered at a downward angle and only as

34


far as it needs to be secure, leaving lots of room for future growth (Dallmeier et al. 1992; Phillips and Baker 2002). Aluminum nails are recommended because trees usually do not react to them (D. A. Clark and D. B. Clark 1992; Dallmeier et al. 1992; Sheil 1995; Lieberman et al. 1996; Condit 1998). If there is a reaction, the nail is far enough from the POM not to affect the POM for the next re-census. For trees with especially hard wood, an iron nail can be used. Having the tag at 1.6 m on all the trees is another way to locate the POM for non-problematic trees; it will always be 30 cm below the nail. 11. Move on the next stem. Move on to the next stem and repeat steps 2-10 above. See sections 4.3.1 or 4.4 if the stem is a problem tree or a liana.

4.3.1 Problem Trees It is important to remember that there is no absolute right or wrong way to measure problem trees. The important thing is to understand the reasoning behind the different points of measure, and the implications for choosing one of them. The crew conducting the census should, therefore, discuss where the POM should be, following the guidelines below. The final location that is chosen should be the most representative of the tree as a whole (Condit 1998). Once a decision is made, then it must be recorded on the Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruits Field Forms using the Condition Codes found at the bottom of that form. The codes allow future re-census teams to find the POM and understand why it is where it is. Problem trees include those with buttress roots, stilt roots, that are damaged or deformed, fluted, prostrate, have a branched trunk, are uprooted, inclined, or dead, have a trunk with re-growth, are broken at the base or at the trunk, have partial crown loss, are missing bark or are otherwise dying. All of these types of problems correspond to a code that must be marked on the field form in the condition code(s) column, along with any notes that go with that code choice. Other codes that need to be marked for problem trees are estimated diameter, ladder use, tree remeasured, and current measurement less than last year.

4.3.1.1

Buttressed Trees

These are trees with large buttress roots at their base that do not allow for measurements at 1.3 m. Walk round the tree to find the top of the highest buttress (Figure 17). The POM is then placed 50 cm above the top of the highest buttress, ensuring that as the buttress grows up the trunk of the tree, it will not affect the POM (D. A. Clark and D. B. Clark 1992; Dallmeier et al. 1992; Sheil 1995; Condit 1998; Phillips and Baker 2002; Malhi et al. 2004). The height of the POM should be recorded on the field form, and the code for a buttressed tree should be recorded in the Conditions Codes column. The POM is painted with the stencil, while the nail and tag are still placed at 1.6 m. The only reason that the nail and tag would not be put at 1.6 m is if the POM for this tree is within 30 cm of the nail and tag. If this occurs, then the nail and tag will be moved so that they are 30 cm above or below the POM. This re-location of the nail and tag 35


should also be recorded so that they can be found easily in future censuses (although the nail and tag should always be at a height that is relatively easy to see). If the buttresses are high up on the trunk of the tree, then refer to section 4.3.1.9.

Figure 17. A buttress tree with the POM 50 cm above the top of the buttress.

4.3.1.2

Trees on a slope

If a tree is on a slope, then 1.3 m should be measured from the uphill side of the tree (Dallmeier et al. 1992; Sheil 1995; Condit 1998). The tag should be nailed at 1.6 m, but placed in the direction on travel through the subplot, not necessarily on the uphill side of the tree. If, however, the tree is leaning but not leaning uphill, then measure the tree on the inside of the lean rather than the uphill side of the tree.

4.3.1.3

Trees with stilt roots

Trees with stilt roots should be treated in the same way as buttressed trees. The POM should be 50 cm above the top of the highest stilt (Dallmeier et al. 1992; Phillips and Baker 2002). The height of the POM should be recorded on the field form, along with the appropriate condition code.

4.3.1.4

Fallen, leaning or prostrate trees

Leaning trees should be measured at 1.3 m on the inside of the lean, starting at the ground next to the base of the tree (Dallmeier et al. 1992; Condit 1998) (Figure 18). If there is more than one vertical resprout that is !10 cm diameter,

36


then measure them too. The diameter tape should still be perpendicular to the main axis of the trunk of the resprout. The tag and paint should still be in the direction of travel through the subplot.

Figure 18. Leaning tree that is tagged and painted. 1.3 m was measured along the inside of the lean.

4.3.1.5

Fluted trees

Fluted trees are those with trunks that are wavy or uneven, so that a cross sectional cut of the trunk would not be circular or oval, e.g., Aspidosperma sp. (Figure 19). If the fluting does not occur up the entire trunk, then measure the POM where the fluting does not occur. If this point is not accessible or the fluting occurs all the way up the tree, then the POM should be measured at 1.3 m, barring any other problems that would cause the POM to be at a different height (Phillips and Baker 2002). Be sure to mark on the field form that this individual is fluted.

4.3.1.6

Damaged or deformed trees

A damaged tree is one that has an injury on its trunk or has some or most of its crown removed. A deformed tree has an aberration, such as a canker, on its trunk (Figure 20). Measure the DBH at 1.3 m unless the damage or deformity is at that point. If the damaged area or deformity is located 1.3 m up the trunk, then move the POM so that it is 2 cm below the deformity or injury (Dallmeier et al. 1992; Condit 1998). Measure the height of the POM, and record it along with the appropriate condition codes on the field form. Nail the tag at 1.6 m unless this point is less than 30 cm from the POM. 37


Figure 19. Aspidosperma sp., an example of a fluted tree.

Figure 20. Deformed tree with the diameter measured 2 cm below the base of the deformity.

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4.3.1.7

Dying trees that are still standing

Even if the tree looks mostly dead, if there is any type of green sprout or leaf above 1.3 m, then the tree is considered alive. It must be measured at 1.3 m and tagged at 1.6 m. On the field form, indicate that the tree is dying and damaged (if appropriate) in the condition code column. “Dead” trees that show no signs of resprout should continue to be measured for the three censuses to ensure that its death is not feigned.

4.3.1.8

Trees with Multiple Stems

If the tree is branched below 1.3 m, then each branched trunk should be treated as if it were a unique stem, if its DBH is 10 cm or greater (Condit 1998). Each stem should be measured at 1.3 m (unless there is another problem) (Dallmeier et al. 1992), have the POM painted, and be tagged with its own unique tag number. For the stem ID numbers, branched stems should all have the same whole number with two decimal places, indicating the number of stems. For example, if a tree 540 has two trunks, the numbers of each of these stems should be 540.01 and 540.02. The “.01” extension should be given to the main stem or the stem with the largest diameter. Indicate on the field form, in the condition codes column, that the tree has a branched trunk

4.3.1.9

Trees needing a ladder

If the POM is too high to be measured accurately (Figure 21), then the tag and nail should be nailed into the tree and this tree should be measured on the last day, after all the other trees not needing a ladder are measured and tagged. For ease of measurement, all trees needing a ladder must be marked on the field form so that they can all be measured on the last day. If the tree has a large diameter (>100 cm), then two ladders should be used, one on each side. One person will need to read the tape while other ensures that the tape is perpendicular to the main axis of the trunk. A tall pole can also be used to ensure that the diameter tape is perpendicular to the tree. It is important to clear all the lianas, loose bark, and moss from the tree trunk to prevent them from affecting the diameter measurement. The person measuring the diameter should mark the POM with a marker and measure the height of the POM. Then the painter should climb the ladder and paint the POM. The data-recorder should note the diameter, the POM height and also indicate the use of a ladder in the condition codes column. The maximum height for a POM is 11 m. If the POM at 11 m is still malformed, using a POM higher up could result in further error from taper, distorting the basal area and biomass information for the plot. Safety equipment must be used when using a tall ladder.

