i. title page - fs.fed.us. title page title: a collaborative definition, classification refinement,...

I. Title Page Title:

A Collaborative Definition, Classification Refinement, and Mapping of the Stream Environment Zones in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Subtheme this proposal is responding to

Watershed, Water Quality, and Habitat Restoration Theme; Subtheme 2d: “Technical review of SEZ definition and classification system”

Principal Investigator and Receiving Institution

David Saah, Ph.D. Spatial Informatics Group, LLC 3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588 Phone: 510-427-3571 Email: [email protected]

Co-Principal Investigator Jason Moghaddas Spatial Informatics Group, LLC 3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588 Phone: 530-284-7376 Email: [email protected]

Co-Principal Investigator Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne Research Scientist Spatial Informatics Group, LLC 3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588 Phone: 802-598-9668 Email: [email protected]

Co-Principal Investigator Josh Collins Chief Scientist San Francisco Estuary Institute 7770 Pardee Lane, Oakland CA 94621-1424 Phone: 510-746-7365 Email: josh_sfei.org

Agency Collaborator

Emily Moghaddas, Ph.D. Research Ecologist USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station PO Box 15, Taylorsville, CA 95983 Phone: 530- 284-7376 Email: [email protected]

Agency Collaborator

David Weixelman Range Ecologist USDA Forest Service, R5 Regional Office 631 Coyote St., Nevada City, CA 95959 Phone: 530- 478-6843 Email: [email protected]

Co-Principal Investigator Tadashi Moody Research Scientist Spatial Informatics Group, LLC 3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588 Phone: 510-301-0030 Email: [email protected]

Grants Contact Person David Saah, Ph.D. Spatial Informatics Group, LLC 3248 Northampton Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94588 Phone: 510-427-3571 Email: [email protected]

Funding requested: $ 240,846 Total cost share (value of financial and in-kind contributions):

$ 79,506

Proposal: Tahoe Research Supported by SNPLMA 2011

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II. Proposal Narrative (up to 7 pages, single-spaced)

a. Project abstract (1 paragraph summary for public distribution)

To appropriately identify, evaluate, protect, and manage riparian and aquatic resources in the Lake Tahoe Basin requires a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies, scientists, and other stakeholders. These aquatic features, and their associated riparian areas, are managed as stream environment zones (SEZs), as described in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Code of Ordinances. A number of efforts are currently underway to develop a comprehensive strategy for SEZ management. Recently, the TRPA developed an SEZ Roadmap to review and update the SEZ policies and program in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In response to the subtheme need for scientifically-based SEZ maps and associated documentation, our project will provide the following: 1) Recommended revisions to CARI for inclusion of SEZs, 2) Production of the “TARI” (Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory), 3) An updated classification system used to identify and map SEZs for mapping and field verification, 4) Scientifically-defensible documentation of field indicators of SEZ that supports an SEZ delineation approach, 5) Data layers and associated maps that depict the extent of the various SEZ types across the Lake Tahoe Basin, including LiDAR-based high-resolution SEZ maps and associated vegetation structure modeling input data that can be utilized for analysis across multiple disciplines. These products will be fully documented according to FGDC metadata standards and, to the extent that funds allow, they will be made available on-line through Wetland Tracker for public distribution once finalized and approved, 6) A peer reviewed report in the form of a General Technical Report documenting the process, methods, and results of this study.

b. Justification statement: explain the relationship between the proposal and the subtheme(s)

To appropriately identify, evaluate, protect, and manage riparian and aquatic resources in the Lake Tahoe Basin requires a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies, scientists, and other stakeholders. These aquatic features, and their associated riparian areas, are managed as stream environment zones (SEZs), as described in the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Code of Ordinances. A number of efforts are currently underway to develop a comprehensive strategy for SEZ management. Recently, the TRPA developed an SEZ Roadmap to review and update the SEZ policies and program in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In addition, an SEZ Technical Working Group formed to develop an SEZ program to help meet these complex management needs. As part of a state-federal initiative to implement California’s Wetland and Riparian Area Monitoring Plan (WRAMP), the SFEI-ASC (the San Francisco Estuary Institute – Aquatic Science Center) is working with TRPA, the Lahontan Water Board, Tahoe Conservancy, USFS and other partners to test the suitability of the mapping methods and standards of the California Aquatic Resource Inventory (CARI) for depicting SEZ. CARI is the resource mapping component of WRAMP, and also serves to update and intensify the National Hydrologic Dataset (NHD) of the USGS and the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) of the USFWS. CARI therefore meets federal mapping standards and can be utilized by federal agencies. Our proposed project will build on these efforts by further evaluating the efficacy of CARI for SEZ mapping, and by implementing CARI, as appropriate, across the Tahoe Basin, based on the findings of the WRAMP pilot. More specifically, this project will address the following question, posed as part of the SEZ Roadmap process:

Research Question: What hydrogeomorphic, vegetation or soils classification system (or combination of classification systems) is most appropriate for identifying and mapping Stream Environment Zones (SEZs) in the Lake Tahoe Basin for the purpose of protecting and conserving their desired functions? The needs for an SEZ functional classification system include, but are not limited to:

1) Developing a science-based SEZ definition; 2) Estimating the distribution of expected SEZ functions and beneficial uses; 3) Stratifying SEZ’s to minimize the variability of SEZ assessment data.


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In addition, our research will rely on the ongoing advice and review of the interagency WRAMP Tahoe team to assure adequate coordination with the ongoing WRAMP pilot and its supporting federal and state agencies of the California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup (CWMW) of the California Water Quality Monitoring Council. It is especially important for this project to use the WRAMP team to assure alignment between this project and the evolving California Wetland and Riparian Area Protection Policy (WRAPP) of the California State Water Resources Control Board. The WRAPP is developing formal definitions and mapping methods for streams, wetlands, and riparian areas for CARI that will be implemented through the WRAMP. In essence, this project has the potential to add SEZs to CARI, and thus can enable other regions to develop SEZ maps and protection policies. In the process of mapping the SEZs of the Basin, this project will also provide a Basin-wide map of all aquatic resources, as feasible using existing LiDAR maps, using the CARI mapping standards, as revised by the WRAMP pilot. The resulting “TARI” (Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory) will serve as the Tahoe version of CARI, and thus it will also serve as the federal and state base map for the Tahoe version of the California Wetland Tracker Information System and other online map-based environmental information systems of the region. This project will rely on the SFEI-ASC to transfer the CARI protocols to the research team. This project will also update and document the field classification system used to delineate SEZs for mapping and field verification. This update to SEZ definitions, spatially explicit maps, and field classification system will incorporate new scientific information, help ensure SEZ policies protect desired SEZ functions, and improve consistency with the EPA's Wetland Program core elements. In addition to refining and implementing SEZ identification and mapping methods, our study will recommend hydrogeomorphic, vegetation, and edaphic field indicators of different SEZ types for on-the-ground SEZ delineation, based on empirical field data.

In response to the subtheme need for scientifically-based SEZ maps and associated documentation, our project will provide the following:

1) Recommended revisions to CARI for inclusion of SEZs;

2) Production of the “TARI” (Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory);

3) An updated classification system used to identify and map SEZs for mapping and field verification.

4) Scientifically-defensible documentation of field indicators of SEZ that supports an SEZ delineation approach;

5) Data layers and associated maps that depict the extent of the various SEZ types across the Lake Tahoe Basin, including LiDAR-based high-resolution SEZ maps and associated vegetation structure modeling input data that can be utilized for analysis across multiple disciplines. These products will be fully documented according to FGDC metadata standards and, to the extent that funds allow, they will be made available on-line through Wetland Tracker for public distribution once finalized and approved.

6) A peer reviewed report in the form of a General Technical Report documenting the process, methods, and results of this study.

c. Concise background and problem statement

The watercourses, springs, and wetlands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and their association riparian areas, are essential in providing aquatic and terrestrial habitat, recreational and scenic opportunities, infiltration of runoff, flood attenuation, and groundwater recharge. Critical first steps toward protecting, conserving, and managing these sensitive resources include classifying these aquatic features and accurately delineating


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their spatial locations. Currently, these riparian areas are managed under the framework of the SEZ, and represent biological communities that owe their characteristics to the presence of surface water or a seasonally high groundwater table. The SEZs are designed to help protect riparian resources and water quality by providing filtration, canopy cover (shading), and functional in-stream habitat for beneficial aquatic species.

