Timed-Meander Sampling Protocol

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - 2017

Background • Timed-meander surveys have been used by botanists for years • A Timed-meander protocol first developed Lake Superior Research

Institute in 2013 and found the method to be four times as quick as plot survey methods (Hlina et. al. 2013)

• WDNR also compared methods and found no significant difference in Floristic Quality results

• Final protocol developed by WDNR in 2016 (Trochlell et. al. 2016) • Rapid procedure that can provide reliable condition indicators over

large wetland assessment areas • Method most effective when performed in conjunction by two

qualified botanists

Ohhhh yes it

does!!

Methodology • Select wetland type from Natural Heritage Inventory natural

community classification – Wetland types can be identified initially using aerial photographs, GIS,

or preliminary site investigations

• Each wetland type surveyed is an Assessment Area (AA) • Multiple wetland types on site call for multiple defined AA’s

– Homogenous wetland plant community required for each AA – If different wetland community is encountered, assess the size of it – If new type is greater than 900 m2 (30m X 30m) or 0.09 ha (0.25 ac),

exclude it from AA and survey it later if necessary – If new community is less than size described above, it can be treated

as inclusion within the AA

AA#1 – Alder Thicket

AA#2 – Northern Sedge Meadow

AA#3 – Shrub-Carr

Methods Continued • Chose starting point that is located within the AA • Set a timer to record for five minute intervals • Allow for one person to record and time • Begin survey at first interval and proceed walking through the

site to identify all species in all vegetation layers • After the first five minute interval has concluded, pause the

survey and count the number of species observed • Continue the survey for additional five minute intervals • After pre-defined area has been completely searched, OR no

new species are found, OR less than 5% of running total of recorded species are observed, the survey may end – Mitigation sites may require additional time

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

25-30 minutes 2 spp.

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

0-5 minutes 19 spp.

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

5-10 minutes 6 spp.

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

10-15 minutes 5 spp.

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

15-20 minutes 16 spp.

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

20-25 minutes 13 spp.

The timed-meander method

Goff et al. 1982, Environmental Managemen

25-30 minutes 2 spp.

End of Survey • When species list is complete, assign each species a

percent cover based upon observed estimate – Absolute % Cover – Estimate to nearest whole number – Assign abundance code based upon cover class categories:

Symbol Abundance Code Description A Abundant The dominant plants throughout the site C Common Locally abundant or frequently

encountered O Occasional Occasionally encountered, or locally

common but absent or infrequent across much of site

U Uncommon Infrequently encountered R Rare Very few plants seen

Comparison chart for visual percentage estimation. NPS US Dept. of the Interior, Damage Assessment Handbook, 2002.

Cover estimates for timed meander method. LSRI 2013.

Thank You Thank you! Any Questions?