39


Figure 21. Using a ladder to measure the diameter of a buttressed tree.

4.3.1.10 Trees with lianas Whenever possible, pull lianas away from the trunk of the tree when measuring the diameter. If the liana cannot be pulled away from the trunk at 1.3 m, then identify a location higher or lower where the liana can be pulled away. If there is no location in which the liana can be pulled away from the trunk, then it will be necessary to use a tree caliper to measure the diameter. Record the largest diameter measurement with the caliper, either at 1.3 m or at the most representative location on the tree trunk (Condit 1998).

4.3.1.11 Palms with spines Move the POM to a location without spines on the trunk of the palm and record the new POM height and the diameter. If there is no location without spines within reach (including the ladder) use the calipers to measure the diameter at 1.3 m and mark the locations as clearly as possible.

4.3.1.12 Tree trunks that are mostly damaged except for one clear area If the tree trunk is mostly damaged, except for a small area, then measure the tree at 1.3 m because that is the most representative of the whole tree (Condit 1998).

4.3.1.13 Strangler figs If the strangler can be removed from the trunk of the host species, then the diameter of the host tree should be measured. If the strangler can not be removed, then the tree calipers should be used. Strangler species should only be included in the census when the host is gone. If the host is gone, the POM can be

40


difficult to determine due to the web like nature of the strangler’s trunk. Find the location where the trunk is the most complete. In some cases there might be multiple stems, in which cases, treat them as multiple stems, as described above (Condit 1998).

4.3.1.14 Tree ferns If the tree fern is #10 cm diameter at 1.3 m, then it should be included and measured as a regular stem.

4.3.1.15 Hemi-epiphytes If a hemi-epiphyte becomes free standing and is #10 cm diameter at 1.3 m, then it should be included and measured as a regular stem.

4.4 Measuring Lianas This section of the protocol has been adapted from recent published standard protocols for liana censuses (Gerwing et al. 2006; Schnitzer et al. 2008). Lianas are more complicated to measure in a standardized way, because of variation in how they grow, branch and resprout. Some common terminology for lianas is given below for clarification: ! !

! !

Rooting point. The place in the ground were a liana stem emerges. Some lianas can have one rooting point (e.g., Figure 22A) and others might have several (e.g., Figure 22E). Branching point. Lianas often have several branching points where the main stem divides into two stems. The location of the branching point with respect to the rooting point is important in determining the POM for the liana. Twining lianas. Lianas that come out of the ground and have stems that grow around a larger tree (e.g., Figure 22B). Interconnected lianas. Lianas with stems that branch and fuse along several points, creating a net-like structure.

All liana stems that are 10.0 cm diameter or greater at 1.3 m along the stem (measured from the rooting point) must be measured. Complications regarding branching points, twining lianas, lianas with adventitious points, etc. are described in more detail in section 4.4.1. Refer to Figure 22 to help understand how to deal with these complications. Lianas should be measured concurrently with the trees as described at the beginning of section 4. The trees and lianas should be numbered sequentially throughout the plot. For instance, if a liana is next to tree with the number 15, then that liana would be stem number 16 and the next stem would be 17, whether it is a tree or another liana.

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Figure 22. Measuring points for lianas (figure adapted from Gerwing et al. 2006, permission to reprint obtained from Blackwell Science). Solid lines indicate the POM. Broken lines show the length along the stem to measure when determining the POM. See text in sections 4.4 and 4.4.1 for a description of each case. Follow these steps to measure the lianas as they appear in the plot: 1. Is the liana in the plot? For all of the TEAM vegetation plots, the liana will only be included if the last rooting point before the liana grows up into the canopy is within the boundaries of the plot. A liana will be measured if it is 10.0 cm diameter or greater at 1.3 m along the stem. 2. Locating the POM. The POM is located 1.3 m from the last rooting position before the liana grows up into the canopy (e.g., see Figure 22A). As with the trees, if there is a slope, measure from the uphill side of the liana. 3. Painting the POM. The POM should be painted, as described above with the trees. 4. Tagging stems. All liana stems should be tagged; however, the tag will need to be tied to the liana using 8-gauge, green grafting tape, or copper wire rather than nailed. 5. Measure the diameter. The shape of liana stems can vary depending on the species and growth form. Follow the steps below to measure the diameter of the liana according to its shape. a. Cylindrical liana !10 cm diameter. If the liana is cylindrical and greater than or equal to 10 cm in diameter, then it can be measured using the diameter tape as described above in the tree section 4.3. b. Non-cylindrical, flattened stem. If the stem is not cylindrical but flattened, the diameter must be measured in two locations; at the widest and narrowest axes. The average size of these two measurements must be #10 cm, to include the liana in the census. On the Vegetation First Census/New Recruits field form, record both diameters separated by a semi-colon in the diameter column and enter condition code W in the condition code column.

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4.4.1 Problem Lianas Described below are the most common problems encountered when measuring lianas in the field. They include lianas that loop to the ground and root, lianas with adventitious roots, multiple stems, clumps, etc. Follow these steps to ensure problematic lianas are measured appropriately. If the crew is unable to resolve a particularly problematic liana in the field, the note-taker should describe the situation as closely possible in the notes section of the field form, and consult back with the Site manager when returning to the field station.

4.4.1.1

Adventitious/Aerial roots

Aerial roots are roots that originate from the part of the stem that is suspended in the air (i.e., not prostrate on or buried in the soil). The ultimate rooting location is the last substantial rooting location of the portion of stem that is in contact with the soil surface immediately prior to the ascension of the stem towards the canopy (see Figure 22F). A substantial rooting point is one where the roots were strong enough not to be easily dislodged. If there are adventitious roots at 1.3 m, then the liana should be measured 50 cm above the last aerial root if that root was $80 cm from the ultimate rooting location.

4.4.1.2

Non-uniform (anomalous) stems

If a stem is anomalous and not uniform (e.g., separated into multiple strands from the roots to above 1.3 m), then measure the stem 20 cm above the point where it becomes uniform. If there is no uniform area on the stem that is within reach, then measure the non-uniform area 1.3 m from the rooting point and note this in the comments column of the field form.

4.4.1.3

Deformity

If there is a deformity at 1.3 m, then measure 5 cm below the deformity.

4.4.1.4

Branching below 1.3 m

If there is branching below 1.3 m (but #40 cm from the roots), then the liana should be measured 20 cm below the branching point (see Figure 22C). i. If there is less than 40 cm between the branch and the rooting location, then measure half way between. ii. If there is a deformity that prevents a measurement below the branching point, then measure the individual stems above the branching point at 1.3 m from the rooting point and record that they are one stem with two measurements (see Figure 22G). On the Vegetation First Census/New Recruits field form, record both diameters separated by a semi-colon in the diameter column and use the D code in the Condition Code column. iii. If the liana stem branches at a point less than 1.3 m from the roots, but the branch has a diameter less than the minimum diameter cutoff (1 cm), then ignore the branch and measure the principal stem 1.3 m from the roots. iv. If the liana stem branches below 1.3 m from the roots and the branch surpasses the minimum diameter cutoff, then the measurement location is taken 20 cm below the 43


branch. v. If the liana is branched below 1.3 m from the roots and neither the main stem nor the branch diameter is equal to or greater than 1 cm, then exclude the liana from the census. vi. If a liana branches within 40 cm of the roots, measure each stem 1.3 m from the rooting point along the stem and note that each is a branch of a single individual.

4.4.1.5

Multi-stemmed individuals

If there are multi-stemmed individuals, consider each stem that is independently rooted and not connected to another climbing stem. Each stem should be tagged and numbered in the same way as the trees; see the guidelines for multi-stem trees in section 4.3.1.8.

