hudson river national estuarine research reserve vegetation 2005

8/11/2019 HUDSON RIVER NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE VEGETATION 2005

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HUDSON RIVER

NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

VEGETATION 2005

FINAL REPORT

to

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/

Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve256 Norrie Point Way

Staatsburg, New York 12580

by

Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sciences

1015 Bradfield Hall

Ithaca, New York 14853

Funding for this effort was provided by:

US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Grants: NA06NOS4200187 and NA05NOS4201096

March 2011


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Contents

Introduction 1

Acquisition of New Imagery 2

Base Map 3

Classification 3

Pre-Mapping Field Review 5

Aerial Photographic Interpretation 6

Data Transfer 7

Secondary Data Sources 7

Digitization 8

Data Review 8

Deliverables 9

Results 9

References 11

Other Resources 11

Acknowledgements 11Appendix a

Community types classification and descriptions a

Key indicators for interpretation of vegetation communities in the NYSDEC HRNERR. e

Key indicators for interpretation of vegetation communities in the NYSDEC HRNERR. (cont.) f

Metadata example g


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Figures

Figure 1: NYSDEC HRNERR site map. .. 2

Figure 2: Stockport Flats vegetation community change: 1991-2005. 16

Figure 3: Tivoli Bays vegetation community change: 1991-2005. .. 17

Figure 4: Iona Island vegetation community change 1991-2005. ... 18

Figure 5: Piermont Marsh vegetation community change: 1991-2005. . 19

Tables

Table 1: Aerial photographic inventory print selection details for

photographic enlargements. ... 3

Table 2: Hudson River NERR vegetation 2005: Community classifications .. 4

Table 3: Digital data attribute fields . 8

Table 4: Stockport Flats vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005. ... 12

Table 5: Tivoli Bays vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005. .. 13

Table 6: Iona Island vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005. .. 14

Table 7: Piermont Marsh vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005. . 15

Table 8: Stockport Flats vegetation community percent change. ... 20

Table 9: Tivoli Bays vegetation community percent change. .. 21

Table 10: Iona Island vegetation community percent change. .... 22

Table 11: Piermont Marsh vegetation community percent change. ... 23


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Project Participants

Institute for Resource Information Sciences

Stephen D. Smith Sr. Extension Assoc. Principal InvestigatorSusan B. Hoskins Sr. Extension Assoc.Eugenia Barnaba Sr. Extension Assoc.

Magdeline Laba Research Support Spec.

James Mastroianni Extension Support Spec.

NYSDEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Betsy Blair Reserve ManagerSarah H. Fernald Research Coordinator


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IntroductionThe Cornell University Institute for Resource Information Sciences (IRIS) was requested by the

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)/Hudson River National Estuarine

Research Reserve (NYSDEC HRNERR), to inventory and map vegetation community types forthe four Reserve sites of Iona Island, Piermont March, Stockport Flats, and Tivoli Bays (Figure

1). The methodology used by IRIS in the 1997 mapping project, as documented in the final

report: Mapping the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Wetlands to MonitorChanges in Vegetation Community Type Coverage (IRIS, 1997), was followed for this effort.

There were two objectives in performing this mapping of plant communities: 1. Document

existing plant communities presence and distribution within each of the four reserve sites(Stockport Flats, Tivoli Bays, Iona Island, and Piermont Marsh); and 2. Document reserve site

changes in plant community composition.

The first objective required the acquisition of new imagery. Imagery was acquired on August

24, 2005 by Aerographics, Inc. of Bohemia, New York. High resolution stereo, true color

photographs were acquired with 60% forward lap and 30% side lap, at the nominal scale of1:14,400 under ideal conditions within two hours of low tide and clear atmospheric conditions.

Enlargements of selected photography were obtained at a scale of 1:2,400 prior to interpretation.

These enlargements served as base maps for the transfer of vegetation community boundaries

from the 9"x9" contact prints onto a 1:2,400 scale overlay.

The second objective required consistence of mapping criteria, methodology, and classification

schemes with previous years of NYSDEC HRNERR plant community mapping. Specifically,those plant community mapping efforts carried out in 1991 and 1997. The same classification

scheme used in 1997 was applied to this mapping effort.

Pre-mapping reconnaissance and field analysis of vegetation categories was undertaken during

the same season as the aerial photography was collected. When necessary, secondary data was

acquired to augment the decision-making of the airphoto interpreters. Once the 9"x9" aerialphotographs were delivered to IRIS, the aerial photo interpretation was begun. This processinvolved interpretation of stereo photographs onto acetate overlays affixed to the 9"x9" contact

prints. The boundary and vegetation community codes were then transferred to the overlays on

the 1:2,400 scale enlargements.

The 1:2,400 scale overlays were scanned and the resulting images brought into a geographic

information system (GIS) and geo-referenced. Once internal to the GIS the individual scanswere digitized into a single "shapefile" using "ArcScan". Review maps were generated at

1:2,400 and overlaid on the original as a quality control check. Any instance of review map line

not completely covering original overlay line was identified and corrected. After all polygon

boundaries were verified correct, each polygon was labeled with a numerical vegetation code.Another set of review maps was generated with polygon labels. Each review map was overlaid

on the original overlay and each label verified. Missing or incorrect labels were "flagged" and

corrections/additions made to the dataset. The final datasets with all boundary and labelcorrections were imported to ArcView 3.x for map output. The project sponsor reviewed draft


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photos are 1:2,400 scale (one inch is equal to 200 feet). The enlarged prints measure

approximately 30 x 40, and are un-rectified. Table 1 shows the specifics of each photograph

selected for enlargement.

The criteria used for choosing images for enlargement included: (1) complete coverage of study

area, including the NYSDEC survey markers; (2) limited glare; (3) limited distortion based uponrelationship of the study site to the center of the photograph; (4) coverage of an important marsh

component in a single photograph; and (5) consultations with NYSDEC HRNERR staff.

Table 1: Aerial photographic inventory print selection details for photographic

enlargements.

Site Photo Date Factor Final Size

Stockport Flats 4-65 7/21/2005 6.3x 30" x 40"



Stockport Flats 4-69 7/21/2005 6.2x 30" x 40"Stockport Flats 4-70 7/21/2005 6.3x 30" x 40"


Tivoli Bays 7-27 7/21/2005 6.2x 30" x 45"

Tivoli Bays 7-29 7/21/2005 6.2x 30" x 45"

Iona Island 16-186 8/24/2005 6.2x 30" x 40"

Piermont Marsh 21-123 8/24/2005 6.4x 30" x 45"

Piermont Marsh 21-124 8/24/2005 6.3x 30" x 45"

Base MapThe base maps developed for each of the NYSDEC HRNERR sites in 1997 were used for this

mapping effort. The 1997 base maps were created specifically to provide a base for future

vegetation community mapping efforts. The substantial effort that went into the construction ofthe 1991 base maps is documented in the final report for the 1997 mapping effort (IRIS, 1997).

No changes to the base map layouts were required.

After development of the individual NYSDEC HRNERR site vegetation community datasets,each dataset was imported into the same ArcView 3.x projects used for the 1997 mapping.

Using the 1997 Arcview 3.x project files ensured continuity of map layouts between all three

years of data.

ClassificationVegetation Code Consolidation

The vegetation community mapping codes developed in 1997 were used for this mapping effort.

The steps involved in the development of these codes are explained below.


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In the 1991 project, more than 100 vegetation codes were used in the mapping process.

Early in the planning process for development of the 1997 database, the project sponsor

expressed a strong desire to significantly reduce the number. Working with the sponsor,a series of event began to determine what 1991 vegetation types could best be

incorporated into the desired categories for the 1997 study. This resulted in the 100+

items being consolidated into 20. Once decision-making for the consolidation wascompleted, IRIS plotted a complete set of vegetation community maps for the sponsor to

confirm the validity of the consolidated codes for each of the marshes (IRIS, 1997).

Refinements to the coding and the decisions were made where necessary (IRIS, 1997).