The intensity and type of ,management or restoration activities permitted within and adjacent to an SEZ depend how that SEZ is defined and delineated on the ground. While existing SEZ definitions and maps have served well for several years, site-specific inconsistencies can lead to unnecessarily complex management or monitoring efforts. For example, the Round Hill Fuels Reduction Project included mechanical treatments within an SEZ unit. The Soil Quality Monitoring Report for this project describes the field verification of the SEZ boundary, stating that “some portions of the SEZ unit were not consistent with the TRPA SEZ criteria (including soil and vegetation indicators), but had been included in the SEZ unit because of proximity to the perennial channel” (USDA Forest Service 2011). Despite being delineated and managed as SEZ, the soil monitoring excluded areas that did not clearly meet SEZ soil and vegetation requirements.. At a minimum, inconsistencies between layout, implementation and monitoring can cause confusion. At the other extreme, they can lead to misinterpretation of monitoring data and insufficient protection of desired SEZ properties. There is a need to review the SEZ classification system and field indicators to ensure SEZs are delineated consistently to best protect or enhance SEZ conditions and functions.

Newly available scientific information can bolster the SEZ revision effort. The recent acquisition of high-resolution LiDAR and multispectral imagery provides the unique opportunity to implement the CARI, including its riparian mapping tool, with greater accuracy and precision than ever before. In addition, the recent Lake Tahoe Basin soil survey provides updated data on soil characteristics and mapping unit locations that can improve soil classification within SEZs. The Science Management Integration Team (SMIT) SEZ Technical Working Group is currently reviewing the SEZ classification scheme and spatial locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The WRAMP pilot with San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI-ASC) and TRPA is testing novel approaches to combine LiDAR data, the most recent soil survey effort, and other spatial information to map SEZ features in two pilot watersheds — the Upper Truckee and Third Creek watersheds. There is a need to evaluate and expand this mapping protocol to the entire Lake Tahoe Basin.

d. Goals, objectives, and hypotheses to be tested

Primary Research Goal: Working with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations, the Tahoe WRAMP team, and the Science Management Integration Team (SMIT) SEZ Technical Working Group (TWG), our team of PSW and SIG scientists will: 1) identify the most scientifically defensible process to define and classify SEZs that best meets overall management objectives of SEZs, 2) translate this classification system to actual spatial locations of SEZs on the ground using existing LiDAR and other existing spatial data, and 3) prepare a General Technical Report or other peer reviewed scientific report documenting the process of updating the SEZ management approach, including updated the classification system, definitions, maps, and a field guide for delineating SEZs.

Table 1. Specific research questions and objectives identified for this proposal

Research Questions Research Objectives

What are the current criteria for defining an SEZ, and are there conflicts, ambiguities or shortcomings in the current definition?

Close examination of the current the current criteria defining SEZ classifications

What modifications to the current SEZ definition can protect, improve, or conserve riparian

Interagency collaborative discussion and analysis of potential changes to the existing SEZ definition


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Research Questions Research Objectives

ecosystem function and condition over time?

Using a modified SEZ definition, where are SEZs spatially located across the Lake Tahoe Basin?

How does the updated spatial location of the SEZ compare with existing SEZ locations?

Develop spatially explicit maps of SEZs using methods consistent with California Aquatic Resource Protocols (CARI), in collaboration with mapping efforts conducted by the Tahoe WRAMP team

What field criteria and protocols can be used to delineate SEZ features in the field?

Identify field indicators that can be used to delineate SEZs in the field.

Approach, methodology and location of research

This project will encompass all lands with LiDAR data available within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Our general approach will be to define and collaboratively refine the definition of an SEZ. This will include developing a typology (classification systems), structural function, and condition using the GIS-based tools of WRAMP. These tools will be used to map all surface aquatic features of the Basin to create TARI. TARI will be the base map for developing new SEZ GIS layers for lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and springs (where possible), utilizing the most recently available LiDAR data and WorldView-2 multispectral imagery. For consistency and efficiency, this project will integrate spatial and other data produced from 3 previously funded SNPLMA Round 11 Projects, as well as other available information.

