Site Selection & Monitoring Plot Delineation

Transcription

1 Site Selection & Monitoring Plot Delineation Overview Site selection and delineation of monitoring plots within those sites is the first step in broad scale monitoring of monarch butterfly populations and their habitats. Two main types of sites may be monitored within the program. First, random sites are established using a sampling framework of priority 10x10 kilometer blocks and points within blocks to provide unbiased information about habitat availability and monarch use. Secondly, non random sites of interest (e.g. sites managed for monarchs, other conservation sites) may be selected, providing assessment of particular areas or management practices. A sampling framework that informs random site selection is described below. These random sampling points are distributed among various strata, or land use types (see Table 1), hereafter referred to as site types. Also described are processes for non random sites, acquiring permission for accessing selected sites, and setting up or delineating a monitoring plot within a site. To aid in the selection, assignment, and delineation of monitoring sites and to document and track this process, you will use the IMMP Mapping Application in ArcGIS Online (AGOL). (See the IMMP Mapping Application Instructions). Monitoring Site Selection The overall goal of site selection is to match monitors with random or known locations on a variety of site types across the monarch range in North America. To guide this effort, we are using a Generalized Random Tessellation Systematic (GRTS) sampling framework (Loeb et al. 2015). The GRTS system uses a two staged process. In the first stage, 10 km x 10 km (100 km 2 ) master cells, hereafter referred to as monarch blocks, are numbered. The numbers represent the order that the block was randomly selected from all possible (mutually exclusive) blocks in the United States. Lower block numbers indicate higher sampling prioritization (see Figure 1). The second stage of the sample framework applies a similar process to thousands of points within each monarch block. In addition to a random number assigned to all points, each point was assigned a site type (stratum) (see Table 1). We refer to these numbered locations as sampling points (see Figure 2). The lower the point number, the higher the sampling priority. Each point has a pair of x y coordinates used for locating the site. Sampling points are used to establish monitoring plots. 1 Draft 04/23/18

2 Figure 1: Randomized Monarch Blocks. A view of the national GRTS grid (in central Missouri). These GRTS cells (monarch blocks) display the assigned randomized block number. Red-highlighted blocks represent the priority (top 5%) blocks. The lower the number, the higher the sampling priority. Table 1. Description of monitoring site types (strata or sectors) for points in the GRTS sample draw. See Supplemental Materials 1 for a complete list and GIS descriptions of all site types and subtypes. Site Types Code Identifying Features Protected Grassland Unclassified Grassland PRG UCG Grasslands, savanna, and shrubland; herbaceous plants dominant; public land or private land under easement Grasslands, savanna, and shrubland; herbaceous plants dominant; public or private land with no known easement Agriculture 1 AGC Row crops, orchards, vineyards, field edges, etc. Rights-of-way 2 ROW Roadside rights-of-ways and rail corridors. Developed 3 DEV Areas associated with residential, commercial, industrial, or public development; rural, exurban, suburban, or urban 1. Agriculture (AGC) includes crop fields and agricultural edges (habitat surrounding or between fields). Agriculture Conservation Land (ACL), such as those enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, are not classified in the GRTS draw (due to privacy concerns) but are of interest to the program. ACLs have been classed as either AGC or UCG depending on the land use at the time of the satellite imagery classification. When discovered as such, these lands should be noted as ACL in the verified site type field on the site description form. 2. Roadsides and railways are the only Rights-of-Way (ROW) subtypes represented in the GRTS draw (see the Land Use Code field (LUC) associated with each point for the subtype). Monitors may sample other identified rights-of-way and note the subtype in the subtype field on the site description form as follows: RDS=roadside, RAI=railway, POW=powerline, PIP=pipeline, OTH= other. Also note that roadsides to be sampled in the field are to be at least 4 m wide and with safe parking and accessibility. 3. For developed sites, IMMP seeks samples from high, medium, and low intensity developed areas as well as developed open space in metropolitan blocks (see the LUC code for these subtypes). These subtypes should be noted in the subtype field as the following: DHI= Developed High Intensity, DMI=Developed Medium Intensity, DLI=Developed Low Intensity, DOS=Developed Open Space. 2 Draft 04/23/18