4.4.1.6

Interconnected lianas

If there are interconnected lianas then the stems can be tagged as described above for multi-stemmed individuals.

4.4.1.7

Clumping rattans

If there are clumping rattans, then record the diameter at 1.3 m of the entire clump instead of counting and measuring individual stems.

4.4.1.8

Multiple rooting points

If the liana loops from one rooting spot to another and there are multiple resprouts or branches that have diameters greater than or equal to 10 cm, then measure each stem 1.3 m from the roots of each distinct rooting point (see Figure 22E). Label the largest stem that ascends towards the canopy as the “principal stem,” (e.g., 15 and then subsequent stems would be 15.01, 15.02, etc.), and make a note of this in the comments section for that individual on the field form.

4.4.1.9

Ground-to-ground lianas

Exclude from the census lianas that do not ascend toward the canopy but rather loop from one rooting spot to another without any resprouts or branches.

4.4.1.10 Ground-to-ground lianas with stem sprouts Include a ground-to-ground liana if it has a living resprout or branch that ascends towards the canopy and either the diameter of branch or of the principal stem is greater than or equal to 10 cm at 1.3 m from the roots. If the branch is #10 cm diameter and within 1.3 m of the roots, the measurement location should be on the ascending branch. If the branch is %10 cm diameter, then measure the principal stem 1.3 m from the roots, ignoring the branch. However, exclude the liana if the total stem length does not exceed 1.3 m.

4.4.1.11 Prostrate lianas Exclude the liana if it is growing prostrate on the soil surface and does not have a stem !10 cm diameter ascending towards the canopy.

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4.4.1.12 Prostrate branches If the branches originate low on the main (climbing) stem and snake along the forest floor but never ascend, exclude if they are smaller than 10 cm diameter and measure the main stem at 1.3 m from the roots. If these branches are !10 cm diameter, then measure the main stem 20 cm below the lowest branch. If these prostrate branches re-root and have climbing resprouts !10 cm diameter, measure the resprouts 1.3 m from the last rooting point.

4.5 Measuring the X and Y Coordinates of all stems After the first census has been completed, information on the location of all the stems in the plot needs to be collected. At least two people are required to perform this task. Every stem that is tagged within the vegetation plot needs to have an X and Y coordinate associated with it. The (X, Y) coordinates identify the location of the tree within the 1-ha plot, where X = 0-100 axis, and Y = 0-100 axis, and will also appear as latitude and longitude in the TEAM database. In the field, only the bearing and distance of each stem from a known plot location will be measured, not the actual (X,Y) coordinates. The actual (X,Y) coordinates will be generated by the TEAM Network information management system once the bearing and distance plot for each stem are submitted. As with the measurements the crew should proceed to collect this information at a 20 × 20 m subplot level. To collect the bearings and distance for all stems in a given 20 × 20 m subplot, follow the steps below (see Figure 23). 1. Stand at the stake in the center of a given subplot: record the coordinates of this location on the Vegetation Plot Field Form. 2. Identify a stem that is visible from this location. 3. Measure the distance from the stake to the POM of the stem using the 50-m tape measure and the clinometer to ensure that the tape is level and therefore corrected for slope. 4. Take the bearing using the sighting compass. Look through the view with one eye and focus on the stem with the other eye so that the hairline matches up with the stem. The bearing that is larger is the bearing of the stem; this is the number that should be recorded. The smaller number is the bearing from the stem to the stake. Do not record this number. 5. Record the bearing and the distance on the field form. 6. Repeat for all of the stems that are visible from the center stake. Repeats steps 2-5. 7. Identify stems in the subplot that are not visible from the center stake: Determine the nearest stake to those stems. Stand at the stake and record the coordinates of the stake on the vegetation field form and repeat steps 2-6. It is very important to record the correct stake coordinates on the field form; otherwise the position of the stems will be wrongly assigned. 8. Move on to the next subplot and repeat steps 1-7 for all the stems in the subplot. Continue until all stems within the vegetation plot have a bearing and distance.

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Figure 23. Illustration of how bearings (a1,a2,a3,a4) and distances (d1,d2,d3,d4) are calculated for stems 1,2,3 and 4 in a 20x20 m subplot. For stem 1, the closest corner is (10,10) so distance (d1) is measured from that corner and bearing with respect to north is taken (a1). Stem 2 is closer to (10,0) so distance (d2) and bearing (a2) are taken from this corner. A similar reasoning is applied to stems 3 and 4.

4.6 Transcribing and uploading data from a First Census event After all data for the first census has been collected in the field, all data needs to be transcribed to the TEAM standardized Excel templates and uploaded to the TEAM Network data repository (http://www.teamnetworkdata.org). This should occur as soon as technically feasible, but no more than seven business days, after the final day of the data collection. We strongly encourage to do double data entry to catch mistakes more easily. Follow the steps below to ensure this is done in a standardized and efficient fashion. Excel Template you will need: Vegetation Protocol Data Entry Excel template: This template contains several different tabs, each one corresponding to a specific field form.

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4.6.1 Transcribe the data from the Vegetation Protocol Field Forms Follow these steps to transcribe all the data from the Vegetation Establishment Field Form, the Vegetation Metadata Field Form, the Vegetation First Census/New Recruit Field Form, the Vegetation Collection Sheet, and the Vegetation Identification Form to the Vegetation Excel File.

4.6.1.1 Transcribe the data from the Vegetation Establishment Field Forms The vegetation plot establishment information will need to be transcribed from the Vegetation Establishment Field Form into the Vegetation Excel Template. This data will only need to be entered once, after the first census, when the vegetation plot is marked out. 1. Open a copy of the Vegetation Excel Template. On the computer, open the file “VG-ET-EN-2.0.xls.” The file should have no data in it. 2. Save this template as a new Vegetation Excel Template. Save the file with a new name using SAVE AS. The name of the file should follow the TEAM standard naming convention: Site Name-VG-Date of Collection-NEW.xls Use the two-letter abbreviation for your TEAM site, the two-letter abbreviation of the protocol name (VG stands for Vegetation Protocol), and then the data of collection in ISO format (yyyy-mmdd), the word NEW (means this is a new file) and the extension (.xls). 3. Transcribe the data. Transcribe the data from the field forms into the appropriate template in the Excel file. Save your file every time you enter a new record. If there is a power failure, you will only loose one record of your time. a. Transcribe all the information from the Vegetation Establishment Field Form into the Establishment Form worksheet of the Vegetation Excel Template. b. Transcribe all the information from the Vegetation Metadata Field Form into the Metadata Form worksheet of the Vegetation Excel Template. c. Transcribe all the information from the Vegetation First Census/New Recruit Field Form into the First Census/New Recruits Form worksheet of the Remember that for Vegetation Excel Template. flattened, non-cylindrical lianas, there will be two diameter measurements. These measurements must each be put in separate columns. No column can have more than one diameter measurement. 47


d. Make sure that all values in each of the columns follow the Standard Data Dictionary for this form (all data dictionaries are available on the TEAM website). 4. Make a backup copy: When you are finished entering the information, or at the end of the day, make a backup copy of the file in a place other than in the current computer. Ideally this would be an external removable hard drive. This hard drive should be stored in a different location than the computer.