Existing stream network data available for the Lake Tahoe Basin, such as the existing National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and national Wetlands Inventory (NWI), were derived from relatively coarse-resolution topographic data sets and out-dated imagery. When compared to the higher-resolution LiDAR Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and existing high-resolution imagery, it is clear that the NHD flow lines (streams) do not accurately represent the stream network (Figure 1). A detailed stream network, containing both intermittent and perennial streams will be generated from the existing high- resolution LiDAR DEM using the CARI methods and standards, which include detailed QA/QC procedures affirmed by the USGS and USFWS (Figure 2). The stream network data will be integrated into the other aquatic resource layers of CARI to create a seamless and comprehensive network of surface water conveyance and storage features for each watershed of the Basin. The CARI standards will have the advantage of assuring consistency with other state and federal mapping efforts.

The TIFFS (Toolbox for LiDAR Data Filtering and Forest Studies) software will be used to derive vegetation structural characteristics within SEZs (Chen 2007, Chen et al. 2007a, Chen 2009), leveraging datasets generated from projects completed under SNPLMA Round 11. The stand boundaries will be delineated from the LiDAR surface models and WorldView-2 multispectral imagery using an object-based approach that accounts for both the structural and spectral characteristics of the stand. An individual tree crown delineation algorithm (Chen et al. 2006; Chen 2007) will be used to generate SEZ spatially-explicit individual tree crown map. The individual tree crown canopy structure metrics derived from LiDAR data will be combined to the vegetation type mapped from the WorldView-2 imagery to develop a vegetation type dependent foliage biomass model for estimating crown bulk density. The LiDAR metrics that are not sensitive to tree crown delineation errors will be used to estimate foliage biomass (Chen et al. 2007b).

This project will focus on addressing the identified outstanding questions using systematic, scientifically sound, previously published methods and providing updated SEZ maps to be used in related projects. Specifically, the team working on this project will complete the following tasks:


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Task 1. Pre-Work Conference(s): Meet with agency stakeholders to begin discussion and review of SEZ definitions. Stakeholders will include, but not be limited to, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, The State of Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-Division of State Lands and State Parks, CALFIRE, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, the Tahoe Conservancy, the Tahoe WRAMP team, and other local management agencies to review the proposed Scope of Work as submitted in this proposal within one month of both parties signing the contract. This meeting will take place in person. A second goal of this meeting will be to modify work plan tasks, deliverables, report formats, and other related logistics based on review and produce the final Scope of Work and Plan of Work schedule.

Task 2. Project Management: SIG will be the prime contractor and provide project management services, including monthly and annual progress reports to TRPA and regular communication and coordination via meetings (including conference calls) with the TRPA.

Task 3. Work with the Science Management Integration Team SEZ Technical Working Group to Complete a Collaborative Technical Review of Existing SEZ Standards: Review existing data, reports, and publications to clearly explain how SEZs are currently defined using existing methods. Work with agency partners to modify and refine SEZ definition.

Task 4. Use Updated Technical SEZ Standards to Spatially Locate Potential SEZs Consistent with California Aquatic Resource Inventory Protocols (CARI) and WRAMP Methodologies: Using criteria for SEZs summarized in Task 3 and LiDAR analysis methods learned from the WRAMP pilot for the Upper Truckee and 3rd Creek watersheds, recommend an approach to spatially define SEZs using Arc GIS. Use the available high-resolution LiDAR data and multispectral imagery to characterize the Stream Environment Zones (SEZs) in terms of vegetation type(s) and structure, soil type(s), topography, and other features.

Task 5. Comparative Analysis: Comparative analysis of existing, rule defined, and LiDAR defined SEZ locations. Determine key soil, geomorphic, and/or vegetation features that best define SEZs as “optimally” mapped using the methods above.

Task 6. Determine Additional SEZ Defining Characteristics, if needed: Work with agency, private sector, non-profit, and other stakeholders to define or refine SEZ definitions-add additional defining characteristics if necessary, based on results of Task 5.

Task 7. Develop Field Guide for SEZ Identification: Work with Science Management Integration Team, SEZ Technical Working Group to Develop a Field Guide for SEZ Identification. The field guide shall be consistent for use with or as an amendment to Section 37.3 (“Procedure for Establishing SEZ Boundaries and Setbacks”) of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Code of Ordinances.

Task 8. Draft Final Report and Maps: Based upon information and findings assimilated in tasks 1 through 7, a draft final report will be generated. This report will be written so that the target audience (defined by TRPA) will be able to easily interpret its contents. The report will include a discussion on the methods used to define SEZs, comparative analysis of these methods, and suggested refined SEZ map.

Task 9. Final Report: Within 30 days of receiving comments on the draft final report, a final copy will be prepared and delivered.