Vegetation Community Types

The vegetation community types (name and composition) were developed during the 1997

mapping effort (Table 2). For the specific methodology and related statistics involved in the

development of this classification scheme, consult the final report for the 1997 mapping effort(IRIS, 1997). For convenience, the classifications and descriptions are included in the Appendix.

Table 2: Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005: Community classifications

Numerical code Vegetation Class Description Mapping Symbol

1 Railroad RR

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT

3 Unvegetated Flats UN

4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI

5 Panne PA

6 Typha angustifolia TA

7 Scirpus sp. SC

8 Lythrum salicaria/mix LS

9 Scirpus pungens SP

10 Phragmites australis FA

11 Salt Meadow SM

12 Wooded Swamp WS

13 Scrub/Shrub SS

14 Trapa natans TN

15 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SAV

16 Acorus calamus/mix AC

17 Polygonum sp. PL

18 Spartina alterniflora SPA

19 Wrack Line WRA

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP


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Pre-Mapping Field ReviewAn important factor in accurate photo interpretation of vegetation communities is the analysts

knowledge of the plant species included in the communities, general field conditions, and

conditions specific to the time the photographs are taken. Pre-mapping field review was planned

for all four marsh sites. One half day was spent at each marsh. The field work was designed to

visit as many of the 20 community classes as possible. Preparation for the field visit includedreview of the consolidated 20-category vegetation cover classification system. Because the

interpretation of the aerial photography was to be undertaken by the same individual aspreviously completed the 1997 survey, less preparation time/effort was needed. Aerial

photographs were brought into the field to correlate occurrences of plant species and existing

ground conditions with airphoto signatures. Ground photographs were taken to document plantcommunities.

Stockport Flats

Communities at Stockport Flats were visited on foot. Stockport Creek was viewed from therailroad bed. The height of the railroad grade above the water level afforded a good view of the

adjacent intertidal plant communities. The banding of vegetation (Typha angustifolia, Lythrumsalicaria, Phragmites australis)on the shore of Stockport Middle Ground Island was alsovisible. The extensive beds of Trapa natans (water chestnut) at Gays Point were viewed from

the railroad grade. Farther north, distinctive Phragmites australis(common reed) clones could be

observed form the railroad bed. The Scirpus pungens (chairmaker's bulrush) andLythrumsalicaria(purple loosestrife) communities along the Hudson River shoreline were documented.

Tivoli BaysTivoli Bay North was accessed by canoe. The tidal channel and associated vegetation

communities were observed, includingNuphar advena(spadderdock) within the Vegetated

Lower Intertidal class and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the channels. Tivoli Bay South was

observed from the railroad grade at the northern end of the Bay. The bay is almost completelycovered by Trapa natans(water chestnut) with the exception of intertidal species at the shallow

edges. The species associated with Scrub/shrub class were also visible.

Iona Island

The vegetation communities of Iona Island are almost all viewable on foot. The causeway,

railroad grade and rock outcrops of the island all provide access to the major vegetation

communities. Phragmites australis/Typha angustifolia (common reed/narrowleaf cattail)comprise most of the marsh. The tidal channels along the causeway exhibit Submerged Aquatic

Vegetation and Vegetated Lower Intertidal species such as Peltandra virginica (arrow arum) andPontederia cordata (pickerelweed).

Piermont Marsh

The unique communities of Piermont Marsh are reachable by boat. Spartina patens(saltmeadowcordgrass), Spartina alterniflora(smooth cordgrass), and the Panne classe are unique to

Piermont and were all observed in the field. The complex of Phragmites australis/Typha

angustifolia(common reed/narrowleaf cattail) communities was visible.


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Aerial Photographic InterpretationInterpretation of aerial photographs uses a standard process of indentifying objects in the

photographs by their spectral and spatial characteristics, categorizing them based upon a

predetermined classification system, and defining the spatial extent of the objects by delineating

their boundaries. In addition, mapping of vegetation community types also required a strong

knowledge of the ecology of the marshes, wetland plant morphology and estuary functions.

This project utilized the visual vocabulary of vegetation cover types and the methodology forboundary determination developed for the 1997 mapping effort (IRIS, 1997). The vocabulary is

described in terms of key indicators. They are color, texture, pattern, shadow, size, shape, and

landscape location. In the interpretation process, the analyst made a correlation between aerialphotographic signatures and ground conditions through viewing photographs, visiting the

marshes and consulting on a frequent basis with expert project collaborators. The classification

of objects into vegetation community types is based upon their dominant visual characteristics.

A vegetation community type polygon was defined by drawing a line at the boundary betweendifferent communities. When there was a distinct change in color, texture or other key indicator,

the edge was delineated by tracing. When there was a gradual change the delineation was madewhere the two vegetation community constituents appeared in equal quantity.

To prepare for photo interpretation, clear acetate was affixed to the enlarged aerial photographs

using drafting tape. Reference data such as ground control points and fixed landscape features(railroad bridge abutments and culverts) were transferred to the overlay. Vegetation community

boundaries were delineated directly on the clear acetate by enclosing an area in a polygon.

One of the first steps taken in delineating features was the mapping of the Hudson River

shoreline because it is clearly defined as the boundary between the waters edge and land area,

and it provided a frame of reference for subsequent mapping of various other features. Next

came the mapping of cover types whose key indicators describe distinct features easily, makingboundaries easy to identify and trace (ex: tidal channels, isolated Phragmites australis(common

reed) clusters and unvegetated flats.)

The color and pattern of Typha angustifolia(narrowleaf cattail)andAcorus calamus(sweet flag)

are example cover types that are difficult to differentiate on the enlargements; however, texture

and pattern are distinct and can be seen when viewed stereoscopically. As a result, more detailed

examination of photos was necessary in these instances. In the stereo view, Typha angustifolia(narrowleaf cattail)exhibits a smooth even surface.Acorus calamus(sweet flag) appears rough

in texture and finely divided in an angular pattern. This allowed for an accurate delineation

between these two cover types. This process of viewing stereo photographs and enlargements in

concert was integral to final interpretation, delineation and mapping of the four marshes.

During the 1997 mapping effort it was determined, in consultation with project sponsor, that theminimum mapping unit would be approximately 5.0 mm in diameter on the enlarged

photographs, representing a ground area of approximately 40 feet in diameter (0.03 acres).

However, some high contrast features smaller than the minimum were mapped. These same

mapping guidelines were used for the 2005 mapping effort.


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Data TransferFor all four marshes, the aerial photographic interpretation was manually recompiled to the

respective base maps. Manual recompilation is defined as the process of transferring interpreted

data from the 1:2,400 scale photo overlay to a 1:2,400 base map overly. To aid the transfer of

data as accurately as possible, reference points from the photo overlay are aligned with reference

points on the base map. Vegetation community types boundaries within the aligned referencepoints are redrawn on the base map overlay.

For all marshes, reference points included survey markers, bridge abutments, fixed landscape

features, culverts, hazard light islands, etc.

Secondary Data SourcesField visits, consultations and quantitative field sampling data provided essential secondary data

to supporting interpretive decision-making.

For accurate interpretation of vegetation community types in the Hudson River, knowledge ofthe plant species and field conditions were essential. In this regard, prior to field visits theclassification system was reviewed, characteristics of plant species included in the classes were

researched and products from previous mapping efforts and historic aerial photographs were

reviewed.

Consultations with local area experts provided background information on environmental

conditions. Understanding species distribution in the context of the entire Hudson River Estuary

is important to accurate interpretation. For example, salt marsh and Spartina species (cordgrass)are found only in the Piermont Marsh (southern most site). Trapa natans(water chestnut) is

found at the northern two marshes where water is less brackish.

It is equally important to be aware of local habitat conditions. The category Vegetated Lower

Intertidal can be dominated by a number of different plant species having very different

airphoto characteristics Nuphar advena(spadderdock), Peltandra virginica(arrow arum),Pontideria cordata(pickeralweed) but are always in a marsh location subject to tidal

inundation.