4.6.2 Upload all of the information to the TEAM Website Once all of the data for the first census has been entered in the computer, the Excel template needs to be uploaded to the TEAM website. Data needs to be uploaded to the TEAM website as close as technically feasible, but not longer than seven days after the collection of data in the field. Make sure the measurement error data is included in the Vegetation Excel file in the Measurement Error tab. Follow these steps: 1. Prepare the Vegetation Excel File: ensure that the file uses the TEAM standard naming convention described above in section 4.6.1. The name of the file should be follow the standard TEAM naming convention: Site Name-VG-Date of Collection-NEW.xls Use the two-letter abbreviation for your TEAM site, the two-letter abbreviation of the protocol name (VG stands for Vegetation Protocol), and then the data of collection in ISO format (yyyy-mmdd), the word NEW (means this is a new file) and the extension (.xls). 2. Upload the file to the TEAM Data Repository. a. Go to TEAM Data Repository website: http://www.teamnetworkdata.org. b. Login and follow the instructions to upload the file. c. A confirmation email will be sent for every successful file upload. If this email is not received, then the data upload was not successful and it will need to be re-submitted. d. Within 48 hours you will receive an email from the Information Systems Manager confirming whether the data in the file conforms to the TEAM Minimum Data Standards. If the data conforms to the minimum data standards, then no further action is needed. Otherwise the Information Systems Manager will describe the problem in detail in his/her email and the data will need to be changed and resubmitted as soon as technically feasible.

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5

COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIMENS FROM THE VEGETATION PLOT

The collection of specimens from the vegetation plot should occur in a separate field visit, according to the collection plan and the workplan submitted by the site. The Site Manager should coordinate with the regional scientist responsible for the taxonomic integrity of the data on when is the best time to collect specimens for identification. The TEAM site should have access to a herbarium or have its own herbarium at the field station where at least one specimen of each species collected will be deposited.

5.1 Development of a Voucher Collection Plan Create a collection plan. TEAM encourages the site manager to develop a collection plan as an internal reference for collecting the voucher specimens in the vegetation plots. This plan should be based on the availability of botanical experts and tree climbers at the site. During the first year, after the first census, specimens from all individuals measured in the vegetation plots should be collected at one time. During subsequent years, collection of all recruits from new species should occur at one time, following that year’s census. The plan should include a schedule for when these activities occur and take into consideration the availability of botanists at the site.

5.1.1 Equipment list for collecting for Vegetation Plot 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Collecting bag Collecting poles Tree pruners Thin masking tape Sharpie pens Orange flagging Climbing equipment or high-limb chain saw Vegetation Plot Collection Sheet on Rite in the Rain paper Vegetation Plot Identification Form on Rite in the Rain paper

There are two forms that should be taken out to the field during collection events. These forms are the Vegetation Plot Collection Form and the Vegetation Plot Identification Form. The Vegetation Plot Collection Form should always be kept with the actual voucher specimen that is collected, while the Vegetation Plot Identification Form is the form that is used put the record into the database. TEAM Specimen codes should also be taken out in the field. These codes (in triplicate) will be provided by the TEAM Network office and are specific for each site. One copy of the specimen code will be attached to the Vegetation Plot Collection Form and another copy will be added to the Vegetation Plot Identification Form in the appropriate row. The last specimen code is used on the Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruit and Re-Census Field Forms. 49


1. Collect specimen. Collect at least one voucher specimen of all species within the TEAM vegetation plots, including any variants. Difficult to identify individuals will be collected as well. The TEAM partner institution might have different requirements on the number of specimens collected for each individual or species; however for this protocol, there should be at least one voucher specimen per species. Vouchers are not needed if the individual is an easily identified, common species that has already been collected from the TEAM site. While collecting specimens, be sure that the tree bole is not damaged. Climbing equipment must be used to collect the specimens. Spikes should not be used to climb the tree. Safety equipment must be used at all times. Continue to watch the trees during litterfall collection for fertile samples, and collect again at that point. 2. Create Collection Sheet for the specimen. Using the Vegetation Plot Collection Form, create a unique sheet for each voucher specimen, adding a unique specimen code. Place a copy of that specimen code on the Vegetation Plot Identification Form in the appropriate row and record if there is preliminary field identification of the individual. These vouchers will most likely be sterile, although if there are any fruit or flowers, these should be collected as well. 3. Create the herbarium sheet. Add one herbarium sheet for every species from the TEAM Vegetation Plots to the herbarium, including any variants. All herbarium sheets should be kept in the main herbarium associated with the TEAM Site. If the sheets are incorporated into the Site’s Herbarium, then the Herbarium Specimen Code should be recorded on the Vegetation Plot Identification Form. This recording will allow the TEAM specimen to be tied to the Herbarium’s codes, thus facilitating easy location of the sheets within the Herbarium. The specimen codes will ensure that all individuals within a given plot have their identification tied to a catalogued herbarium sheet. It is very important that the herbarium sheet used to identify the species is recorded. If there are any issues with identification or name changes, all the individuals of that species will be tied to a herbarium sheet that can be re-examined by expert botanists. 4. Duplicates of sterile specimen. Duplicates of the sterile specimens should be made at the discretion of the Herbarium Manager, and it is recommended to make up five sheets of fertile specimens. The duplicates should be made if any of the collaborating herbaria and institutions request them. 5. Identify specimens. As the voucher specimens are identified to species, the Vegetation Plot Identification Form should be updated to include the Family, Genus, Species, the date that the determination was made, and who made the determination. For morphospecies, they should have unique names that allow them to be distinguished among sites. We suggest using the site code name in the morphospecies name (e.g., Spondias VBsp1 for a Spondias collected at Volcan Barva, or Protium CXsp18 for a Protium collected at Caxiuanã). Gather all of the vouchers that are not identified, or questionably identified, and have the local botanist take them to a National Herbarium or expert botanist. This entire process should be coordinated closely by the Site Manager and with the collaboration of the Regional Scientist. 6. Recollect fertile specimen. Over time, during the bi-monthly trips to the plots to collect the litterfall, re-collect any individuals that are in flower or fruit.

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Follow steps 1-7 for any newly collected voucher specimens. 7. Collect new recruits: Continue to collect new recruits and create herbarium sheets for any new species. Follow steps 1-7 for any newly collected voucher specimens. 8. Taxonomic Authority: Due to the complexity of tropical plant taxonomy each TEAM Site will need to establish a Taxonomic Authority (one or more) for the Vegetation Protocol. Prior to data collection the Sites are required to provide a full reference (monographies, floras, digital references) of the taxonomic authority that will be used to identify each species. References to museums, herbariums and other institutions that plan to be used in the identification of species should also be included. The Network Office is available for assistance with establishing the vegetation taxonomic authorities as requested.

6

RE-CENSUS OF THE VEGETATION PLOT

The vegetation plots must be re-censused during the same 4-5 week period of the wet season as the previous census after the first year, and every year from then on. All the stems that were tagged in the first census must be re-measured, and all new recruits will need to be identified, measured, painted, and tagged, and have their location (bearing and distance) recorded. The process is very similar to a first census, so the reader is referred to the relevant sections already described. A workflow with all the steps is shown in Figure 24.

6.1 Equipment and the preparation of supplies for the re-census Prepare all the equipment and supplies and recalibrate the diameter tapes to be taken to the field to ensure data consistency. Also, using the script provided by TEAM (http://www.teamnetwork.org/en/protocols/bio/vegetation) the Site Manager should print out the previous census data and give it to the note-taker to carry into the field. This is crucial to detect errors in the measurement as the recensus progresses.

6.1.1 Calibration of the Diameter Tape Follow the steps in section 4.1.2.

6.1.2 Equipment List Prepare the following equipment and supplies: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Two 5-m diameter tapes One 10-m diameter tape Two rolls of orange flagging, Clipboard Pencils with erasers 1.6-m tall stick, with 1.3 m clearly marked Stencil for POM mark Orange spray paint Roll of 8-gauge, green grafting tape 51


10. Blank aluminum tags 11. Aluminum nails 12. Hammer 13. 20 iron nails, for very hard wood 14. Hand stamp steel dies 15. Four 3-m swedish ladders 16. Tree calipers 17. 1-m aluminum measuring stick 18. Two Brunton Sight Master compasses 19. Two Brunton Clino Master Clinometers 20. Laminated dead tree codes sheet 21. Vegetation Plot Metadata Field Form on Rite in the Rain paper 22. Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruits Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper 23. Vegetation Plot Re-Census Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper 24. Hard copies of the previous year’s census data in format provided by TEAM.

