Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Fur and Refuge Division, and the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC). 200106 vector digital data Lafayette, Louisiana, US Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and the U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center. http://lagic.lsu.edu/data/losco/marsh_veg_type_pts_LDWF_2001.zip This data set contains vector point information. The orignal data set was collected through visual field observation by Greg Linscombe of LDWF and Robert H. Chabreck of LSU Agricultural Center. The observations were made while flying over the study areas (Louisiana Coastal Zone) in a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter. Flight was along north/south transects spaced 1.87 miles apart from the Texas state line to the Mississippi state line. Vegetative data was obtained at pre-determined stations spaced at 0.5 miles along each transect. The stations were located using a Trimble Ag 122 Global Positioning system (GPS) and a computer running GPSView by Geowarehouse. This information was recorded manually into field tally sheets and later was entered into a Microsoft Access Database. At this point, this information was brought into a GIS application by converting the file to database format (dbf). A GIS software application was utilized to generate the points along the transect routes. The flight line data was used as a guide to generate the points along the transect routes. The data points produced were used as a guide for the production of marsh type delineation lines. The new data set resulted in a point coverage containing vegetative marsh type attributes along transect flight lines. Coverage is of the coastal region of the State of Louisiana. To update the Louisiana Coastal Marsh Vegetative Type Map of 1997, 1988, 1978, 1968 and 1949. 20010621 20010624 Date of source data (actual date that the data was collected in the field). Complete No current plans for updating the data. -93.885583 -89.104210 30.397840 28.948339 None Coastal Marsh Vegetation Flight lines Transect Points Ecological characterization Biologic None Coastal Louisiana Louisiana Coastal Zone Louisiana None 2001 It is strongly recommended that this data is directly acquired from the distributor described above or from another USGS Biological Resources Division server and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. The distributor makes no claims as to the data's suitability for other purposes. Acknowledgement of the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as a data source would be appreciated in products developed from these data, and such acknowledgment as is standard for citation and legal practices for data source is expected by users of this data. Sharing new data layers developed directly from these data would also be appreciated by U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center staff. Users should be aware that comparison with other data sets for the same area from other time periods may be inaccurate due to inconsistencies resulting from changes in mapping conventions, data collection, and computer processes over time. The distributor shall not be liable for improper or incorrect use of this data, based on the description of appropriate/inappropriate uses described in this metadata document. These data are not legal documents and are not to be used as such. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division Greg Linscombe Biologist Mailing and Physical Address

2415 Darnall Road

New Iberia LA 70560 USA 337 373-0032 337 373-0181 linscombe_rg@wlf.state.la.us <URL: marsh_veg_type_pts_LDWF_2001.gif> GIF The U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center acknowledges the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for use of raw (vegetative marsh study) data collected by Robert H. Chabreck and Greg Linscombe along flight lines over the coastal zone region. Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.2.0.1324 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division National Wetlands Research Center. 200106 2001 Lafayette, LA Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and the U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division National Wetlands Research Center. 19970601 1997 Lafayette, LA Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and the U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and US Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center 19880800 1988 Lafayette, LA Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Fur and Refuge Division, and the US Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 19780800 1978 New Orleans, LA Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission 19680800 First New Orleans, LA Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 1949 First New Orleans, LA Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The accuracy is not based on a formal quantitative assessment and was based on the judgement of the data collector in the field. To attain a better estimate of accuracy, a formal re-evaluation of the Louisiana coastal marsh vegetative types would be necessary to see if there are areas where discrepancies exist. Not applicable All data was derived in the same general format of collecting data at pre-determined stations while flying along transect routes in a helicopter. GPSView software (Geowarehouse) was used to navigate the helicopter along transect lines within a 100 ft buffer zone. Data was not collected for every point along the transect lines in areas where marsh types remained the same. A potential for human error exists in this data set since all classification was based on the judgement of the data collector. Not applicable Not applicable Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 19970601 1997 New Iberia, LA Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Digital file 19970601 19971031 Date of data collection LDWF Primary data for the Vegetative Marsh Type Map Robert Henry Chabreck 19700501 Document Baton Rouge, Louisiana Louisiana State University Paper 19700501 Date of data collection LSU Primary data for determination of flight lines to be flown Robert H. Chabreck - School of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, R. Greg Linscombe - Fur and Refuge Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, New Iberia, LA, Charles E. Sasser - Coastal Ecology Institute, Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, Jenneke M. Visser - Coastal Ecology Institute, Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 19960601 Varies Document Baton Rouge, LA LSU Paper 19680101 19960601 Date of data collection LSU/LDWF Reference Material The original data set was collected through visual field observation by Greg Linscombe of LDWF and Robert H. Chabreck of LSU Agricultural Center. The observations were made while flying over the study area (Louisiana Coastal Zone) in a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter. GPSView software (Geowarehouse) and a differental GPS (Trimble Ag 122) were used to navigate the helicopter along the transect lines. Attribute information was recorded manually in a field tally sheet at pre-determined stations along the transects. This information was then entered in a Microsoft Access Database containing all the attribute information. A GIS software application (Arc/Info Fishnet command) was used to generate the points along the transect routes. The flight data was used as a guide for delineating the marsh type lines. The new data set resulted in a point coverage containing vegetative marsh type attributes along transect flight lines. Attributes assigned to the points included: fresh marsh, intermediate marsh, brackish marsh, salt marsh, non-marsh/other, and water. The vegetative type was an indicator of soil and water salinity of an area and was comprised of an association of plant species having similar salt tolerances. 2001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Louisiana Coastal Zone Vector Entity point 7431 0.000000 0.000000 Decimal degrees North American Datum of 1983 Geodetic Reference System 80 6378137.000000 298.257222 1.000000 Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates marsh_veg_type_pts_LDWF_2001 SPSK_AB Shape Feature geometry. ESRI Coordinates defining the features. TRANSECT STATION TRANS_STAT LONGDD LATDD MONTH_ DAY_ YEAR_ OBSERVER PLANTVIGOR MARSHCOND MARSHCOL MARSHTYPE STAT_TYPE STAT_OTHER WBWIDTH WBLENGTH WBDEPTH PERCENTVEG SPSA SPSA_NAME SPSA_AB SPSB SPSB_NAME SPSB_AB SPSC SPSC_NAME SPSC_AB SPSD SPSD_NAME SPSD_AB SPSE SPSE_NAME SPSE_AB SPSF SPSF_NAME SPSF_AB SPSG SPSG_NAME SPSG_AB SPSH SPSH_NAME SPSH_AB SPSI SPSI_NAME SPSI_AB SPSJ SPSJ_NAME SPSJ_AB SPSK SPSK_NAME FID Internal feature number. ESRI Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. The data set consists of numerous attributes, including collector information, transect and station locations, date visited, health and status of vegetation, species and habitat information. The following is a list of attributes: Shape (ESRI object type), Trans-sat (transect line and station id), Longdd (longitude in decimal degrees), Latdd (latitude in decimal degrees), Transect (transect id), Station (station id), Month, Day, Year, Observer (name of data collector), Plantvigor (A-Poor,B-Moderate,C-Strong), Marshcond (A-Poor,B-Moderate,C-Strong), Marshcol (A-Green,B-Green/Brown,C-Brown/Green,D-Brown,E-Mudflat,F-Mudflat w/recovery), Marshtype (F-Fresh,I-Intermediate,B-Brackish,S-Saline), Stat_type (1-Natural Marsh,2-Small Open Water,3-Large Open Water,4-Marsh Upland,5-Forest/Shrub Wetland,6-Developed), Stat_other, Wbwidth (Wb-Waterbody), Wblenght, Wbdepth, Percentveg (percentage of vegetation presence), Sps* (species observed), Sps*_name (species name), Sps*_ab (species abundance in percentage). Values for these attributes may not be found in all the points. The * in the attributes Sps*, Sps*_name and Sps*_ab indicate a range in value (* can equal a thru k). Entity_and _Attribute_Detail_Citation: Project defined -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center Steve Hartley Senior Geographer/GIS Analyst Mailing and Physical Address