A single species response can also vary. For example,Nuphar advena(spadderdock) has large

leaves that extend well above the water level at low tide, however at high tide can be at the

surface or submerged. The leaves often collect suspended sediments and therefore appear tan or

brown instead of green.

The quantitative field sampling data was used extensively because it provided guidance relative

to cover type class definitions, distinctions between classes and refinement of line placement.For detailed description, see the section on classification.


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DigitizationAll of the vegetation community maps were manually digitized into Arc/Info. In all cases the

weed tolerance used was 0.05 and the grain tolerance was set at 0.3. All maps consisted of

polygon features only and were cleaned and built (edited) in Arc/Info for polygons. Registration

of each coverage for digitizing followed the same methodology: survey markers were used and

where necessary other fixed objects with known coordinates were used. Detailed information anddigitizing specifics are available at Cornell IRIS.

Completed digitized maps are plotted at the mapping scale (1:2,400) onto paper. The original

Mylar maps were then compared to the paper proof plots on a light table and examined on a line-

by-line basis for agreement. If the two lines (the original and the digitized) were more than0.5mm apart (less than 0.5mm is within mapping error), they were then edited until acceptable

agreement was reached.

All polygons in each marsh were attributed with three fields of information (Table 3).The fields are:

CODE this is a two digit numerical code used for in-house mapping;NAME this is a character field describing the vegetation communities (a more detaileddescription of the communities can be found in the section on Classification);

SYMBOL a two letter code abbreviation for the vegetation communities.

The "CODE, NAME, and SYMBOL" fields were based on 1997 and 1991 attribute table fields

"NUMER_CODE, COVER_NAME, and COVER_CODE" respectively. Field names were

changed for clarity purposes.

Table 3: Digital Data Attribute Fields

CODE NAME SYMBOL

1 Railroad RR

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT

3 Unvegetated Flats UN

Data ReviewThere was no accuracy assessment planned in the scope of work for either the Hudson River

NERR 1997 or Hudson River NERR 2005 vegetation mapping projects. The mapping of thevegetation communities involved two opportunities for verifying interpretation accuracy. The

first occurred after the initial mapping of the data onto the aerial photographic overlays. Field

visits were made to selected areas based on the interpreter's confidence level with theinterpretation. Only areas of concern were visited to verify interpretation. No standardized

selection process was used to select these areas. The second opportunity for verification

occurred after the preparation of the maps. The draft maps were delivered to the Reserve

Manager and reviewed at that time. Any identifiable errors were noted and changed prior to the


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final version. Any corrections or changes identified by the Reserve Manager as needed to

improve the draft maps were made prior to the final version.

Deliverables

Data developed for this project was delivered in digital and analog formats.

Digital data was developed in ArcGIS and delivered on CD. The digital database associated with

the map development and the vegetation mapping database was included. This database includesArcGIS shapefiles for each of the four NYSDEC HRNERR sites which contain vegetation

community type polygons with attributes and metadata, in both UTM Zone18 NAD 27 and UTM

Zone 18 NAD 83 projections. Also provided are ArcGIS map documents and ArcView project

files to assist in viewing the database.

A CD of the digital data was developed for distribution/archival purposes. This CD contained

"shapefiles" and "geodatabase" data, metadata, map documents compatible with ArcGISversions 9.1 - 10.0, data published to ArcReader format with associated "pmf" file. The CD also

included "pdf" files of the analog maps described below. The CD contained a user-friendly

interface for accessing, viewing, and unloading the data from the CD.

Analog data was delivered as two sets of printed maps at a scale of 1:2400 for each of the four

NYSDEC HRNERR sites: Stockport (4 sheets), Tivoli Bays (2 sheets), Iona Island (1 sheet), and

Piermont Marsh (1 sheet). The maps match the layout of the 1997 products and utilize the samebasemap data.

ResultsVegetation classification type areas have been summarized and the results are presented in tables

and charts for each of the four sites. The first set of table (Tables 4 - 7) show tabulation of areafor each class by year of inventory in square meters, hectares, and acres. The second set of

tables (Tables 8 - 11) show tabulation of area change for each class by inventory year cohort

(1997-2005, 1991-1997, and 1991-2005) in total hectares of change and as a percentage. A

graphic representation of the areas for each class by year of inventory in hectares is presented inFigures 2 -5.

Stockport Flats

Table 8 shows a substantial decrease in mapped SAV in 2005. This decrease does not appear tobe related to an encroachment by TN (Trapa natans- water chestnut). It may reflect a true

decrease or perhaps related to less than optimal low tide image collection. However, the

mapping of Vegetative Lower Intertidal (VI) showed virtually no variation between 1991-2005.It is unlikely that the interpretation of VI would not have been equally impacted by any tidal

influence. There is an increase in TN which often occurs in areas mapped as VI or Unvegetated

Flats (UN) in 1997. Although there appears to be a shift back and forth between TN and VI, the

gains/losses appear comparable. As elsewhere, TA (Typhia augustifolia- narrowleaf cattail) isexpanding showing a 6 hectare gain (28% increase) since 1997. A review of Figure 2 show only

two classes for which a trend might be suggested: Upland/Non-Wetland (UP) and AC (Acorus

calamus/mix - sweet flag). The UP class appears to be trending upward but much of this is


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related to an expansion of Stockport Flats mapping area in 1991. The AC trend is downward

trend with a 40% loss since 1991.

Tivoli Bays

As shown in Table 9, there are several classes that show a large percentage of change but many

of these involved very small areas. FA (Phragmites australis- common reed) shows an increaseof 40% but this reflects less than a hectare of additional FA. Scrub/Shrub (SS) and Unvegetated

Flats (UN) are two others which show large percentage, -34% and -11% respectively, which

involve relatively small extent changes. Both classes involve changes less than 2.7 hectares. TN

(Trapa natan- water chestnut) shows a modest increase of 3.34 hectares (3.6%). The greatestincrease in Tivoli Bays was exhibited by TA (Typha augustifolia- narrowleaf cattail). TA's

extent increase by almost 15 hectares. In contrast, LS (Lythrum salicaris/mix - purple

loosestrife) exhibited the greatest decrease with a loss of -35% or 10.5 hectares.

Iona Island

Reviewing community type summaries (Table 10) for 1997 and 2005 mapping, three classes

showed significant changes in total extent: Reviewing community type summaries (Table 3) for1997 and 2005 mapping, three classes showed significant changes in total extent: OT - Open

Water/Tidal Channels (5.92 ha), TA - Typha augustifolia(-10.88 ha), and FA - Phragmites

australis(11.32 ha). These changes represent a 55% gain, 55% loss, and 38% gain respectively.The changes in TA (Typha augustifolia- narrowleaf cattail) and FA ( Phragmities australis-

common reed) are consistent with the overall trend from 1991-2005 as shown by Figure 1. The

OT increase is largely due to a single area previously mapped as Submerged Aquatic Vegetation(SAV) in 1991. This change in class would have resulted in a similar reduction in SAV except

that increases in SAV occurred in 2005 along the eastern edge of Iona Island making up almost

all the loss.

Piermont Marsh

The community type summaries (Table 11) identify four community types that showed

significant changes in total extent for the period 1997-2005: SC - Scirpus sp.(-1.51 ha), SM -

Salt Meadow (-1.04ha), SPA - Spartina alterniflora(-2.30 ha), and WRA - Wrack Line (-0.65

ha). These changes correspond to a -36%, -39%, -82% and -53% loss respectively. The biggestclass loss in terms area and percentage is Spartina alterniflora(smooth cordgrass). This class

occurs along the shoreline in Piermont and its presence is very susceptible to shoreline impacts.

It is unclear if this loss is part of an ongoing trend because this class was not mapped in Piermontduring the 1991 survey. The losses in the SC (Scirpus sp.- bulrush) and SM (Spartina patens-

saltmeadow cordgrass) classes appear to be directly related to expansion of FA (Phragmites

australis- common reed) and TA (Typha augustifolia- narrowleaf cattail) areas. One of thelargest percentages of loss is within the Wrack Line class but it represents less than 1 hectare of

extent. The presence of Wrack Line is extremely dependent on storm events and its

identification becomes more difficult as other plant communities have time to encroach.

