2005 Introduction to Data
In 2005 standard biodiversity monitoring data was collected most days in the field from both 20 meter square plots (quadrants). Plot 1 is situated about 30 meters upstream of plot 2; both on the west side of Bridal Veil Creek in the riparian zone a quarter mile beyond the mouth of the basin at Bridal Veil Power Station.
Four 1-meter square vegetation monitoring plots exist within each quadrant (1A-1D and 2A-2D) and were monitored by high school students with mentor assistance for species richness and plant height in late June and early August. Some August data sets are missing. Specimens of each documented species were pressed.
Soil samples were taken from 2 sites: a moist stream side and drier meadow. Moisture was measured by weighing samples before and after complete drying in oven.
Bird counts occurred most mornings on 2 plots. Plot 1 exists in an avalanche runout zone with meadow habitat. Plot 2 exists in a sparsely forested section between two avalanche runout zones with rich brush/meadow ground covering. Grids were used in field and on paper with 25-meter and 50-meter markings. Flyovers, song recognition and off-grid sightings are thus marked appropriately. Bird watching occurred for 30 minutes per session, with official counts occurring from 0-3 and 3-5 minutes of a 5-minute count.
Trees were measured, tagged, identified and located on grids with coordinates. Two species were identified: Subalpine Fir (SAF) and Engelmann Spruce (ES). Trees with DBH (diameter at breast height of 4.5’) < 4 inches were not counted. Multiple DBH measurements signify split- trunk scenarios.
Aquatic macro-invertebrate populations were monitored in Bridal Veil Creek at the study site, as well as in several other streams for independent student projects. All collected bug data is included in data sheet. Insects were collected through kicking in place for one minute in four locations at a cross section of the stream. Data includes insect tolerance levels (low numbers most sensitive), functional feeding group and biodiversity indices for each data set using the Shannon-Weiner Biodiversity Index.