700 Cajundome Blvd.

Lafayette LA 70506 USA 337 266-8543 337 266-8616 steve_hartley@usgs.gov 8 AM to 4 PM CST Monday thru Friday Louisiana Coastal Zone 2001 Vegetative Marsh Type Point data Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from a Biological Resources Division server, and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. So, these data are provided "as is" and without any express or implied warranties, including, without limitation, the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Also, use of trade names or commercial products in this metadata is solely for the purpose of providing specific information, and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Government. Any downloading and use of these data signifies a user's agreement to comprehension and compliance of the U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center Standard Disclaimer. Insure all portions of metadata are read and clearly understood before using these data in order to protect both user and U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center interests. 0.199 None, if available on-line Not available -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David Gisclair Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office Technical Assistance Program (TAP) Director mailing address

Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office

Office of the Governor

P.O. Box 94095

Baton Rouge Louisiana 70804 USA (225) 219-5800 (225) 219-5802 david.gisclair@la.gov marsh_veg_type_pts_LDWF_2001 The data herein, including but not limited to geographic data, tabular data, analytical data, electronic data structures or files, are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, or statutory, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the data is assumed by the user. No guarantee of accuracy is granted, nor is any responsibility for reliance thereon assumed. In no event shall the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office (LOSCO) be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, loss of anticipated profits or benefits arising out of use of or reliance on the data. The LOSCO does not accept liability for any damages or misrepresentation caused by inaccuracies in the data or as a result of changes to the data caused by system transfers or other transformations or conversions, nor is there responsibility assumed to maintain the data in any manner or form. These data have been developed from the best available sources. Although efforts have been made to ensure that the data are accurate and reliable, errors and variable conditions originating from physical sources used to develop the data may be reflected in the data supplied. Users must be aware of these conditions and bear responsibility for the appropriate use of the information with respect to possible errors, scale, resolution, rectification, positional accuracy, development methodology, time period, environmental and climatic conditions and other circumstances specific to these data. The user is responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of the data provided herein. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. The user should refer to the accompanying metadata notes for a description of the data and data development procedures. Although these data have been processed successfully on computers at the LOSCO, no guarantee, expressed or implied, is made by LOSCO regarding the use of these data on any other system, nor does the act of distribution constitute or imply any such warranty. Distribution of these data is intended for information purposes and should not be considered authoritative for navigational, engineering, legal and other site-specific uses. SHP and MDB ESRI Shapefile and Geodatabase (9.1) 0.199 http://lagic.lsu.edu/data/losco/marsh_veg_type_pts_LDWF_2001.zip DVD-ROM 20070821 20011019 Helena Schaefer U.S. Geological Survey, National Wetlands Research Center Geographer Mailing and Physical Address

700 Cajundome Blvd

Lafayette LA 70506 USA 337 266-8696 337 266-8616 helena_schaefer@usgs.gov 8 AM to 4 PM CST Monday thru Friday FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata FGDC-STD-001-1998 local time None Acknowledgement of the National Wetlands Research Center as the metadata source would be appreciated. Please cite the original metadata when using portions of the record to create a similar record of slightly altered data, such as reprojection. http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html ESRI Metadata Profile