Therefore, fluctuations in this class are not uncommon.


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ReferencesIRIS, 1997. Mapping the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Wetlands to

Monitor Changes in Vegetation Community Type Coverage 1997. Cornell Institute for Resource

Information Systems, Final Report to NYSDEC HRNERR, Ithaca, NY, March 2005.

Other ResourcesIRIS, 2007a. Hudson River Estuary Submerged Aquatic Vegetation 2007. Cornell Institute forResource Information Sciences, Final Report to NYSDEC HRNERR, Ithaca, NY 2011.

IRIS, 2007b. Hudson River Estuary Tidal Wetlands 2007, Cornell Institute for ResourceInformation Systems, Final Report to NYSDEC HRNERR, Ithaca, NY, March 2011.

Limburg, K., Moran, M., & McDowell, W., 1986. The Hudson River Ecosystem. New York,

NY, Springer-Verlag.

Neider, W. C., Hoskins, S. B., Smith, S. D., & Findlay, S. E., 2009. Management Distributionand Spatial Change of Hudson River Estuary Submerged Aquatic Vegetation: Implications forCoastal Management and Natural Resource Protection. In X. Yang (Ed.),Remote Sensing and

Geospatial Technologies for Coastal Ecosystem Assessment and, Lecture Notes in

Geoinformation and Cartography(ed., pp. Chapter 11). Berlin Heidelberg, Germany: Springer-Verlag.

Tiner, Ralph W., 2009. Field Guide to Tidal Wetland Plants of the Northeastern United Statesand Neighboring Canada. Amherst, MA, Univ. of Mass. Press, ISBN 978-1-55849-667-5.

AcknowledgementsThe work presented in this report has been supported by the Hudson River National Estuarine

Research Reserve, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River

Estuary Program, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration.

Grateful appreciation to the following individuals who contributed to the success of this project:Fran Dunwell, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Hudson River

Estuary Program; Eugenia M. Barnaba, Cornell University; John Ladd, New York State

Department of Environmental Conservation; and Helen Bustamante, Hudson River National

Estuarine Research Reserve.


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Table 4. Stockport Flats vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005.

Code Name Symbol Sq. Meters Hectares Acres Sq. Meters Hectares Acres Sq. Meters Hectares Ac

1 Railroad RR 156957.65 15.70 38.79 196455.32 19.65 48.55 189758.64 18.98 46

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT 129928.39 12.99 32.11 95648.36 9.56 23.64 104060.88 10.41 25

3 Unvegetated Flats UN 248131.58 24.81 61.31 419209.23 41.92 103.59 296309.37 29.63 73

4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI 375789.89 37.58 92.86 371616.98 37.16 91.83 368434.90 36.84 91

5 Panne PA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

6 Typha angustifolia TA 242900.26 24.29 60.02 224828.51 22.48 55.56 287387.85 28.74 71

7 Scirpus sp. SC 0.00 0.00 0.00 7371.84 0.74 1.82 9107.23 0.91 2

8 Lythrum salicaria /mix LS 166921.30 16.69 41.25 218626.02 21.86 54.02 153783.70 15.38 38

9 Scirpus pungens SP 16219.38 1.62 4.01 42694.75 4.27 10.55 8176.31 0.82 2

10 Phragmites australis FA 20955.57 2.10 5.18 87232.48 8.72 21.56 116018.55 11.60 28

11 Salt Meadow SM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

12 Wooded Swamp WS 25815.76 2.58 6.38 86774.83 8.68 21.44 68594.60 6.86 16

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 77708.98 7.77 19.20 143628.66 14.36 35.49 105032.13 10.50 25

14 Trapa natans TN 760347.92 76.03 187.89 629771.21 62.98 155.62 733838.83 73.38 181

15 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SAV 367553.81 36.76 90.82 632706.87 63.27 156.35 450425.07 45.04 111

16 Acorus calamus /mix AC 113291.15 11.33 27.99 105769.58 10.58 26.14 67158.32 6.72 16

17 Polygonum sp. PL 22760.73 2.28 5.62 44643.41 4.46 11.03 36856.07 3.69 9

18 Spartina alterniflora SPA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

19 Wrack Line WRA 0.00 0.00 0.00 588.41 0.06 0.15 150.05 0.02 0

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP 1634864.34 163.49 403.98 2126373.12 212.64 525.44 2211767.90 221.18 546Total 4360146.70 436.01 1077.42 5433939.59 543.39 1342.76 5206860.38 520.69 1286

Hudson Ri ver NERR Vegetation 2005 Cl assi fication Stockport 1991 Stockport 1997 Stockport 2005


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Table 5. Tivoli Bays vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005.


1 Railroad RR 157318.05 15.73 38.87 157199.47 15.72 38.84 155714.06 15.57 38



4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI 354475.36 35.45 87.59 367517.49 36.75 90.82 359858.85 35.99 885 Panne PA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0


7 Scirpus sp. SC 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0




11 Salt Meadow SM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

12 Wooded Swamp WS 146869.68 14.69 36.29 147794.22 14.78 36.52 154349.91 15.43 38

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 50134.41 5.01 12.39 95786.40 9.58 23.67 84587.95 8.46 20

14 Trapa natans TN 970342.90 97.03 239.78 931756.60 93.18 230.24 965176.33 96.52 238



17 Polygonum sp. PL 10882.23 1.09 2.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0


19 Wrack Line WRA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 020 Upland/Non-Wetland UP 209335.70 20.93 51.73 197850.27 19.79 48.89 183418.01 18.34 45

Total 3454905.48 345.49 853.73 3706273.92 370.63 915.84 3711697.89 371.17 917

Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 Classi fication Tivoli 1997 Tivol i 2005Tivoli 1991


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Table 6. Iona Island vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005.


1 Railroad RR 53683.84 5.37 13.27 52234.21 5.22 12.91 51203.10 5.12 12




5 Panne PA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0


7 Scirpus sp. SC 0.00 0.00 0.00 10869.91 1.09 2.69 92.59 0.01 0




11 Salt Meadow SM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

12 Wooded Swamp WS 16684.89 1.67 4.12 18471.39 1.85 4.56 12167.26 1.22 3

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1021.83 0.10 0

14 Trapa natans TN 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0



17 Polygonum sp. PL 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0


19 Wrack Line WRA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP 636387.29 63.64 157.25 635013.81 63.50 156.92 635927.50 63.59 157

Total 1645598.82 164.56 406.64 1645598.81 164.56 406.64 1685457.38 168.55 416

Iona 1991 Iona 1997 Iona 2005Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 Classification


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Table 7. Piermont Marsh vegetation community summaries: 1991-2005.


1 Railroad RR 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0




5 Panne PA 2572.67 0.26 0.64 6393.11 0.64 1.58 8039.69 0.80 1


7 Scirpus sp. SC 42762.28 4.28 10.57 41778.61 4.18 10.32 26700.00 2.67 6




11 Salt Meadow SM 33489.42 3.35 8.28 25960.69 2.60 6.42 15643.30 1.56 3

12 Wooded Swamp WS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 389.78 0.04 0

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 894.99 0.09 0.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 590.37 0.06 0

14 Trapa natans TN 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0



17 Polygonum sp. PL 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0


19 Wrack Line WRA 4969.04 0.50 1.23 12231.63 1.22 3.02 5689.07 0.57 1

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP 242886.98 24.29 60.02 242921.54 24.29 60.03 260927.90 26.09 64

Total 1414848.04 141.48 349.62 1381765.91 138.18 341.44 1365008.23 136.50 337

Piermont 1991 Piermont 1997 Piermont 2005Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 Classification


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Figure 3. Tivoli Bays vegetation community change: 1991-2005.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1991 1997 2005

Tivoli Bays

Hectare

s


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Figure 4. Iona Island vegetation community change: 1991-2005.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1991 1997 2005

Iona Island

Hectare

s


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Figure 5. Piermont Marsh vegetation community change: 1991-2005.


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Table 8. Stockport Flats vegetation community percent change.

