BLM - Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM)

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Keywords

Metadata; range; wildlife; vegetation; endangered; hydrology; National Resources Inventory; Landscape Monitoring Framework; Plant Census; AIM; monitoring methods; projects; science; GRSG; AIM_CA; AIM_CO; AIM_NV; AIM_NM; AIM_AZ; AIM_AK; AIM_ID; AIM_ORWA; AIM_MTDA; AIM_WY; AIM_UT; AIM_NATL; Remote Sensing; health

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Geographic Coverage

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed lands/properties, predominantly occurring in the western United States including in California (AIM_CA), Colorado (AIM_CO), Nevada (AIM_NV), New Mexico (AIM_NV), Arizona (AIM_AZ), Arkansas (AIM_AK), Idaho (AIM_ID), Oregon and Washington (AIM_ORWA), (AIM_MTDA), Wyoming (AIM_WY), Utah (AIM_UT), and AIM_NATL.

Taxonomic Coverage

Basic plot information as well as Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) core indicators: bare ground, vegetation composition, plant species of management concern, proportion of site in large, intercanopy gaps, soil stability, vegetation height and non-native invasive (plant) species. Includes percent cover data for trees, grasses, shrubs, forbs, succulents, cyanobacteria crusts, lichens, mosses, and in particular sagebrush (Artemisia spp.).

Temporal Coverage

Project Data

No Description available

The personnel involved in the project:

Sampling Methods

See Reference: Toevs, G.R., J.J. Taylor, C.S. Spurrier, W.C. MacKinnon, and M.R. Bobo. 2011. Bureau of Land Management Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Strategy: For integrated renewable resources management. Bureau of Land Management, National Operations Center, Denver, CO. http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Information_Resources_Management/policy/ib_attachments/2012.Par.53766.File.dat/IB2012-080_att1.pdf

Method step description:

