Plot+Data+Checklist


 * List of steps to be taken from arrival at a plot to departure**

Team working on this: **Bethany** __(Please add/ take out items you feel are necessary!)__

//**<> I think we should have a single person in charge of checking people in and out - a safety master - do we have a volunteer?**//
 * PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TO PLOT**
 * Collect necessary equipment (Field Kit)
 * Review the plot photos you are measuring that day and see what information you can fill out before you go
 * ex. plot ID #, initials, land use, etc...
 * Review ALL materials:
 * Be sure both team members are familiar with directions (depending on the site, bring mapquest or Umstead trail maps, etc)
 * Review contact history if property owner was contacted (Be familiar with resident's names, etc...)
 * Be familiar with Field Safety Team information
 * **Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return**

.
 * IN THE FIELD**
 * Depending on the site, attempt to contact property owner if appropriate (residential, small business, etc...)
 * If property owner is not there, leave the door tag letter (in Field Kit)
 * Important to leave letter on door before measurements begin, that way if the owner comes home while your running around in their backyard they have some warning.
 * TAKE DATA MEASUREMENTS (reference UFORE field guide- data collection procedures begin on pg. 8)**
 * 1) Establish plot center
 * 2) Place cardinal and semi-cardinal markers
 * 3) Establish references to permanent fixtures
 * Distance
 * Direction
 * Useful to draw a brief diagram of where reference points are located on the data sheet
 * 1) Determine % tree canopy cover
 * 2) Determine % shrub cover
 * Anything woody and under 1 inch DBH is considered a shrub
 * 1) Determine % land cover
 * tar, cement, duff/mulch, etc.
 * 1) Gather tree information data
 * 2) Starting at due north and working in a clockwise fashion, number all trees with chalk
 * 3) Direction from plot center to tree
 * 4) Distance from plot center to tree
 * 5) Species identification
 * If unknown, attempt to "key out" using key provided in the Field Kit, after one attempt and still unknown, clip twig and take a picture.
 * Put tree ID number on the ziploc bag provided, identify picture on data sheet
 * 1) DBH
 * 2) Crown Diameter
 * North-South
 * East West
 * 1) Light Exposure
 * 2) Height to top of tree
 * 3) Height to crown base
 * 4) Ground Slope
 * 5) Is is a street tree?
 * yes or no
 * 1) Direction/Distance to buildings


 * Especially on the first few plots, it is a good idea to recheck your measurements by discussing differences with your partner and "eyeing" things. i.e. after tree heights are calculated, stop a minute and just look to see whether or not your measurements are appropriate. If you are measuring a stand of trees that appear to be similar in height, but you are getting big differences in your measurements, something is wrong.***


 * AFTER MEASUREMENTS ARE COMPLETE/ DEPARTURE**


 * **Double-check that you have all of the appropriate measurements and units are assigned to every number**
 * Make sure there are no blank spaces on your data sheets (Mark a line through boxes with no data)
 * Put your datasheets away somewhere safe
 * Remove all pin flags and tape
 * Clean up any messes/trash
 * If appropriate, let property owner know you are departing
 * Double-check to make sure everything is back in your field kit
 * Let your safety contact know you are leaving the site, and where you are going next


 * BACK AT THE "OFFICE"**


 * Let your safety contact know you have returned

GET YOUR MEASUREMENTS TO MARY, DATA COLLECTION MANAGER!!**
 * Keep a separate backup copy of your data (george will supply Mary with a wolfcopy card)