Code Name Symbol Hectares Percent Hectares Percent Hectares Percent

1 Railroad RR 3.95 25.16 -0.67 -3.41 3.28 20.90

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT -3.43 -26.38 0.84 8.80 -2.59 -19.913 Unvegetated Flats UN 17.11 68.95 -12.29 -29.32 4.82 19.42

4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI -0.42 -1.11 -0.32 -0.86 -0.74 -1.96

5 Panne PA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

6 Typha angustifolia TA -1.81 -7.44 6.26 27.83 4.45 18.32

7 Scirpus sp. SC 0.74 na 0.17 23.54 0.91 na

8 Lythrum salicaria /mix LS 5.17 30.98 -6.48 -29.66 -1.31 -7.87

9 Scirpus pungens SP 2.65 163.23 -3.45 -80.85 -0.80 -49.59

10 Phragmites australis FA 6.63 316.27 2.88 33.00 9.51 453.64

11 Salt Meadow SM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

12 Wooded Swamp WS 6.10 236.13 -1.82 -20.95 4.28 165.71

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 6.59 84.83 -3.86 -26.87 2.73 35.16

14 Trapa natans TN -13.06 -17.17 10.41 16.52 -2.65 -3.49

15 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SAV 26.52 72.14 -18.23 -28.81 8.29 22.55

16 Acorus calamus /mix AC -0.75 -6.64 -3.86 -36.51 -4.61 -40.72

17 Polygonum sp. PL 2.19 96.14 -0.78 -17.44 1.41 61.93

18 Spartina alterniflora SPA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

19 Wrack Line WRA 0.06 na -0.04 -74.50 0.02 na

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP 49.15 30.06 8.54 4.02 57.69 35.29

Stockport Change 1991-20051997-20051991-1997


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Table 9. Tivoli Bays vegetation community percent change.


1 Railroad RR -0.01 -0.08 -0.15 -0.94 -0.16 -1.02

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT -5.16 -23.80 -1.32 -8.00 -6.48 -29.90

3 Unvegetated Flats UN 7.86 na -2.68 -34.12 5.18 na

4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI 1.30 3.68 -0.77 -2.08 0.54 1.52

5 Panne PA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

6 Typha angustifolia TA -6.67 -8.13 14.92 19.79 8.25 10.05

7 Scirpus sp. SC 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

8 Lythrum salicaria /mix LS -0.76 -2.47 -10.50 -35.21 -11.26 -36.81

9 Scirpus pungens SP 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00


11 Salt Meadow SM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

12 Wooded Swamp WS 0.09 0.63 0.66 4.44 0.75 5.09

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 4.57 91.06 -1.12 -11.69 3.45 68.72

14 Trapa natans TN -3.86 -3.98 3.34 3.59 -0.52 -0.53

15 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SAV 28.14 141.82 -1.08 -2.25 27.06 136.38

16 Acorus calamus /mix AC 0.81 148.21 -0.07 -5.48 0.74 134.61

17 Polygonum sp. PL -1.09 -100.00 0.00 0.00 -1.09 -100.00

18 Spartina alterniflora SPA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

19 Wrack Line WRA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP -1.15 -5.49 -1.44 -7.29 -2.59 -12.38

Tivoli Change 1991-20051997-20051991-1997


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Table 10. Iona Island vegetation community percent change.


1 Railroad RR -0.14 -2.70 -0.10 -1.97 -0.25 -4.62

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT -0.29 -2.67 5.92 55.35 5.63 51.20

3 Unvegetated Flats UN 9.72 366.70 0.20 1.64 9.92 374.36

4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI 0.84 762.45 -0.19 -20.39 0.65 586.56

5 Panne PA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

6 Typha angustifolia TA -14.67 -42.62 -10.88 -55.09 -25.55 -74.23

7 Scirpus sp. SC 1.09 na -1.08 -99.15 0.01 na

8 Lythrum salicaria /mix LS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00



11 Salt Meadow SM 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

12 Wooded Swamp WS 0.18 10.71 -0.63 -34.13 -0.45 -27.08

13 Scrub/Shrub SS 0.00 0.00 0.10 na 0.10 na

14 Trapa natans TN 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

15 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SAV -10.20 -34.27 -0.84 -4.28 -11.04 -37.09

16 Acorus calamus /mix AC 0.00 0.00 0.07 na 0.07 na

17 Polygonum sp. PL 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0018 Spartina alterniflora SPA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

19 Wrack Line WRA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP -0.14 -0.22 0.09 0.14 -0.05 -0.07

1991-20051997-2005Iona Change 1991-1997


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Table 11. Piermont Marsh vegetation community percent change.


1 Railroad RR 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2 Open Water/Tidal Channels OT -0.93 -18.23 -0.10 -2.46 -1.03 -20.24

3 Unvegetated Flats UN -0.33 -11.21 -0.29 -11.33 -0.62 -21.27

4 Vegetated Lower Intertidal VI 0.00 0.00 0.06 na 0.06 na

5 Panne PA 0.38 148.50 0.16 25.76 0.55 212.50

6 Typha angustifolia TA -4.32 -34.76 1.23 15.11 -3.10 -24.90

7 Scirpus sp. SC -0.10 -2.30 -1.51 -36.09 -1.61 -37.56

8 Lythrum salicaria /mix LS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00


10 Phragmites australis FA -0.71 -0.80 0.86 0.98 0.15 0.17

11 Salt Meadow SM -0.75 -22.48 -1.03 -39.74 -1.78 -53.29

12 Wooded Swamp WS 0.00 0.00 0.04 na 0.04 na

13 Scrub/Shrub SS -0.09 -100.00 0.06 0.00 -0.03 -34.04

14 Trapa natans TN 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

15 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SAV 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

16 Acorus calamus /mix AC 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

17 Polygonum sp. PL 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0018 Spartina alterniflora SPA 2.81 0.00 -2.30 -81.71 0.51 na

19 Wrack Line WRA 0.73 146.16 -0.65 -53.49 0.07 14.49

20 Upland/Non-Wetland UP 0.00 0.01 1.80 7.41 1.80 7.43

Piermont Change 1991-20051991-1997 1997-2005


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Appendix

Community types classification and descriptions

Railroad (RR) community occurs in Stockport Flats and Tivoli Bays in gravel or dry

substrate (disturbed areas) along railroad tracks at an elevation somewhat higher than thatof the marsh. Species present may include giant ragweed(Ambrosia trifida), ailanthus

(Ailanthus altissima), and aster (Aster sp.). This type was not sampled in 1991 or 1998.

Open Water/Tidal Channels (OT)occur in or along Piermont Marsh, Iona Island, TivoliBays and Stockport Flats in areas that are very frequently if not always flooded. We did

not sample this type in 1998.

Unvegetated Flats (UN) areas are found in Iona Island, Piermont Marsh, Stockport Flats

and Tivoli Bays in mudflats along shores of tidal creeks or the river in both brackish and

freshwater tidal marshes. No species of plant is present.

Vegetated Lower Intertidal (VI) is found on periodically flooded sandflats and mudflats

in brackish and freshwater tidal marshes such as Iona Island, Stockport Flats and Tivoli

South Bay. It is dominated by spatterdock (Nuphar advena) in association withpickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), softstem bulrush (Scirpus tabernaemontanii), wild

rice (Zizania aquatic),broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latiflolia), arrow arum (Peltandra

virginica), giant duckweed (Sprirodela polyrhiza), water chestnut (Trapa natans), riverbulrush (Scirpus fluviatilis), knotweed (Polygonum sp.), threesquare bulrush (Scirpus

pungens), narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), clasping-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton

perfoliatus), Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.),

hooded arrowhead (Sagittaria calycina), and broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia).

Panne (PA) occurs at Piermont Marsh and if often found in high and low salt marshes. Itis a shallow depression with poor drainage and with or without standing water. Vegetation

may or may not be present.