3 Figure 2: Monarch Block with Sampling Points. Monarch Block number 1395 and the top 200 sampling points within that block. Point color symbolizes the different site types. Two pieces of information are combined to identify a site, 1) monarch block number and 2) sampling point number. For example, a site drawn from the 1395 th monarch block, point number 4, (red dot at top of Figure 2) is site number Data collectors will add leading zeros so that each half of the site number has six digits. This ID will tie the collected monitoring data back to the spatial data and sampling design. Random Sites: For a representative, spatially balanced characterization of potential monarch habitat, effort will be directed to sampling within randomly selected, high priority monarch blocks when possible. Within blocks, data collectors should attempt to sample at least one site within each site type (provided in Table 1). The most unbiased way to select monitoring sites is to sample the lowest numbered sampling point within each type. This involves establishing contact with public and private landowners/mangers and may require significant lead time to gain access to a site. Whenever the highest priority (lowest number) point per type is not monitored, the reason must be recorded in the why not monitored data field (see Table 2). The field for tracking this information is in the IMMP Mapping Application (STATUS point layer). Table 2. Reasons Why Sites Not Monitored did not try to get permission permission was denied unsafe conditions poor access (e.g., inaccessible, impassable) site is not habitat (e.g., forest, lake, parking lot) incorrect site type; is habitat but monitoring not needed site is too small (<1ac) Non random Sites: Participants interested in monitoring a site of their choosing, such as on agricultural conservation lands or in habitat management areas may also contribute data to this effort. For a selfselected site, the participant needs to delineate the area of interest and send the boundary file to the monitoring coordinator (as a KML file or shapefile). If they do not already have such a file, they may use the Google Maps Area Calculator Tool to generate the boundary file of their area of interest. The coordinator will then use that file to determine the placement of the monitoring plot within the site by overlaying the boundaries of the area of interest with the map of monarch blocks and sampling points. 3 Draft 04/23/18

4 Once received, import the boundary file into the IMMP mapping application and identify the lowest numbered sampling point within that boundary (see the IMMP Mapping Application instructions addendum). As with a random, site, the site ID will then be that monarch block sampling point number combination. In this case, you will flag the site as self selected and do not need to document why lower numbered points in that monarch block were not monitored. (NOTE: Only the top 20 points per site type within the highest priority blocks are stored in the IMMP Mapping Application. Contact the MJV data manager (ktuerk@umn.edu) with the number of the monarch block of interest and she will upload all the sampling points for that block.) Summary of steps for selecting a site and delineating a monitoring plot (skip steps 1 3 for non random sites of interest): 1) Select a high priority monarch block within reasonable distance of interested monitors. 2) Working down the list of ranked points in that block, select the highest priority sampling point in each site type. In the developed site type (metropolitan areas), we also want to sample one of each subtype (high, medium, low density, and open space). 3) Delineate a monitoring plot from that point use the layout directions according to the associated site type. 4) Gain permission to monitor at the identified sampling points. 5) If permission cannot be attained or is denied, go back to step 2. 6) If permission is granted, monitor the plot or assign the site to monitor(s) and send locational information to them. Gaining Permissions for Access and Waivers Before monitoring a site, permission from the landowner or land manager must be granted to access and collect data on the site. Even if in public ownership, it is required to contact the managing authority prior to accessing the site (pertains to all site types). Contact the most local person affiliated with the site (e.g., private landowner, state or county DOT, park manager, etc.) to let them know that someone would like to visit their site to collect monarch butterfly and habitat information as part of a national effort (see Appendix C for an example script). For public lands, the contact information for managers is often readily available online. Alternatively, one can also stop by a main office in person to check in with the site or area managers. This allows the managers to provide information about any special considerations regarding the site, such as hunting seasons, seasonal closures, or if any management practices (mowing/burning) are being conducted. They may ask for the dates planned for monitoring, the names of volunteers or persons visiting the site, and to be contacted prior to visits. To contact private landowners, it is recommended to find sources in the community who know them and work through those contacts. If a landowner posts their contact information on signage at the location of interest, an alternative could be calling the landowner directly. In rural areas, it may be more be effective to attend a local community or producer meeting to explain the effort and see if any landowners are willing to participate. One could also contact a local private lands conservation program office (federal or state). In urban or suburban areas, stopping at the business or residence that is in your survey area and speaking with them directly about the program is recommended. In all cases, unless the person or organization monitoring the property is the owner of that property, landowners or land managers must sign the Access, Permission, and Landowner Release of Liability form (see Appendix D) before monitoring begins. In addition, landowners or land managers should grant 4 Draft 04/23/18

5 permission to share the data collected on the property and indicate if it is permitted to share their location (their locational information can be masked to the level of the monarch block or county if requested). Monitoring Plot Delineation Before monitoring a site, delineate the monitoring plot using the IMMP Mapping Application. In the online map, choose different plot designs based on the site type, size, and shape. Choose the section below that best describes the site of interest, and follow the directions to determine monitoring plot placement. Record important information such as site type, plot size, plot configuration, and transect bearing in the Status point layer of the mapping application. (See the IMMP Mapping Application Instructions). 5 Draft 04/23/18