Task 10. Prepare General Technical Report: Purpose, methodologies, results, and final SEZ definitions and maps shall be published for public distribution in a peer reviewed General Technical Report or other equivalent peer reviewed document. Additional supporting peer reviewed studies may be submitted for publication to appropriate scientific journals as part of this


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research project.

Task 11. Prepare and Post Updated SEZ Maps, Other Relevant GIS Data, and Final GTR to a Publically Accessible Site for Distribution: This information will be made publically available for internal and public distribution by TRPA and posted on SIG’s own website for public distribution.

f. Relationship of the research to previous and current relevant research, monitoring, and/or environmental improvement efforts

Our proposed research builds directly upon previous and concurrent efforts to evaluate SEZ polices and programs in the Lake Tahoe Basin. We will integrate with the ongoing SEZ Roadmap effort to establish a classification system of different SEZ types based on soils, hydro-geomorphology and vegetation that is protective of identified SEZ desired functions. We will work closely with the Science Management Integration Team SEZ Technical Working Group and the Tahoe WRAMP team to develop the classification system based on revised SEZ definition and delineation criteria. We will collaborate with the Tahoe WRAMP team to apply the CARI protocols to the Lake Tahoe Basin to produce the Tahoe Aquatic Resource Inventory (TARI). Presently, these mapping protocols are being tested in two pilot watersheds in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Our efforts will be supported with the most recent research and resource data available. For example, the SNPLMA-funded 2010 acquisition of LiDAR and WorldView-2 multispectral imagery data will be used to map riparian vegetation and terrain features. Following the revised SEZ classification scheme, these data, along with the recent (2007) Lake Tahoe Basin soil survey will be used to map SEZ locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Where appropriate, information will be gleaned from previous monitoring efforts within SEZ areas. For example, monitoring information from the Heavenly Valley Creek SEZ Demonstration Project and Round Hill Fuels Reduction Project (USDA 2011), both on public lands, and the Celio Ranch Fuels Reduction Project on private lands may provide useful data related to SEZ characteristics and tolerances. These data currently inform SEZ management decisions (for example, SEZ treatments in the South Shore Fuel Reduction and Healthy Forest Restoration Project are based on findings from the Heavenly Creek monitoring). In consultation with David Weixelman (USDA Forest Service), we will integrate field information from 60 riparian and meadow permanent plots that are used to track ecological condition and trend into this mapping and analysis effort. These data provide complete plant species and soil data for specific locations at a cross section of hydrogeomorphic types in riparian SEZ sites within the Tahoe Basin. Monitoring from SEZ restoration and improvement projects may be similarly useful in assessing on-the-ground applications of SEZ definition, delineation, or condition.

g. Strategy for engaging with managers and obtaining permits

If the proposal is funded, collaborators will work directly with federal, state, and local land management agencies and organizations through the SMIT and the Tahoe WRAMP team to identify existing policy, scientific, and GIS questions and existing datasets for SEZs in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Via our current outreach and meeting efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin, we have already communicated with several agency partners about the concept of this proposal. We will meet and work directly with representatives from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, The State of Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-Division of State Lands and State Parks, CALFIRE, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, California State Parks, the Tahoe Conservancy, the San Francisco Estuary Institute, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension ,USDA Forest Service (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit), UC Cooperative Extension and other partners to disseminate the results of this study. Results will be presented directly to interested stakeholders through direct meetings, in cooperation with University of California Cooperative Extension, and via the on-going California Fire Science Consortium. In addition, final results and reports will be made available on-line in pdf format to the public.


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Project data will be derived using provided LiDAR data, existing GIS databases, and field visual verification. There will be no treatments specifically implemented for this study, no destructive sampling, no ground disturbing activity, and no permanent marking of any research plots or points in the field, greatly limiting or eliminating the need for further CEQA and NEPA analysis or sampling permits.

h. Description of deliverables/products and plan for how data and products will be reviewed and made available to end users

SIG will create and manage a website that will be accessible to the TRPA, all agency collaborators, and all team members. This site will serve as a distribution point for project documents and data.

Deliverables

Pre-Work Conference(s): Final Scope of Work and Plan of Work schedule. This will be made available via the web on the project site.

Project Management: Monthly and annual progress reports to the TRPA. These will be made available via the web on the project site.