Typha angustifolia(TA) occurs in brackish and freshwater tidal marshes such asPiermont, Tivoli North and South Bays, Iona Island and Stockport Flats. It is dominated

by narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) in association with arrow arum (Peltandra

virgnica),purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria),jewelweed (Impatiens capensis),common reed (Phragmites australis), sweet flag (Acorus calamis), common marshmallow

(Althaea officinalis), river bulrush (Scirpus flulviatilis), broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittarialatifiolia), knotweed (Polygonum sp.), hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos), marsh fern(Thelyptris palustris), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), bulrush (Scirpus sp.), willow

(Salix sp.), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), iris (Iris sp.), softstem bulrush (Scirpus

tabernaemontanii), saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), rice cutgrass (Leersiaoryzoides), spatterdock (Nuphar advena,), Canadian clearweed (Pilea pumila), broadfruitburweed (Sparganium eurycarpum), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), smallspike false nettle

(Boehmeria cylindrical), bindweed (Convolvulus sp.), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), water


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horsetail (Equisetum fluviatilis), trumpetweed (Eupatoriadelphis fistulosus), mint (Mentha

sp.), fern (Onoclea sensibilis), goldenclub (Orontium aquaticum), reed canarygrass

(Phalaris arundinacea), arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.), threesquare bulrush (Scirpuspungens), giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza), water chestnut (Trapa natans), and elms

(UlmusI sp.). Broadleaf cattails (Typha latifolia and Typha glauca) are included in this

category.

Scirpus sp. (SC) (bulrush) occurs in the sandflats of freshwater tidal marshes at Iona

Island, Piermont and Stockport Flats. The dominant species is threesquare bulrush

(Scirpus americanus). Associated species includecommon reed (Phragmites australis),narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), hibiscus (Hibiscus

moscheutos), bulrush (Scirpus sp.), river bulrush (Scirpus flulviatilis), softstem bulrush

(Scirpus tabernaemontanii), saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), marsh fern(Thelyptris palustris), common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), saltgrass (Distichlis

spicata), arrow arum (Peltandra virgnica), wild rice (Zizania aquatica), jewelweed

(Impatiens capensis), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), broadleaf arrowhead

(Sagittaria latifiolia), big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides), smallspike false nettle(Boehmeria cylindrical), fern (Onoclea sensibilis), knotweed (Polygonum sp.),

pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), chairmaker's bulrush (Scirpus pungens), sweet flag

(Acorus calamis), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), trumpetweed (Eupatoriadelphisfistulosus), bedstraw (Galiumsp.), iris (Irissp.), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides),

goldenclub (Orontium aquaticum), Canadian clearweed (Pilea pumila), arrowhead

(Sagittaria sp.), hooded arrowhead (Sagittaria calycina), threadleaf arrowhead (Sagittariasubulata), smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and giant duckweed (Spirodela

polyrhiza).

Lythrum salicaria/mix (LS) (purple loosestrife)occurs in the low elevation zone

bordering mudflats or open water and the higher elevation zone of the freshwater tidal

marsh at Tivoli North and South Bays and Stockport Flats. The species composition ofthis community is approximately 50%Lythrum salicaria(communities of 50% Lythrum

salicariaand 50% Typha angustifoliaare categorized asLythrum salicaria/mix due to

associated species). Associated species include sweet flag (Acorus calamis),trumpetweed(Eupatoriadelphis fistulosus), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), iris (Iris sp.),arrow arum

(Peltandra virgnica),broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifiolia), chairmaker's bulrush

(Scirpus pungens), narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), willow (Salix sp.), bindweed(Convolvulus sp.), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), fern (Onoclea sensibilis), reed

canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea),knotweed (Polygonum sp.), river bulrush (Scirpus

flulviatilis), broadfruit bur-weed (Sparganium eurycarpum), maple (Acer sp.),creepingbentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), beggarticks (Bidens

sp.), smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrical), ash (Fraxinus sp.), heartleaf plantain(Plantago cordata),pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata),arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.),marsh

skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata), canada germander (Teucrium canadense),elm (Ulmus

sp.), and wild rice (Zizania aquatic).

Scirpus pungens(SP) (chairmaker's bulrush) occurs on the sandflats of a freshwater tidalmarsh at Stockport Flats. The vegetation composition is dominated by chairmaker's

bulrush (Scirpuspungens) with wild rice (Zizania aquatic).


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Phragmites australis(FA)(common reed)is found in the highest elevation zone of the

freshwater tidal marshes at Iona Island, Piermont, Tivoli Bays and Stockport Flats. Thevegetation is dominated by common reed (Phragmites australis) in association with

narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), arrow arum (Peltandra virgnica),purple

loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), bulrush (Scirpus sp.), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), bigcordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides), marsh fern (Thelyptris palustris), sweet flag (Acorus

calamis), saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), common marshmallow (Althaea

officinalis), treesquare (Scirpus americanus), smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria

cylindrical), trumpetweed (Eupatoriadelphis fistulosus), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata),hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos), Canadian clearweed (Pilea pumila), chairmaker's bulrush

(Scirpus pungens), marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata), fern (Onoclea sensibilis),

spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculate), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), riverbulrush (Scirpus flulviatilis), smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and Alexander's

rock aster (Vitus).

Salt Meadow (SM) is found in the Piermont high salt marsh. It is dominated bysaltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens). Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), common reed

(Phragmites australis), common marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), bulrush (Scirpus sp.),

narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), treesquare (Scirpus americanus), and big cordgrass(Spartina cynosuroides) are also fairly common species.

Wooded Swamp (WS)is characteristic of lowlands along large river systems with gentleslope gradients coupled with tidal influence, i.e.: southwest border of Iona Island Marsh.

Eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), is dominant and is associated with

smallspike false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrical), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), willow(Salix sp.), tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), elms

(UlmusI sp.), marsh skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata), bulrush (Scirpus sp.), marsh fern

(Thelyptris palustris), sweet flag (Acorus calamis), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), fern(Onoclea sensibilis), arrow arum (Peltandra virgnica), narrowleaf cattail (Typha

angustifolia), boxelder (Acer negundo), red maple (Acer rebrum),Japanese barberry

(Berberis thunbergii), sweet birch (Betula lenta), shagbark hickory (Carya ovate),

mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), white ash (Fraxinus americanus), white oak(Quercus alba), chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black

oak (Quercus velutina), blackberry (Rubus angustifolium), eastern hemlock (Tsuga

canadense), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis), and lowbush blueberry (Vacciniumangustifolium).The height of the canopy may be as much as 60 to 90 feet and the

difference in height between the canopy and the understory is quite large.

Scrub/Shrub (SS) is generally found in areas of higher elevation in freshwater marshes

such as Tivoli North Bay and Stockport Flats. The vegetation is dominated by willow

species (Salix sp.) in association with arrow arum (Peltandra virgnica), purple loosestrife

(Lythrum salicaria), narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia), jewelweed (Impatienscapensis), water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatilis), trumpetweed (Eupatoriadelphis

fistulosus), iris (Iris sp.), fern (Onoclea sensibilis), knotweed (Polygonum sp.), broadleaf

arrowhead (Sagittaria latifiolia), river bulrush (Scirpus flulviatilis), white ash (Fraxinus


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americanus), maple (Acersp.), sycamore (Platanussp.), and groundnut (Apios

Americana). The height of the canopy is approximately 10-12 feet or more.

Trapa natans (TN) (water chestnut)is found in open water/tidal channels at Tivoli Bays

and Stockport Flats. Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is dominant is association with giant

duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza), Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), andspatterdock (Nuphar advena).

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) occurs at Tivoli Bays, Iona Island and Stockport

Flats. It is a community of continuously flooded substrates with rooted aquatic vegetation.It may be found in tidal channels or close to the shore of the Hudson River. Species

present may include water celery (Vallisneria americana), Eurasian water-milfoil

(Myriophyllum spicatum), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), western waterweed(Elodea muttallii), naiads (Najassp.), andclasping-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton

perfoliatus). Only two plots of this type were sampled in 1998. Eurasian water-milfoil

(Myriophyllum spicatum) was the only plant observed at these plots in Iona Island Marsh.

