Vegetation - Slinkard and Little Antelope Wildlife Area [ds2940]

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP) created a fine-scale vegetation map of Slinkard Valley and Little Antelope Valley Wildlife Areas in Mono County, California. The vegetation classification was derived from data collected in the field during the periods August 28-31, 2017, September 10-14, 2018, and November 5-9, 2018. Vegetation polygons were drawn using heads-up “manual” digitizing using the 2016 National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) true color and color infrared (CIR) 1-meter resolution data as the base imagery. Supplemental imagery included NAIP true color and CIR 1-meter resolution data from 2009-2012, BING imagery, and current and historical imagery from Google Earth. The minimum mapping unit (MMU) is 1 acre, with the exception of wetland and riparian types, which have an MMU of ½ acre. Mapping is to the National Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) hierarchy association, alliance, or group level based on the ability of the photointerpreters to distinguish types based on all imagery available and on the field data.Field accuracy assessment surveys were collected by CDFW regional and VegCAMP staff in the fall of 2019. It was determined that the map had an overall accuracy of 89.3% before suggested adjustments were made to typing and line-work in response to the accuracy assessment. As part of the mapping process for this project we also implemented a drone component. The purpose was to test the use of drone photos to enhance and extend reconnaissance efforts for mapping, help with determining signatures on coarser imagery, use images taken above surveys as a check on cover estimates, and test whether drone imagery would allow for mapping herbaceous vegetation at a finer scale.Citations:Boul, R., Keeler-Wolf, T., J. Ratchford, T. Haynes, D. Hickson, J. Evens and R. Yacoub. Classification of the Vegetation of Modoc and Lassen Counties, California. California Department of Fish and Widlife; 2/2021.Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Vegetation Map and Classification of Slinkard Valley and Little Antelope Valley Wildlife Areas, Mono County, California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Vegetation and Classification and Mapping Program; 8/2021.