11. Name: Riparian Community Type Classification of Eastern Idaho- Western Wyoming. 



Authors: Andrew P. Youngblood, Wayne G. Padgett, and Alma H. Winward. ^ 



Reference: Yoimgblood, A.P., W.G. Padgett, and A.H. Winward. 1985. Riparian commu- 

 nity type classification of eastern Idaho-western Wyoming. USDA Forest Service, 

 Intennoimtain Region, R4-Ecol-85-01. 78 pp. 



Objectives: To contribute to the broad regional classification program of the USDA Forest 

 Service by developing a riparian commtmity type classification for eastern Idaho and western 

 Wyoming. To describe the general geographic, topographic, edaphic, and floristic features of 

 each conmiunity type. To describe the successional trends for each community type, where 

 possible. To present information on resource values and management opportunities for each 

 commimity type. 



Designed Users: Land managers and biologists. 



Area of Applicability: Eastern Idaho, western Wyoming (although system could be used 

 anywhere). 



Classification Units, Description, and Data: 



Classification Units Description 



Canopy Cover The area covered by the generahzed outiine of an individual 



plant's foliage, or collectively covered by all individuals of a 

 species within a stand or sample area. Canopy cover per- /" 



centages are a determining factor in distinguishing commu- 

 nity types, the basic unit of this taxonomical system as 

 described in Daubenmire (1968). 



Soils Soils were classified to the family level using standard pedon 



description metiiods (USDA-SCS 1975). Available water 

 capacity (inches of waterfmches of soil) was estimated for 

 the top 50 cm (20 inches) using guidelines developed by the 

 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service 

 (1983). A general characterization of geologic materials was 

 determined from geologic maps. 



Community Type An aggregation of all plant communities distinguished by 



floristic and structural similarities in both overstory and 

 undergrowth layers. 



Use, Testing, Validation: Document serves as a test and validation. The procedure, or a 

 similar representation, is used by a number of U.S. Forest Service offices. 



Ease of Application: The field data requires a number of statistical procedures to analyze 



canopy data. However, tiie application is straightforward and should not be difficult for 



experienced biologists. Developing relationships among adjacent riparian community types 



and upland vegetation requires experience. / 



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