Acorus calamus/mix (AC)(sweet flag) occurs in two zones of the freshwater tidal

marshes at Tivoli North Bay and Stockport Flats: the low elevation area bordering

mudflats or open water and a higher elevation. The vegetation is dominated by sweet flag(Acorus calamis). Other species commonly found occurring in this type include arrow

arum (Peltandra virgnica), river bulrush (Scirpus flulviatilis), narrowleaf cattail (Typha

angustifolia), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria),broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifiolia), knotweed (Polygonum sp.), rice cutgrass

(Leersia oryzoides), water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatilis), iris (Iris sp.),mint (Mentha

sp.), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) andsoftstem bulrush (Scirpus tabernaemontanii).

Polygonum sp. (PL) (knotweed) is found in small areas of mudflats in freshwater tidal

marshes at Stockport Flats. Knotweed (Polygonum sp.) is the dominant genus and occursin association with arrow arum (Peltandra virgnica),pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata),

broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifiolia), chairmaker's bulrush (Scirpus pungens), and

wild rice (Zizania aquatica).

Spartina alterniflora(SPA) (smooth cordgrass) is characteristic of brackish tidal marshes

such as Piermont and occurs along tidal creek or river banks. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina

alterniflora) is dominant, but common reed (Phragmites australis), chairmaker's bulrush(Scirpus pungens), and other bulrush (Scirpus sp.) species are also present.

Wrack Line (WRA)occurs where debris and flotsam are deposited by high tide on thefreshwater, brackish, or salt marsh. This type appears at Stockport Flats and Piermont

Marsh.

Upland/Non-Wetland (UP)primarily refers to deciduous woodlands, rock outcrops, anddeveloped land not classified as Railroad.


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Key indicators for interpretation of vegetation communities in the NYSDEC HRNERR.

RR Railroad The railroad grade represents unvegetated land and appears as a uniformly wide corridor of long

straight stretches and gentle even curves. The highly reflective crushed stone of the railroad bed is

bright tan, gray, or yellow in color and rough in texture. Dark lines of rails and ties are visible.

OT Open Water/Tidal Channels Marsh creeks and tributary rivers containing water at low tide appear dark in tone and blue-green in

color. Turbid water appears tan. Water's edge is often smooth in shape and follows riverbed

bathymetry. The flat surface is very even in texture.UN Unvegetated Flats Riverbed exposed at low tide is visible as mud and sand flats or exposed tidal channel banks. Thay

are smooth in texture and brown. Adjacent to channels they are ribbon-shaped and parallel to the

VI Vegetated Lower Intertidal Intertidal herbaceous plant community indicators vary greatly due to the diversity of plant species.

Nuphar advena is common in large uniform beds appearing bright light green and tan or brown when

leaves are coated with sediment. Other plant groups of mixed species appear in smaller beds, in

shades of light green with speckled patterns and rough trexture. The upper edge is usually abrupt

change to taller upper marsh species.

PA Panne Circular shallow depressions filled with water and sparse emergent vegetation. Substrate is dark

brown. Texture is smooth due to water surface. Found only at Piermont.

TA Typha angustifolia Dark green dense smooth texture, velvet like found in upper marsh environment. In dry conditions,

color is red-brown.

SC Scirpus sp. Located in intertidal areas, color is green, with a rust brown cast when plants are in flower.

LS Lythrum salicaria /mix Notable for its bright green color, communities are often found bordering inundated areas of tidal flatsand channnels. Purple flower can add a reddish tint.

SP Scirpus pungens Patches of this reed community are found in finely stippled bands parallel to the shore of intertidal

FA Phragmites australis Isolated pale blue-green circular clones of large expanses of blotchy green overlapping circles. In

flower, color can be more tan. In the stereoview, plants are clearly taller than surrounding vegetation.

SM Salt Meadow Low lying plants of unform bright yoellow-green color. Low in height compared to adjacent

communities. Found only in Piermont.


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Key indicators for interpretation of vegetation communities in the NYSDEC HRNERR. (cont.)

WS Wooded Swamp Mature woody vegetation 30 feet tall or taller. Over 50% canopy cover. Subject to inundation based

on landscape location. Coarse texture of tree crowns.

SS Scrub/Shrub Similar to wooded swamp but finer in texture. Small plant crowns vary in height create a stippled

appearance.

TN Trapa natans Bright yellow-green to creamy white color of floating leaves, seen in large expanses, smooth in

texture, located in areas of shallow, calm water, or on exposed mud flats at low tide. Tidal channels

and drainage patterns within beds are often visible.

SAV Submerged Aquatic

Vegetation

Located in shallow open waer. When submerged, very dark green-blue in color. When at surface at

low tide, beds appear medium to light green. Pattern sometimes even in texture or stippled. Pattern

of tan bands sometimes visible as moving water re-suspends sediment over plants. Dominant

species: Vallisneria americana . Also found: Myriophyllim spicatum , and Potamogeton sp .

AC Acorus calamus/ mix Sweet flag exhibits various shades of green in a stippled texture, honeycomb drainage pattern is

visible in large area, expecially in the Stockport marsh location.

PL Polygonum sp. Pale yellow green color, smooth texture, found in areas of standing water; expecially east of railroad

bed near Priming Hook in Stockport Flats.

SPA Spartina alterniflora Located at the riverward edge of Piermont Marsh, it appears as a shoreline bank of dark green

vegetation. Very low in height in contrast to adjacent Phragmites australis stands.

WRA Wrack Line Light tan to white in color, hightly reflective dead and dry organic and inorganic material washed up on

shore during extreme high tides/storm events. Roughly parallels shoreline in discontinuous bands.

UP Upland/Non-Wetland Consists of many cover types varying greatly in spectral response. Primarily refers to deciduous

woodlands, rock outcrops, developed land (buildings, roads, lawns, and meadows).


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Metadata example

Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 - Iona IslandMetadata also available as - [XML]

Metadata:

Identification_Information

Data_Quality_Information

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information

Spatial_Reference_Information

Entity_and_Attribute_Information

Distribution_Information

Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sciences

Publication_Date:20110406

Title:Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 - Iona Island

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:vector digital data

Series_Information:

Series_Name:Hudson River NERR Vegetation

Issue_Identification:2005Publication_Information:

Publication_Place:Staatsburg, NY

Publisher:

Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (Hudson River NERR) and New York

State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)

Online_Linkage:

Description:

Abstract:

Tidal wetland plant communities of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research

Reserve 2005 for Iona Island. This vegetation community mapping dataset was compiled

by the Institute for Resource Information Sciences from the interpretation of high

resolution 2005 aerial photography. The classification scheme contains 20 vegetation

community type classes and was developed by Hudson River National Estuarine Research

Reserves (Hudson River NERR). This dataset was generated as an update to previous

inventories (1991 & 1997) which utilized the same classification scheme. These datasets

enable the Reserve Manager and Research Coordinator to assess trends in vegetation

change, evaluate current management techniques, and direct future actions.

Purpose:
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To characterize the 2005 vegetation communities of Iona Island for temporal trend

analysis, invasive species monitoring, and reserve management purposes.