Collaborative Technical Review of Existing SEZ Standards: Review existing data, reports, and publications to clearly explain how SEZs are currently defined using existing methods. Work with agency partners to modify and refine SEZ definition.

Updated Technical SEZ Standards to Spatially Locate Potential SEZs: Using criteria for SEZs summarized in Task 3, recommend and apply a method to spatially define SEZs using GIS. Use the available high-resolution LiDAR data and multispectral imagery to characterize the Stream Environment Zones (SEZs) in terms of vegetation type(s) and structure, soil type(s), topography, and other features.

Updated Field Classification System Used to Identity SEZ for Mapping and Field Verification: Completion of this project will result in a peer reviewed, scientifically accurate, field classification system for users to identify SEZs in the field for mapping and field verification.

Draft Final Report and Maps: Based upon information and findings assimilated in tasks 1 through 7, a draft final report will be generated. This report will be written so that the target audience (defined by TRPA) will be able to easily interpret its contents. The report will include a discussion on the methods used to define SEZs, comparative analysis of these methods, and suggested refined SEZ map.

Final Report and GIS Data: Within 30 days of receiving comments on the draft final report, a final copy will be prepared and delivered. GIS datasets will be made available for download on project site.

Scientific Publications and/or GTR: Final report will be formatted for and submitted to a peer reviewed journal


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III. Schedule of Milestones and Deliverables Milestone/Deliverables Start Date End Date Description Annual accomplishment reports

September, 2012

September, 2013

Prepare annual summary of accomplishments in September.

Progress reports October, 2012

September, 2013

Submit brief progress report to Tahoe Science Program coordinator by the 1st of July, October, January, and April.

Pre-Work Conference(s)

July 2012 August 2013

Meet with TRPA and representatives from local land management agencies discuss proposal

Project Management July 2012 October 2013

Spatial Informatics Group will complete all project management, including preparation of submission of progress reports

Collaborative Technical Review of current SEZ definitions

August 2012

December 2012

Work with agency partners to review and refine existing SEZ definitions.

Initial Spatial Mapping of SEZs

January 2013

May 2013 Use the available high-resolution LiDAR data and multispectral imagery to develop and refine spatially explicit Stream Environment Zones (SEZs)

Field Work, including field GPS work of SEZs

May 2013 September 2011

Collect additional GPS field data to ground truth and refine SEZ map

Draft Final Report: May 2013 July 2013 Based upon information and findings assimilated in tasks 3 through 7, a draft final report will be generated.

Final Report and GIS Data

August 2013

September 2013

Within 30 days of receiving comments on the draft final report, a final copy will be prepared and delivered. GIS data will be made available online.

Scientific Publications and GTR

September 2013

October 2013

Report will be formatted for and submitted to a peer reviewed journal.


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IV. Literature Cited

Chen, Q., 2009. Improvement of the Edge-based Morphological (EM) method for LiDAR data filtering, International Journal of Remote Sensing, 30(4), 1069-1074.

Chen, Q., P. Gong, D.D. Baldocchi, and Y. Tian, 2007b. Estimating basal area and stem volume for individual trees from LIDAR data, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73(12), 1355-1365

Chen, Q., 2007, Airborne LiDAR data processing and information extraction, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73(2), 109-112 (cover story)

Chen, Q., P. Gong, D.D. Baldocchi, and G. Xie., 2007a, Filtering airborne laser scanning data with morphological methods, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73(2),175-185

Chen, Q., D.D. Baldocchi, P. Gong, and M. Kelly, 2006. Isolating individual trees in a savanna woodland using small footprint LIDAR data, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 72(8), 923-932

Collins, J.N., E.D. Stein, M. Sutula, R. Clark, A.E. Fetscher, L. Grenier, C. Grosso, and A. Wiskind. 2008. California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) for Wetlands, v. 5.0.2. 157 pp.

USDA. 2011. Round hill Fuels Reduction Project Soil Quality Monitoring Report. USDA Forest Service. Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, South Lake Tahoe, CA


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V. Figures

Figure 1. Stream data from the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) overlaid on the 2010 LiDAR DEM. As the NHD streams were derived from much coarser resolution topographic data they fail to accurately portray the location of the stream channels.

Figure 2. 3D perspective generated from the 2010 LiDAR for a SEZ within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The high-resolution LiDAR provides an unprecedented view of both the geomorphic and vegetation characteristics within the SEZ.

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