6 Grasslands, Developed Open Space, Agricultural Conservation Program Land, Wide Agriculture Edges and Rights of Way Orient the monitoring plot by pivoting around the sampling point in a clock wise direction so that it fits within the target site type (no more than 10% of the plot should extend into a different type). If possible, place the plot so that it aligns with the greatest change in elevation. Use the elevation layer in the IMMP mapping application to inform this placement. Record the coordinates (latitude/longitude) of the sampling point as well as the other three corners of the box. Also determine the bearing (degree from north, 0 ) from the starting point to the end of the first transect and give a direction (left or right) that you want them to turn at the end of the first transect to establish their second transect. Record these fields in the status point layer in the mapping application. Note: if space is limited and the boxes do not fit anchored on the sample point, you may shift the location of the standard box slightly to fit the box, as long as the sample point is within the box. Standard Rectangle: The standard (preferred) monitoring plot is a 200 m x 50 m rectangular plot anchored on the sampling point. Standard Square: If the standard rectangular plot does not fit within the target site type, a 100 m x 100 m square may be used. a) b) Figure 3a and 3b: Standard box plot delineation. a) Standard rectangle, b) Standard square. Irregular Plots: If the area around the point is smaller than 1.0 ha (2.47 ac) or irregularly shaped such that it cannot accommodate a box configuration, alter the shape of the plot (Figure 3c). Use the IMMP Mapping Application to c) measure the plot area and determine the appropriate spacing between transects (transects are spaced as far apart as possible). Figure 3c: Irregular plots. 6 Draft 04/23/18

7 Rights of Way In roadsides, orient the monitoring plot along one side of the road. Move the sampling point to the nearest right of way edge and anchor the plot at that point. The plot extends 500 m through the right ofway against the flow of traffic (Figure 3d). Plots must measure at least 4 m wide and may not exceed 50 m (this width includes the full width of vegetation in the right of way, including mowed areas). The width will vary depending on the right of way. Railways, power corridors, and transmission lines should monitored in the same way. For these sites, flip a coin to choose a random direction for extending the plot. If the right of way is 50 m or wider, follow plot delineation instructions for the standard rectangle. Figure 3d: Right-of-way site (roadside). Agriculture Crop Fields: From the sampling point, move to the nearest corner of the field to set up a standard rectangle plot (200 m x 50 m) (or standard square if that does not fit). If the field is not rectangular or square, move the sampling point to the nearest field edge. Position the plot with the long side running parallel to the crop rows so that the transects run with the rows (see Figure 3e). Edges: If an agricultural crop field has distinct edge habitat, establish a plot to encompass that area (e.g. fence line, hedgerow, in field grass strip). From the sampling point, move to the nearest corner or habitat edge to set up the monitoring plot. Extend the plot along the edge habitat for 500 meters (similar to a roadside) (Figure 3f). The plot may turn a corner or make its way entirely around a field. However, skip over any edge along a roadway (this instead becomes a right of way site type). If the width of the edge is narrower than 4 m, the habitat should be comprehensively surveyed (see directions for Small, Developed, and Narrow Agricultural Edges in Appendix F). If the edge is 50 m or wider, the plot should be monitored as a standard rectangle. e) f) Figure 3e and 3f: Agricultural crop field and edge habitat. 7 Draft 04/23/18

8 Developed Areas In developed areas (low, medium, and high density developed), the preferred plots measure 200 m x 50 m and are oriented by placing the southwest corner of the rectangle at the sampling point. The rectangle should be pivoted in a clockwise direction to fit the street grid. If the rectangle intrudes into a different development level (e.g., medium from low) or site type (such as agriculture), then a square plot (100 m by 100 m) may be used. Note: in Developed Open Space, the site will usually be able to accommodate a standard rectangle or standard square plot design. If not, the site can be delineated as an irregular plot. Figure 3g: Developed site. Communicating Information to the Surveyor After you have identified a site, gained access to the land, and determined the plot configuration, the site is ready to be surveyed. If another person will be monitoring the site, then there are several pieces of information to communicate. These include: Site type (e.g. grassland, right of way, etc.) Plot configuration (e.g. standard rectangle, standard square, irregular plot, etc.) Latitude/longitude of sampling point Latitude/longitude for corners of plot Start bearing (where appropriate) Transect spacing (for irregularly shaped sites) Any access information they will need to get on the property Information about how often (and how) to contact the land owner or land manager Appropriate data sheets (for manual data collection) or Survey123 instructions (for electronic data collection). *We will provide a template for the above information that you may send to the monitor. 8 Draft 04/23/18