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Figure 24. Workflow of the steps in the re-census.

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6.2 Pre-census measurement error estimation The measurement error of the diameter taker will need to be re-estimated to ensure the quality and comparability of the data with previous censes. Follow the steps in section 4.1.2 and run the script provided by TEAM (http://www.teamnetwork.org/en/protocols/bio/vegetation) to ensure that the measurement error of the diameter-taker is acceptable. If the measurement error of the diameter taker is not acceptable, then he/she will need to be re-trained and his/her error re-estimated until it falls into the acceptable levels. The re-census cannot start until the measurement error of the diameter-taker complies the standards required by this protocol.

6.3 Movement within vegetation plot to measure stems When re-censusing the stems, measure all the stems in one subplot before moving on to the next. The subplot should be measured in 10 m × 10 m sections, dividing it into quarters. First re-census all of the stems in the quarter with the corner that is marked (0,0), then move to the next quarter with the corner that is marked (20,0) and measure all the stems there. Then move to the quarter with the corner marked (20,20) and measure all the stems there. Finally move to the quarter with the corner marked (0,20) and measure all the stems there (Figure 11). Once all four quarters are measured, all stems greater than or equal to 10 cm DBH will be measured and tagged. Then move to the next subplot and continue to measure the quarters of each subplot. Even though trees and lianas are re-censused in parallel while going through the subplot, the specific steps for each of them is shown separately in the sections below.

6.4 Measuring previously tagged stems 1. Re-measure stems. All stems tagged and painted, need to be remeasured following section 4.3. For the second and all subsequent censuses, the note-taker should have the previous year’s data at hand. When the diameter-taker calls out the number for a particular stem, the note-taker should compare the new diameter to that of the previous year. For diameters that are substantially different from the previous year (>+/100%), the note-taker should request it be measured again. Since errors can be particularly detrimental for annual growth measurements, everyone in the census crew should be very conscientious about how to properly measure the diameters. 2. Changing the POM. If a buttress or a bole aberration is moving up the tree’s trunk, move the POM before the aberration can affect it. During one year, there would be two POM measurements. One measurement would be at the previous year’s POM and the second POM would be measured at a new height that is 50 cm above the top of the bole aberration (D. A. Clark and D. B. Clark 1994; Phillips and Baker 2002). This POM movement needs to be recorded and both DBH measurements need to be entered onto the Vegetation Plot Re-census Field Form. For more detailed information, see section 4.3.1. 3. Re-Painting Stems: Not all stems need to be re-painted every year. Only

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those where the paint is gone or damaged. Measure the POM height again and, using the stencil, paint its position again. New painting will need to be done for any stems where there are two POMs for one year. 4. Re-Tagging Stems: Put new tags on any stems that have lost them. Use the X,Y coordinates to confirm the individual number. Make a new tag using the blank tags and the hand stamp steel dies. 5. Additional Problem Trees. The problems below might be encountered during the recensus. See also section 4.3.1. a. Newly Severely Damaged Tree. If a tree was 10 cm DBH or greater during the previous census, but is now less than 10 cm DBH, then this tree should not be re-measured. It is still necessary to record that the individual is alive but damaged and no longer 10 cm DBH. Record the cause of damage if known. Continue to maintain the tree tag for when the tree is again 10 cm or greater DBH. b. Severely Damaged Stem with Resprouts. If the stem was 10 cm DBH, but has been damaged with multiple resprouts, then record that the stem is still alive but is no longer 10 cm DBH. Maintain the tag on the damaged stem. If these new resprouts grow to be greater than 10 cm DBH, then their numbering will be the original stem number plus 01, 02, 03, etc. For example, if stem number 55 is damaged and has three resprouts, if those resprouts reach a DBH larger than or equal to 10 cm, then they would be numbered 55.01, 55.02, 55.03 and marked with new tags. c. Tree with Buttress or other Stem Irregularity that is moving to near the POM. If the top of the buttress or some other stem irregularity (e.g., stilt roots, damage, etc.) are moving towards the POM, then the POM needs to be moved to maintain the integrity of the annual measurements (D. A. Clark and D. B. Clark 1992, 1994; Clark 2002; Malhi et al. 2004). The avoid a compromised POM, it has to be moved 50 cm higher up the trunk of the tree when the irregularity is within 10 cm of it. In that year, two POM heights and two DBH measures need to be recorded on the Vegetation Plot Re-Census Field Form. d. Dead trees. If there is no green sprout or leaf above 1.3 m, then the tree is considered dead. The cause of death needs to be recorded (D. A. Clark and D. B. Clark 1992) using the Dead Tree Codes. Dead trees should continue to be measured for the next three censuses, as they could resprout. The dead tree codes should be recorded in the dead tree code column of the field form. The dead tree codes should be printed out and laminated for use in the field.

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BOX 2. Dead Tree Codes a = standing b = broken (snapped trunk) c = uprooted (root tip-up) d = standing or broken, probably standing (not uprooted) e = standing or broken, probably broken (not uprooted) f = standing or broken (not uprooted) g = broken or uprooted, probably uprooted h = broken or uprooted, probably broken i = broken or uprooted (not standing) j = anthropogenic k = vanished (found location, tree looked for but not found) l = presumed dead (location of tree not found e.g., problems, poor maps, etc. m = reason for tree death not specified n = burnt o = lightning p = died alone (i.e., did not die with another tree; it may have died with a liana or strangler)

q = one of multiple deaths r = died alone or one of multiple deaths (unknown) s = unknown whether killed or killer t = killer u = killed, no more information v = killed by tree that died broken w = killed by another tree that uprooted x = killed by branches that fell from dead standing tree y = killed by branches that fell from living tree z = killed by strangler2 = killed by liana 3= killed by strangler/liana weight [tree died broken or fallen], use in combination with z and/or 2 4= killed by strangler/liana competition [tree died standing], use in combination with z and/or 2

Note: codes can be used together in whatever combination is necessary (for example, op = killed by lightning alone; jl = presumed dead, anthropogenic). With multiple deaths the number of trees that died needs to be recorded. In the database this gets entered in the “comments” field. If liana(s)/strangler(s) were involved in killing the killer tree, then any trees which are in turn killed by the killer tree need to be linked to the ultimate cause of death. For each tree which is killed this way, we propose putting the ultimate cause of death in brackets. So, for example: qw(1) or qv(2) or qw(3) or qx(4).

6.5 Measuring Previously Tagged Lianas All lianas that were tagged and painted the previous year must be remeasured. Find the POM and take the diameter measurement at that location. If necessary, re-paint the POM and replace the tag if it has been lost. If liana aberration is creeping up the liana, move the POM before the aberration has affected the POM. During one year, there would be two POM measurements; one at the previous year’s POM and the second

56


at a new height that is 50 cm above the top of the bole aberration. This change in POM must be recorded, and both diameter measurements need to be entered onto the field forms. See section 4.4 for a more detailed description of how to measure lianas.