1. See Reference: Toevs, G.R., J.J. Taylor, C.S. Spurrier, W.C. MacKinnon, and M.R. Bobo. 2011. Bureau of Land Management Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Strategy: For integrated renewable resources management. Bureau of Land Management, National Operations Center, Denver, CO. http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Information_Resources_Management/policy/ib_attachments/2012.Par.53766.File.dat/IB2012-080_att1.pdf
2. Entities are broad data types and attributes are specific AIM indicators collected at points across a diversity of BLM lands for a variety of purposes. Attributes include basic plot info as well as AIM core indicators: bare ground, vegetation composition, plant species of management concern, proportion of site in large, intercanopy gaps, soil stability, vegetation height and non-native invasive species. Entities (points) were chosen using a probabilistic sample design. BLM Technical Note 440: Core Terrestrial Indicators and Methods (MacKinnon et al. 2011). Core indicators are the minimum information collected at each plot. These are essential for understanding ecosystem health and creating a standard dataset BLM-wide. In contrast, supplemental indicators are additional information that is collected to meet specific management objectives or local needs. The AIM Strategy focuses on detecting changes in three key attributes of ecosystem sustainability: 1) soil and site stability 2) hydrologic function 3) biotic integrity. Collectively, ecosystem status can be determined by comparing measured quantitative indicators of the three attributes to what is expected based on site potential. Terrestrial core indicators were developed by a collaborative process that synthesized knowledge and experiences of nearly 200 scientists, rangeland managers, and ecologists from different agencies and institutions. A large number of potential indicators were rated against 16 criteria, and the most general indicators with the broadest applicability to a range of management questions were selected.
3. Basic Plot Info SiteID: This is used by data collectors for grouping plots, e.g., by type or management area. Common values are names of management units (such as allotments) or the subject of data collection (such as reclamation). ProjectName: Refers to the broader project area the data was collected in. Generally includes the state, BLM management office and year. Ecological Site ID: Unique ID referring to the ecological site, defined by NRCS as "a distinctive kind of land with specific characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce a distinctive kind and amount of vegetation." ID's are from the Ecological Site Information System (https://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/About.aspx). Plot ID: Name for each location or "plot" where data is collected, as assigned by the data collector. Formats vary. Duplicate Plot ID's may exist among different Sites and Projects, but not within the same Site. Each AIM plot is the center point of a 55-meter radius (110-meter diameter) circle in which monitoring indicators (data set attributes) were collected. Points were randomly selected using a spatially balanced sampling design within the desired inference space. Most of the attributes were collected along three, 50- or 25-meter transects, offset from the center point by 5 meters, radiating out from the center point at 0, 120, and 240 degrees. PlotKey: Unique numeric ID associated with each plot location. This is automatically generated in DIMA the first time the plot is created. Future visits to the same plot generally use the same PlotKey. Latitude: The latitude of the plot location. Longitude: The longitude of the plot location. DateEstablished: The date the plot was established in DIMA. DateVisited: The date that data were collected at the plot.
4. BLM AIM TerraADat RangelandHealth point: Attributes of Rangeland Health Summarized by Monitoring Location Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (Pellant et al. 2005) Qualitative assessment of rangeland health, defined as "the degree to which the integrity of the soil, vegetation, water, and air, as well as the ecological processes of the rangeland ecosystem are balanced and sustained." Hydrologic Function Rating: Rating of the Hydrologic Function attribute of rangeland health. Hydrologic function is defined as the capacity of an area to caputre, store, and safely release water from rainfall, run-on, and snowmelt (where relevant), to resist a reduction in this capacity, and to recover this capacity where a reduction does occur. Ratings refer to the departure from reference conditions, and fall into five categories: none-to-slight, slight-to-moderate, moderate-to-extreme, and extreme-to-total. Biotic Integrity Rating: Rating of the Biotic Integrity attribute of rangeland health. Biotic integrity is defined as the capacity of the biotic community to support ecological processes within the normal range of variability expected for the site, to resist a loss in the capacity to support these processes, and to recover this capacity when losses do occur. The biotic community includes plants, animals, and microorganisms occurring both above and below ground. Ratings refer to the departure from reference conditions, and fall into five categories: none-to-slight, slight-to-moderate, moderate-to-extreme, and extreme-to-total. Soil & Site Stability Rating: Rating of the Soil & Site Stability attribute of rangeland health. Soil & Site Stability is defined as the capacity of an area to limit redistribution and loss of soil resources (including nutrients and organic matter) by wind and water. Ratings refer to the departure from reference conditions, and fall into five categories: none-to-slight, slight-to-moderate, moderate-to-extreme, and extreme-to-total.
5. BLM AIM TerrADat RemoteSensing point: Core Terrestrial Indicators Summarized by Monitoring Location Core terrestrial indicators summarized for each monitoring location and date that monitoring was completed. Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savannah Ecosystems (Herrick et al. 2005, In Revision). Bare Soil Cover (First Hit %): The basal cover of soil in the plot, not including soil that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over bare soil are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Total Foliar Cover (First Hit %): The foliar cover of plants in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Herb Litter Cover (First Hit %): The cover of herbaceous litter (first hit) in the plot, not including litter that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over herbaceous litter are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Woody Litter Cover (First Hit %): The cover of woody litter (first hit) in the plot, not including litter that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over woody litter are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Embedded Litter Cover (First Hit %): The cover of embedded litter (first hit) in the plot, not including litter that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over embedded litter are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Total Litter Cover (First Hit %): The cover of total litter (first hit), both herbaceous and woody, in the plot, not including litter that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over litter are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Rock Cover (First Hit %): The cover (first hit) of rock (rock, boulder, cobble, gravel, bedrock, and