How does forest structure and microclimate impact plant biodiversity in a Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion montane forest?

a.)   Obtain LiDAR 3D data set for study area and use DEM to analyze CalVeg segmentations. (R5 provided Sugar Creek data – siting analysis in June 2016)

b.)   Preselect structural and biodiversity survey plot area using CalVeg and DEM data; data can be limited to Klamath Mixed Conifer with a single vegetation community.

c.)   Conduct disturbance segmentation analysis (develop and execute algorithm) on CIR ortho data and generate polygon file to add to CalVeg KMC forest type plot selection area.

d.)   Calculate area of forest type segment (for KMC type, by density and canopy type); use sampling error based method for fixed plot survey and calculate number and size of plots with 95% confidence for each sub-segment.

e.)   Determine adequacy of sample plots with respect scope of work to be performed (i.e., forest succession coverage, validity of characterizations, etc.); only some successional stages will be evaluated in the initial work.

f.)    Conduct forest structure surveys.

g.)   Conduct biodiversity survey transects for each plot. Diversity will be measured at the species level; plots will be located away from primary watersheds in adequately identified plant communities (keyed or determined by description from prior survey data in basin). Ascertain presence and location of epiphytes in upper crown as well as above ground species in the understory. Obtain data on mycorrhizal network or take core samples in field.