6.6 Measuring New Tree and Liana Recruits 1. Identify new recruits. As the re-census continues, make sure that any new trees 10 cm DBH and greater within the vegetation plot are measured. As the measuring team is re-censusing the vegetation plot, everyone should be looking for new trees. 2. Check location of tree. If a tree is on the edge of the subplot, have someone stand at each corner of the subplot and judge whether the tree is inside or not. A tree is inside if more than 50% of the base of the trunk is within the subplot (Figure 6). 3. Measure new recruits. If a new recruit is located, then follow the steps outlined in section 4.3. 4. Tag the new recruits. All new recruits should be tagged and numbered sequentially. For example, if the last individual that was measured from the previous year was 588, then the first new recruit would be 589 and so on. Nails may be removed by humans or primates, or otherwise lost for a number of reasons (Sheil 1995). If this happens, then the tag must be replaced.

6.7 Measuring the X and Y Coordinates of the New Recruits Follow exactly the steps in section 4.5. for the new recruits. Calculate the bearing and distance of new recruits as they are identified, measured and tagged. This is easier than waiting until the end of the re-census; when the crew would have the task of finding the new recruits again, which would be unnecessarily time-consuming.

6.8 Uploading data from a Re-Census After the re-census has finished, and as soon as technically feasible, but no more than seven days after returning from the field, the data and metadata need to be entered into the TEAM approved Excel templates and uploaded to the TEAM Network Data Repository (http://www.teamnetworkdata.org). We strongly suggest to do double data entry to catch mistakes more easily. Follow the steps below to ensure this is done in a standardized and efficient fashion. Excel Templates you will need: !

Vegetation Protocol Data Entry Excel template: To transcribe all of the

data collected during the sampling period.

6.8.1 Transcribe the data from the Vegetation Protocol Field Forms Follow these steps to transcribe all the data from the Vegetation Metadata Field Form, the Vegetation First Census/New Recruit Field Form, the Vegetation Collection Sheet, and the Vegetation Identification Form to the Vegetation Excel File.

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6.8.1.1 Transcribe the data from the Vegetation Protocol Field Forms 1. Open a copy of the Vegetation Excel Template. On the computer, open the file “VG-ET-EN-2.0.xls.” The file should have no data in it. 2. Save this template as a new Vegetation Excel Template. Save the file with a new names using SAVE AS. The name of the file should follow the TEAM standard naming convention: Site Name-VG-Date of Collection-NEW.xls Use the two-letter abbreviation for your TEAM site, the twoletter abbreviation of the protocol name (VG stands for Vegetation Protocol), and then the data of collection in ISO format (yyyy-mm-dd), the word NEW (means this is a new file), and the extension (.xls). 3. Transcribe the data. While copying the data from the field forms to the Excel templates, save your file every time you enter a new record. If there is a power failure, you will only loose one record of your time. a. Transcribe all the information from the Vegetation Metadata Field Form into the Metadata Form worksheet of the Vegetation Excel Template. b. Transcribe all the information from the Vegetation Re-Census Field Form into the First Census/New Recruits Form worksheet of the Vegetation Excel Template. c. Transcribe all the information from the Vegetation First Census/New Recruit Field Form into the First Census/New Recruits Form worksheet of the Vegetation Excel Template. d. Make sure that all values in each of the columns follow the Standard Data Dictionary for this form (all data dictionaries are available on the TEAM’s website). 4. Make a backup copy: When you have finished entering the information, or at the end of the day, make a backup copy of the file in a place other than in the current computer. Ideally this would be an external removable hard drive. This hard drive should be kept in a location separate from the computer.

6.8.2 Upload all of the information to the TEAM Website Once all of the data for the census has been entered in the computer, the Excel template needs to be uploaded to the TEAM website. Data needs to be uploaded to the TEAM website as close as technically feasible, but not longer than seven days, after coming back from the field. Make sure to include the error

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measurement data in the Error Measurement worksheet in the Vegetation Excel

Template.

1. Prepare the Vegetation Excel File. Ensure that the file uses the TEAM standard naming convention described above in section 9.1. The name of the file should be the following TEAM standard naming convention: Site Name-VG-Date of Collection-NEW.xls Use the two-letter abbreviation for your TEAM site, the two-letter abbreviation of the protocol name (VG stands for Vegetation Protocol), and then the data of collection in ISO format (yyyy-mmdd), the word NEW (means this is a new file) and the extension (.xls). 2. Upload the file to the TEAM Data Repository. a. Go to TEAM Data Repository website: http://www.teamnetworkdata.org. b. Login and follow the instructions to upload the file. c. A confirmation e-mail will be sent for every successful file upload. If this e-mail is not received, then the data upload was not successful and the file will need to be resubmitted. d. Within 48 hours, you will receive an e-mail from the Information Systems Manager confirming whether the data in the file conforms to the TEAM Minimum Data Standards. If the data conforms to the minimum data standards, then no further action is needed. Otherwise the Information Systems Manager will describe the problem in detail in his/her e-mail, and the data will need to be changed and re-submitted as soon as technically feasible.

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7

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The table below describes the roles and responsibilities of the different people involved in the implementation of the TEAM vegetation protocol. Technicians play a central role in implementing the protocol and collecting the standardized data. All protocol technicians should be familiar with the protocol and trained to implement it in a standardized manner.

Role

Responsibility

Site Manager

Complete understanding of the protocol; train the technicians; oversee the vegetation protocol; ensure that data meets the minimum data standards and the data is of a high quality; develop establishment and collection plans; review and upload data to the TEAM data repository

Technicians

Paint the POM, tag the trees; Measure the diameter and the point of measurement; during plot establishment, read the compass and clinometer to ensure that the plot is established correctly; record the data; check data against the previous year’s data; collect voucher specimens.

Regional Manager

Technical Director

Protocol Manager Remote Sensing Specialist

Information Systems Manager

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Conduct site visits to ensure that protocol is implemented according to TEAM standards; ensure back-ups and field forms are properly archived; review data when uploaded to TEAM data repository. Approve protocol updates, sampling scheduler and sampling design; send out protocol update notifications. Responsible for consistency of implementation of the protocol across TEAM sites. Carry out technical visits to the site, and approve final locations of plots. Receive comments about the protocol from the field; update the protocol. Approve the locations of the corners of the vegetation plot; assist Site Manager with implementation of sampling design if required. Ensures data complies with TEAM’s minimum data standards.


8

EQUIPMENT LIST

Setting up the Vegetation plot 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Two 50-m tape measures Two Brunton Sight Master compasses Two Brunton Clino Master Clinometers Two rolls of orange flagging Medium-thick nylon string for exterior baselines of vegetation plot, 450 m per one ha. 6. Thinner, but still strong cotton string for the interior subplots 7. 121 PVC pipes 8. Aluminum tags with coordinates marked on them 9. Aluminum wire (for attaching tags to stake) 10. Print out of the vegetation with all coordinates 11. Vegetation Plot Establishment Form on Rite in the Rain paper

Measuring Vegetation plot 1. Two 5-m diameter tapes 2. One 10-m diameter tape 3. Two rolls of orange flagging 4. Clipboard 5. Rite in the Rain Pens 6. 1.6-m tall stick with 1.3 m clearly marked 7. Stencil for POM mark 8. Orange spray paint 9. Roll of 8-gauge, green grafting tape 10. Aluminum tags, 1-600 (More tags might be necessary if the region has a higher number of trees/ha, it is important that these tags are consecutive numbers) 11. Blank aluminum tags 12. Aluminum nails 13. Hammer 14. 40 iron nails, for very hard wood 15. Four 3-m Swedish ladders 16. Tree calipers 17. 1-m aluminum measuring stick 18. Two Brunton Sight Master compasses 19. Two Brunton Clino Master Clinometers 20. Vegetation Plot Metadata Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper 21. Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruits Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper Re-Census of Vegetation plot 1. Two 5-m diameter tapes 2. One 10-m diameter tape 3. Two rolls of orange flagging 61