stone) in the plot, not including rock that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over rock are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Cyanobacteria Crust Cover (First Hit %): The cover of cyanobacterial crust (first hit) in the plot, not including biological crust that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over biological crust are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Vagrant Lichen Cover (First Hit %): The cover of vagrant lichen (first hit) in the plot, not including vagrant lichen that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over vagrant lichen are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Lichen/Moss/Duff Cover (First Hit %): The cover of lichens, moss, and duff (first hit) in the plot, not including lichens and moss that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over lichen are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Deposited Soil Cover (First Hit %): The cover of deposited soil (first hit) in the plot, not including deposited soil that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over deposited soil are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). Water Cover (First Hit %): The cover of water (first hit) in the plot, not including water that has cover above it. For example, points with perennial grass over water are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 total points on three transects per plot). NonInv Peren Forb Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive perennial forbs (first hit) in the plot, not including forbs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-invasive perennial forbs are not counted in this indicator. Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Ann Forb Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive annual forbs (first hit) in the plot, not including forbs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-invasive annual forbs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Peren Grass Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive perennial grasses (first hit) in the plot, not including grasses that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-invasive perennial grasses are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Ann Grass Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive annual forbs (first hit) in the plot, not including grasses that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-invasive annual grasses are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Succulent Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive succulents (first hit) in the plot, not including succulents that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over succulents are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Shrub Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive shrubs (first hit) in the plot, not including shrubs that have cover above them. For example, points with trees over shrubs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Sub-shrub Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive sub-shrubs (first hit) in the plot, not including sub-shrubs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over sub-shrubs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Tree Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-invasive trees (first hit) in the plot, not including trees that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over tree seedlings are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Peren Forb Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive perennial forbs (first hit) in the plot, not including forbs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-native invasive perennial forbs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Ann Forb Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive annual forbs (first hit) in the plot, not including forbs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-native invasive annual forbs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Peren Grass Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive perennial grasses (first hit) in the plot, not including grasses that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-native invasive perennial grasses are not counted in this indicator. Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Ann Grass Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive annual forbs (first hit) in the plot, not including forbs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-native invasive annual grasses are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Succulent Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive succulents (first hit) in the plot, not including trees that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over tree seedlings are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Shrub Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive shrubs (first hit) in the plot, not including shrubs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-native invasive shrubs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Sub-shrub Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive sub-shrubs (first hit) in the plot, not including sub-shrubs that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over non-native invasive sub-shrubs are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Tree Cover (First Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive trees (first hit) in the plot, not including trees that have cover above them. For example, points with sagebrush over tree seedlings are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Sagebrush Cover (First Hit %): The cover of sagebrush (first hit) in the plot, not including sagebrush that has cover above it. For example, points with trees over sagebrush are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Sagebrush species codes from the USDA PLANTS Database include: ARAR8; ARARL3; ARARL; ARNO4; ARARN; ARBI3; ARCAB3; ARBO5; ARCAC5; ARCAV2; ARCAV; ARFR4; ARPA16; ARPE6; ARPY2; ARRI2; PIDE4; ARSP5; ARTRS2; ARTRT; ARTRV; ARTRX; ARTRV; ARTRP4; ARTRW8; ARTRW; ARTRT2; ARTRR2; ARTRR4; and SPAR2.
6. BLM AIM TerraADat TerrestrialAIM point: Core Terrestrial Indicators Summarized by Monitoring Location Core terrestrial indicators summarized for each monitoring location and date that monitoring was completed. Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savannah Ecosystems (Herrick et al. 2005, In Revision) Gaps 25-50 cm (%): The percentage of the plot's soil surface covered by gaps between plant canopies that are from 25-50 cm in size. This indicator is measured using the Gap Intercept method (three transects per plot). Gaps 50-100 cm (%): The percentage of the plot's soil surface covered by gaps between plant canopies that are from 51-100 cm in size. This indicator is measured using the Gap Intercept method (three transects per plot). Gaps 101-200 cm (%): The percentage of the plot's soil surface covered by gaps between plant canopies that are from 101-200 cm in size. This indicator is measured using the Gap Intercept method (three transects per plot). Gaps >200 cm (%): The percentage of the plot's soil surface covered by gaps between plant canopies that are greater than 200 cm in size. This indicator is measured using the Gap Intercept method (three transects per plot). Gaps >25 cm (%): The percentage of the plot's soil surface covered by gaps between plant canopies that are greater than 25 cm in size. This indicator is measured using the Gap Intercept method (three transects per plot). Bare Soil Cover (First Hit %): The basal cover of soil in the plot, not including soil that has cover above it. For example, points with sagebrush over bare soil are not counted in this indicator. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Total Foliar Cover (First Hit %): The foliar cover of plants in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). NonInv Peren Forb Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive perennial forbs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Ann Forb Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive annual forbs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Peren Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive perennial grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Ann Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive annual grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Ann Forb/Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive annual forbs and grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Peren Forb/Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive perennial forbs and grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Succulent Cover (Any Hit %) The cover of non-invasive succulents in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Shrub Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive shrubs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Sub-Shrub Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive sub-shrubs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. NonInv Tree Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-invasive trees in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Peren Forb Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive perennial forbs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Ann Forb Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive annual forbs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Peren Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive perennial grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Ann Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive annual grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Ann Forb/Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive annuals (forbs and grasses) in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Peren Forb/Grass Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive perennial forbs and grasses in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Succulent Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive succulents in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Shrub Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive shrubs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Sub-shrub Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive sub-shrubs in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Inv Tree Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of non-native invasive trees in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Sagebrush Cover (Any Hit %): The cover of sagebrush in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Sagebrush species codes from the USDA PLANTS Database include: ARAR8; ARARL3; ARARL; ARNO4; ARARN; ARBI3; ARCAB3; ARBO5; ARCAC5; ARCAV2; ARCAV; ARFR4; ARPA16; ARPE6; ARPY2; ARRI2; PIDE4; ARSP5; ARTRS2; ARTRT; ARTRV; ARTRX; ARTRV; ARTRP4; ARTRW8; ARTRW; ARTRT2; ARTRR2; ARTRR4; and SPAR2. Woody Hgt Avg (cm): Average height of woody plants in the plot. This was collected using the Vegetation Height method (30 points on 3 transects per plot) Herbaceous Hgt Avg (cm): Average height of herbaceous plants in the plot. This was collected using the Vegetation Height method (30 points on 3 transects per plot) Sagebrush Hgt Avg (cm): Average height of sagebrush in the plot. This was collected using the Vegetation Height protocol (30 points on 3 transects per plot). Sagebrush species codes from the USDA PLANTS Database include: ARAR8; ARARL3; ARARL; ARNO4; ARARN; ARBI3; ARCAB3; ARBO5; ARCAC5; ARCAV2; ARCAV; ARFR4; ARPA16; ARPE6; ARPY2; ARRI2; PIDE4; ARSP5; ARTRS2; ARTRT; ARTRV; ARTRX; ARTRV; ARTRP4; ARTRW8; ARTRW; ARTRT2; ARTRR2; ARTRR4; and SPAR2. Other Shrub Hgt Avg (cm): Average height of non-sagebrush shrubs that are preferred shrubs for sage grouse in the plot. Other Shrub species codes from the USDA Plants Database include: AMAL2, AMUT, ATCO, CEVE, CHNA2, CHVI8, GRSP, GUSA2, JUOC, JUOS, KRLA2, PAMY, PUTR2, ROWO, SAVE4, SYAL, SYOR2, and TECA2. This was collected using the Vegetation Height protocol (30 points on 3 transects per plot). NonInv Peren Grass Height Avg (cm): Average height of non-invasive perennial grasses in the plot. This was collected using the Vegetation Height protocol (up to 30 points on 3 transects per plot). Inv Peren Grass Hgt Avg (cm): Average height of invasive perennial grasses in the plot. This was collected using the Vegetation Height protocol (up to 30 points on 3 transects per plot). Inv Plant Cover (Any Hit %) The cover of non-native invasive plants in the plot. This indicator is derived from the Line Point Intercept method (150 points on three transects per plot). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Number of Inv Plant Sp: The number of non-native invasive plant species found in the entire plot area during a timed search (Species Inventory). Non-native invasive status and growth form are designated by local natural resource specialists, often after consulting the USDA PLANTS database. Soil Stability All Rating: The average soil aggregate stability of all samples in the plot. This indicator is measured using the Soil Aggregate Stability Test (up to 18 samples per plot). In this test, stability ranges from 1-6, with 1 being the least stable and 6 being the most stable. Soil Stability Protected Surface Rating: The average soil aggregate stability of samples collected under plant canopies in the plot. This indicator is measured using the Soil Aggregate Stability Test (up to 18 samples per plot). In this test, stability ranges from 1-6, with 1 being the least stable and 6 being the most stable. Soil Stability Unprotected Surface Rating: The average soil aggregate stability of samples collected between plant canopies (e.g., with no cover directly above them) in the plot. This indicator is measured using the Soil Aggregate Stability Test (up to 18 samples per plot). In this test, stability ranges from 1-6, with 1 being the least stable and 6 being the most stable.

Bibliographic Citations

1. Toevs, G.R., J.J. Taylor, C.S. Spurrier, W.C. MacKinnon, and M.R. Bobo. 2011. Bureau of Land Management Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Strategy: For integrated renewable resources management. Bureau of Land Management, National Operations Center, Denver, CO. http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/wo/Information_Resources_Management/policy/ib_attachments/2012.Par.53766.File.dat/IB2012-080_att1.pdf
2. United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Information Bulletin No. 2016-029, March 3, 2016: Release of the Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Database. Excerpt: External Access - All Public Users: Data related products approved for release will be available to the public through the BLM Landscape Geoportal, AIM tab: http://www.landscape.blm.gov/geoportal/catalog/main/home.page http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/regulations/Instruction_Memos_and_Bulletins/national_information/2016/IB_2016-029.html

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