Supplemental_Information:

The 2005 mapping of the Hudson River NERR sites is the third effort focused on

documenting existing vegetation within the Reserve sites. These mapping efforts were

designed to provide a management tool for each of the Reserve sites and therefore, are

at a higher spatial and taxonomic resolution than other wetland inventories. In 1991, a

mapping effort was undertaken by Coastal Services which resulted in analog maps

comprised of 100 vegetation classes. Mapping of the vegetation community types at

each of the four Hudson River NERR sites was undertaken again in 1997. The 1997

classification scheme of 20 classes was derived from the initial 1991 classification,

modified as directed by the Hudson River NERR Research Coordinator. During the

development of the 1997 dataset, the 1991 dataset was reclassified to the new 20 class

scheme. This same classification scheme was used for all subsequent mapping at all

Hudson River NERR sites. This project utilized the visual vocabulary of vegetation cover

types and the methodology for boundary determination developed for the 1997 mapping

effort (IRIS, 1997). The vocabulary is described in terms of key indicators. They are color,

texture, pattern, shadow, size, shape, and landscape location. In the interpretationprocess, the analyst made a correlation between aerial photographic signatures and

ground conditions through viewing photographs, visiting the marshes and consulting on a

frequent basis with expert project collaborators. The classification of objects into

vegetation community types is based upon their dominant visual characteristics. A

vegetation community type polygon was defined by drawing a line at the boundary

between different communities. When there was a distinct change in color, texture or

other key indicator, the edge was delineated by tracing. When there was a gradual

change the delineation was made where the two vegetation community constituents

appeared in equal quantity. The

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date:20050824

Currentness_Reference:

Datasets are updated as amendments occur, or as errors in the data are discovered and

corrected.

Status:

Progress:Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency:None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate:-73.986264

East_Bounding_Coordinate:-73.965875

North_Bounding_Coordinate:41.314153

South_Bounding_Coordinate:41.295748

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:LCSH

Theme_Keyword:Marine plants--Research--New York State

Theme_Keyword:Water quality--Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J)


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Theme_Keyword:Estuarine plants--Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J)--Identification

Theme_Keyword:Aquatic plants--Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J)--Identification

Theme_Keyword:Marine plants--Hudson River (N.Y. and N.J)--Identification

Theme_Keyword:American wild celery

Theme_Keyword:Water chestnut

Theme_Keyword:Aquatic weeds

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:ISO 19115 Topic Category

Theme_Keyword:biota

Theme_Keyword:environment

Theme_Keyword:oceans

Theme_Keyword:inland waters

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:none

Theme_Keyword:Vallisneria americana

Theme_Keyword:Trapa natans

Theme_Keyword:Submerged aquatic vegetation

Theme_Keyword:Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR)Theme_Keyword:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:User Keywords

Theme_Keyword:Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Theme_Keyword:Estuarine

Theme_Keyword:Tidal Wetlands

Theme_Keyword:Plant Communities

Theme_Keyword:Wetland plant community

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus:EPA GIS Keyword ThesaurusTheme_Keyword:Conservation

Theme_Keyword:Ecosystem

Theme_Keyword:Environment

Theme_Keyword:Estuary

Theme_Keyword:Natural Resources

Theme_Keyword:Water

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:LCSH

Place_Keyword:Hudson River Watershed (N.Y. and N.J.)

Place_Keyword:Hudson River Valley (N.Y. and N.J.)

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:User Keywords

Place_Keyword:Iona Island

Place_Keyword:Rockland County

Place_Keyword:Hudson River

Place_Keyword:New York

Temporal:

Temporal_Keyword_Thesaurus:none

Temporal_Keyword:2007


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Access_Constraints:Access obtained through primary contact.

Use_Constraints:

1. The NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, NYS DEC Hudson River National Estuarine

Research Reserve, Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sciences and the Carey

Institute of Ecosystem Studies ask to be credited in derived products. 2. Secondary

Distribution of the data is not allowed. 3. Any documentation provided is an integral part

of the data set. Failure to use the documentation in conjunction with the digital data

constitutes misuse of the data. 4. Although every effort has been made to ensure the

accuracy of information, errors may be reflected in the data supplied. The user must be

aware of data conditions and bear responsibility for the appropriate use of the

information with respect to possible errors, original map scale, collection methodology,

currency of data, and other conditions.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person:Sarah H. Fernald

Contact_Organization:

Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve / New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation

Contact_Position:Research Coordinator

Contact_Address:

Address_Type:mailing and physical address

Address:Norrie Point Environmental Center

Address:PO Box 315

City:Staatsburg

State_or_Province:New York

Postal_Code:12580

Contact_Voice_Telephone:845-889-4745

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone:845-888-4749Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address:[email protected]

Data_Set_Credit:

Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) maintains the Hudson River

NERR Vegetation data.

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 3; ESRI ArcCatalog

9.3.1.3000

Cross_Reference:


Originator:Cornell Institute for Resource Information Systems


Title:Hudson River NERR Vegetation

Edition:1997

Series_Information:


Issue_Identification:1997

Other_Citation_Details:


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Final Report to NYS DEC / HRNERR, "Mapping the Hudson River National Estuarine

Research Reserve Wetlands to Monitor Changes in Vegetation Community Type

Coverage," Bard College Field Station, Annandale, NY 12504.

Cross_Reference:




Title:Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 - Stockport Flats


Series_Information:



Publication_Information:


Publisher:



Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:




Title:Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 - Tivoli Bays


Series_Information:



Publication_Information:Publication_Place:Staatsburg, NY

Publisher:



Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:




Title:Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 - Piermont Marsh


Series_Information:





Publisher:
http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529


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Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:


Originator:NYS DEC - Hudson River Estuary Program


Title:Hudson River Estuary Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Edition:1997


Series_Information:

Series_Name:Hudson River Estuary Submerged Aquatic Vegetation


Other_Citation_Details:

The project was undertaken in two separate time periods with different sources of

funding. In 1995, Phase I (Hyde Park to Castleton) was initiated with National Oceanicand Atmospheric Association and Hudson River Foundation funds. Subsequently in 1997,

the remaining portions (Hastings-on-Hudson to Hyde Park and Castleton to Troy) were

undertaken in Phase II with New York. State Environmental Protection Funds through the

Hudson River Estuary Program.

Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:


Originator:

Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sciences (Cornell IRIS)


Title:Hudson River Estuary Tidal Wetlands 2007Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:vector digital data


Publication_Place:Albany, New York

Publisher:

Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR) and New York State

Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)

Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:


Originator:

Cornell Institute for Resource Information Sciences (Cornell IRIS)


Title:Hudson River Estuary Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) 2002

Edition:2.0



Publication_Place:Albany, New York
http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://cugir.mannlib.cornell.edu/bucketinfo.jsp?id=7872http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529http://cugir.mannlib.cornell.edu/bucketinfo.jsp?id=7872http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/member.cfm?organizationID=529


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Hudson River Estuary Bathymetry 30m-grid - New York State (NYSDEC)

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form:Raster digital data (ESRI Grid and DEM)

Series_Information:

Series_Name:Hudson River Estuary Program

Issue_Identification:Benthic Mapping Project


Publication_Place:Albany, NY

Publisher:NYS DEC

Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:


Originator:

Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook


Title:Hudson River Estuary Bathymetric Contours


Series_Information:Series_Name:Hudson River Estuary Program

Issue_Identification:Benthic Mapping Project



Publisher:New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:


Originator:Lamont-Doherthy Earth Observatory of Columbia University

Publication_Date:2004Title:Hudson River Estuary Shoreline - New York State (NYSDEC)


Online_Linkage:

Cross_Reference:


Originator:Dan Miller

Originator:Chris Bowser

Originator:Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve


Title:Hudson River Estuary - Shoreline Type


Series_Information:

Series_Name:Hudson River Estuary Program

Issue_Identification:Estuary Shoreline Type



Publisher:New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Online_Linkage:
http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136http://www.nysgis.state.ny.us/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1136


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Cross_Reference:


Originator:Robin Bell

Originator:William Ryan

Originator:Suzanne Carbotte

Originator:Frank Nitsche

Originator:Roger Flood

Originator:Cecilia McHugh

Originator:Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University

Originator:

Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook


Title:Hudson River Estuary Morphology - New York State (NYSDEC)




Publisher:New York State Department of Environmental ConservationOnline_Linkage:

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Appropriateness of polygon boundaries and attributes was verified by reserve managers.

This data has not been field validated. Accuracy assessment was not planned in the scope

of work for the Hudson River NERR Vegetation 2005 mapping projects. The mapping of

the vegetation communities involved two opportunities for verifying interpretationaccuracy. The first occurred after the initial mapping of the data onto the aerial

photographic overlays. Field visits were made to selected areas based on the

interpreter's confidence level with the interpretation. Only areas of concern were visited

to verify interpretation. No standardized selection process was used to select these

area