4. Roll of 8-gauge, green grafting tape 5. Clipboard 6. Field data forms on Rite in the Rain paper 7. Pencils with erasers 8. 1.6-m tall stick with 1.3 m clearly marked 9. Stencil for POM mark 10. Orange spray paint 11. Blank aluminum tags 12. Aluminum nails 13. Hammer 14. 20 iron nails, for very hard wood 15. Hand stamp steel dies 16. Four 3-m swedish ladders 17. Tree calipers 18. 1-m aluminum measuring stick 19. Two Brunton Sight Master compasses 20. Two Brunton Clino Master Clinometers 21. Vegetation Plot Metadata Field Form on Rite in the Rain paper 22. Vegetation Plot First Census/New Recruits Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper 23. Vegetation Plot Re-Census Field Forms on Rite in the Rain paper Collecting for Vegetation plot 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Collecting bag Collecting poles Tree pruners Thin masking tape Sharpie pens Orange flagging Climbing equipment/High Limb Chain Saw Vegetation Plot Collection Sheet on Rite in the Rain paper Vegetation Plot Identification Form on Rite in the Rain paper

Suppliers The majority of the vegetation supplies, including the compasses, clinometer, diameter tapes, 50-m tape measures, flagging, Aluminum tags, Rite in the Rain paper, Aluminum nails, hand stamp dies, Felco pruners, balance, drying oven, and Swedish ladders can be purchased from Forestry Suppliers: www.forestrysuppliers.com, International orders call: 601-354-3565, Forestry Supplies Inc. 205 West Rankin Street P.O. Box 8397 Jackson, MS 39284-8397 USA. Equipment Manuals Brunton Sight Master Sighting Compass Brunton Clino Master Clinometer

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9

GLOSSARY OF TERMS !

! ! !

!

!

! ! ! !

! !

! !

Baselines. The first baseline has the coordinates (0,0) through (100,0); the second baseline has the coordinates (0,0) through (0,100). The rest of the 1-ha plot will be marked off the two baselines by placing ten lines parallel to the second baseline and perpendicular to the first baseline. The bearing of these baselines should be recorded on the metadata for the vegetation plot. Core study area. This refers to the sub area within the site where TEAM sampling units are located. Refer to the sampling design protocol for more information on the core study area. DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). A standard forestry measurement; the diameter of a stem is measured at 1.3 m up the stem from the forest floor. Diameter. The standard size measurement made around of tree trunks, palm trunks, and tree fern and liana stems. A special diameter measuring tape is calibrated to give an instant reading of the diameter by wrapping it around the stem. Individual. A genetically unique entity or organism. For many plants (e.g., some lianas) it is very difficult to delineate the individual in the field. In many cases the individual has more than one measurable stem at 1.3 m from the ground. POM (Point of Measurement). The exact location along the stem where the diameter is measured. For most trees this will be at the height of 1.3 m but for some with buttresses, fluting, damage or deformity the height will not be 1.3 m. When the POM is not at 1.3 m, the height at which the DBH was measured must be recorded in the field forms. Quadrate. The 10 × 10 m squares, four of which make up a subplot. Sampling Design. Refers to the number of plots (sample size), their locations (spatial distribution), and the time of year and frequency of successive sampling periods (temporal distribution). Sampling Period. The specified time (e.g., week, month, climatic season) when all stems are measured. The TEAM Vegetation Protocol has one sampling period in a calendar year, and it must be during the dry season. Sampling Unit ID. A unique identification that includes the two-letter code for the Vegetation Plot Protocol (VB), the two letter site codes, and the plot number where the sampling occurred. For example, VG-CX-1 is the Sampling Unit ID for the Vegetation Plot protocol at the Caxiuanã TEAM site in plot number 1. Site ID. The two letter code that indicates the TEAM site. Stem. The stem is the measurable unit in the vegetation protocol. It can be a single measurable ascending trunk or bole or each of several branching trunks or boles in a tree, liana, palm or tree fern. A single individual can have several measurable stems. Stem ID. A unique code, assigned on the basis of a standard convention to a particular stem. Subplots. Each of the twenty-five 20 × 20 m sections which comprise a 1ha Vegetation Plot. 63


! !

!

Vegetation Plot. The 1-ha (100 × 100 m) plot where the DBH of all stems of !10 cm DBH are measured annually. Vegetation plot ID. A unique code, assigned using a standard convention for a particular vegetation plot. See Section 4.3 (and the Data Management Protocol) for the specific convention TEAM uses to identify plots. X,Y Coordinates. The vegetation plot cartesian coordinates. The coordinates should be measured in meters and rounded to one decimal place.

10 BIBLIOGRAPHY Baker, T. R., O. L. Phillips, Y. Malhi, S. Almeida, L. Arroyo, A. DiFiore, T. Erwin, N. Higuchi, T. Killeen, S. G. Laurance, W. F. Laurance, S. L. Lewis, A. Monteagudo, D. A. Neill, P. Núñez Vargas, N. C. A. Pitman, J. N. M. Silva, R. Vásquez Martinez. 2004. Increasing biomass in Amazonian forest plots. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, London B 359: 353–365. Boyle, B. L. 1996. Changes on Altitudinal and Latitudinal Gradients in Neotropical Montane Forests. Ph.D. dissertation, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. Campbell, P., J. Comiskey, A. Alonso, F. Dallmeier, P. Nuñez, H. Beltran, S. Baldeon, W. Nauray, R. de la Colina, L. Acurio and S. Udvardy. 2002. Modified Whittaker Plots as an assessment and monitoring tool for vegetation in a lowland tropical rainforest. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 76: 19-41. Clark, D. A. 2002. Are tropical forests an important carbon sink? Reanalysis of the long-term plot data. Ecological Applications 12(1): 3–7. Clark, D.A., and D.B. Clark. 1992. Life history diversity of canopy and emergent trees in a neotropical rain forest. Ecological Monographs 62:315-344. Clark, D. A, and D. B. Clark. 1994. Climate-induced annual variation in canopy tree growth in a Costa Rican tropical rain forest. Journal of Ecology 82: 865–872. Clark, D. A., S. Brown, D. W. Kicklighter, J. Q. Chambers, J. R. Thomlinson, J. Ni, and E. A. Holland. 2001. Net primary production in tropical forests: An evaluation and synthesis of existing field data. Ecological Applications 11(2) 371–384. Clark, D. A., S. C. Piper, C. D. Keeling and D. B. Clark. 2003. Tropical rain forest tree growth and atmospheric carbon dynamics linked to interannual temperature variation during 1984–2000. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 100(10): 5852–5857. Clark, D. B. and D. A. Clark. 1989. The role of physical damage in the seedling mortality regime of a neotropical rain forest. Oikos 55: 225–230.

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Clark, D. B., M. W. Palmer and D. A. Clark. 1999. Edaphic factors and the landscape-scale distributions of tropical rain forest trees. Ecology 80(8): 2662– 2675. Condit, R. 1998. Tropical Forest Census Plots: Methods and Results from Barro Colorado Island, Panama and a Comparison with Other Plots. Springer, Berlin. Condit, R. G., S. Loo de Lao, J. Leigh, G. Egbert, R. B. Foster, E. Sukumar, N. Manokaran and S. P. Hubbell. 1998. Assessing forest diversity from small plots: Calibration using species-individual curves from 50 ha plots. In: F. Dallmeier and J. A. Comiskey (eds.), Forest Biodiversity Research, Monitoring and Modeling: Conceptual Background and Old World Case Studies, pp.247–268. UNESCO and Parthenon Publishing Group, New York. Dallmeier, F. and J. Comisky. 1996. From the forest to the user: a methodology update. In: D. Wilson and A. Sandoval (eds.), Manu: The Biodiversity of Southeastern Peru; la Biodiversidad del Sureste del Peru, pp.41–56. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC. Dallmeier, F., M. Kabel, and R. Rice. 1992. Methods for long-term biodiversity inventory plots in protected tropical forest. MAB Digest Series 11. UNESCO, Paris. Gerwing, J. J., S. A. Schnitzer, R. J. Burnham, R. Bongers, J. Chave, S. J. DeWalt, C. E. N. Ewango, R. Foster, D. Kenfack, M. Marinez-Ramos, M. Parren, N. Parthasarathy, D. R. Pérez-Salicrup, F. E. Putz and D. W. Thomas. 2006. A Standard Protocol for Liana Censuses. Biotropica 38(2): 256–261. IPCC. 2006. 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Prepared by the National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme, H. S. Eggleston, L. Buendia, K. Miwa, T. Ngara and K. Tanabe (eds.). Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan. Lieberman, D., M. Lieberman, R. Peralta and G. S. Hartshorn. 1985. Mortality patterns and stand turnover rates in a wet tropical forest in Costa Rica. Journal of Ecology 73: 915–924. Lieberman, D., M. Lieberman, R. Peralta and G. S. Hartshorn. 1996. Tropical forest structure and composition on a large-scale altitudinal gradient in Costa Rica. Journal of Ecology 84: 137–152. Losos, E. C., J. Leigh, and E. Giles (eds.). 2004. Tropical Forest Diversity and Dynamism: Findings From a Large-scale Plot Network. University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Malhi, Y., T.R. Baker, O.L. Phillips, S. Almeida, E. Alvarez, L. Arroyo, J. Chave, C. Czimczik, A. Di Fiore, N. Higuchi, T. Killeen, S. G. Laurance, W. F. Laurance, S. L. Lewis, L. M. Mercado, A. Monteagudo, D. A. Neill, N. C. A. Pitman, C. A. Quesada, J. N. M. Silva, R. Vásquez Martínez, J. Terborgh, B. Vincenti and J. Lloyd. 2004. The above-ground wood productivity and net primary productivity of 65


100 Neotropical forests. Global Change Biology 10: 563–591. Phillips, O. and T. Baker. 2002. RAINFOR Field Manual for Plot Establishment

and Remeasurement.

http://www.geog.leeds.ac.uk/projects/rainfor/rainforfieldmanual.doc Pitman, N. C. A., J. Terborgh, M. R. Silman and P. Nuñez V. 1999. Tree Species Distribution in an Upper Amazonian Forest. Ecology. 80(8): 2651–2661. Schnitzer, S. A., Rutishauser, S. and Aguilar, S. 2008. Supplemental protocol for liana censuses. Forest Ecology and Management 225: 1044–1049. Sheil, D. 1995. A critique of permanent plot methods and analysis with examples from Budongo Forest, Uganda. Forest Ecology and Management 77: 11–34.

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11 APPENDIX A1. VEGETATION PLOT ESTABLISHMENT FIELD FORM

VEGETATION PROTOCOL FIELD FORM VEGETATION PLOT INSTALLATION TEAM NETWORK DATES OF INSTALLATION: FROM Year ______ Month ____ Day ___

PEOPLE WHO INSTALLED THE PLOT: ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

To Year ______ Month _____ Day ____

Sampling Unit ID Protocol Code VG

Site Code

Plot Number

Coordinates X

Y

0

0

Latitude

Longitude

Compass bearing from (0,0) to (0,100):_____________________________ Compass bearing from (0,0) to (100,0): _____________________________ COMMENTS: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

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12 APPENDIX A2. VEGETATION PLOT METADATA FIELD FORM

FIELD FORM VEGETATION PLOT METADATA TEAM NETWORK SAMPLING UNIT ID: __-__-__

YYYY

Date MM

68

DD

SAMPLING PERIOD:______

Person providing comment

Comment

13 APPENDIX A3. VEGETATION PLOT FIRST CENSUS/NEW RECRUIT FIELD FORM

First Census/New Recruit Field Form Plot ID: __-__-__

Date of Census: ____ _____ ____ Year Month Day Name of Diameter Measurer: _________________________

Stem No.

Subplot No.

Tree or Liana: T/L

Location Code

Diameter (cm)

POM Height (m)

Condition Code(s)

Sampling Period: __________

Name of Data Recorder:________________________________ Voucher

Location Coordinates XS

YS

Distance (m)

Family

Genus

Species

Notes

Bearing (º)

Condition Codes: B: Buttresses C: Stilt roots D: Damaged or Deformed E: Estimated Diameter F: Fluted G: Prostrate H: Branched Trunk I: Uprooted J: Inclined K: Dead L: Ladder Used N: Trunk with Regrowth O: Broken at the Base P: Broken at the trunk R: Partial Crown Loss S: Missing Bark T: Tree dying U: Tree re-measured V: Current measurement less than last year


14 APPENDIX A4. VEGETATION PLOT RE-CENSUS FIELD FORM Re-census Field Form Plot ID: __-__-__

Date of Census: ____ _____ ____ Sampling Period: __________ Year Month Day Name of Diameter Measurer: _________________________ Name of Data Recorder:______________________________________

Stem No.

Subplot No.

Tree or Liana: T/L

Location Code

Family

Genus

Species

Diameter (cm)

POM Height (m)

New Diameter (cm)

New POM Height (m)

Condition Code(s)

Dead Tree Codes

Voucher

Notes

Condition Codes: B: Buttresses C: Stilt roots D: Damaged or Deformed E: Estimated Diameter F: Fluted G: Prostrate H: Branched Trunk I: Uprooted J: Inclined K: Dead L: Ladder Used N: Trunk with Regrowth O: Broken at the Base P: Broken at the trunk R: Partial Crown Loss S: Missing Bark T: Tree dying U: Tree re-measured V: Current measurement less than last year W: Flattened, non-cylindrical liana.

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15 APPENDIX A5. VEGETATION PLOT COLLECTION SHEET

Vegetation Plot COLLECTION SHEET

To be kept with the specimen collected in the field

Plot ID: __-__-__ Stem #: _____ Sampling Period: __________ Name of Collector: _________________________ Collector Code: ____________________________

Date of Collection: Year _____ Month ____ Day ____

Voucher:_____________

16 APPENDIX A6. SPECIMEN IDENTIFICATION FORM Specimen Identification Form (use a separate form for each Herbarium used) (Tentative; needs more work) Stem No.

Tree or Liana: T/L

Collected Sample: Vegetative, Flowers, and/or Fruits/Seeds

TEAM Specimen Code

Date of Collection YYYY

MM

Collector Name DD

Family

Genus

Species

Date Determined YYYY

MM

Determined By DD

Herbarium/ Museum Specimen Code

Author

17 APPENDIX A7. TERRAIN INCLINATION CORRECTION. The table below shows the correction required for a 10 m measurement as a function of terrain inclination to the nearest degree (same value applies to negative values). Terrain inclination (degrees) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Measurement on the ground 10.00 10.01 10.01 10.02 10.04 10.06 10.08 10.10 10.12 10.15 10.19 10.22 10.26 10.31 10.35 10.40 10.46 10.51 10.58 10.64 10.71 10.79 10.86 10.95 11.03 11.13 11.22 11.33 11.43 11.55

Number of cm to add 0 1 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 15 19 22 26 31 35 40 46 51 58 64 71 79 86 95 103 113 122 133 143 155


18 APPENDIX A8. EXAMPLE OF MAP FOR PLOT SETUP

74