Salton Sea Wetlands Vegetation

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: Redlands Institute, University of Redlands

Publication_Date: 2000

Title: Salton Sea Wetlands Vegetation

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

Online_Linkage:

http://www.institute.redlands.edu/salton/downloads/shapefiles/SS_WetlandsVeg.zip

Description:

Abstract:

A wetlands coverage has been produced for the immediate area around the Salton Sea utilizing digital orthophotograph quarter-quadrangles (DOQQs). The map extent for this coverage extends from the Sea to the surrounding highways: State Route 86 to the west, SR 111 to the east, SR 195 to the north and SR 26 to the south.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this coverage is to identify and characterize the wetland habitats in the vicinity of the Salton Sea. As of this writing, no restoration project alternatives have been selected. Therefore, the purpose of the wetlands mapping effort is to provide a basis for preliminary constraints analyses only. Upon selection of a project alternative and definition of project corridors and footprints, more site-specific vegetation investigations will be completed, including the following:

 Wetlands delineations and jurisdictional determinations for U.S. Clean Water Act, Section 	404 compliance;
 Species-specific surveys for rare, threatened, or endangered plant species;
 And detailed surveys of potential project corridors between the Salton Sea and the Gulf of 	California, Pacific, or other points outside of the watershed if selected project alternatives involve these areas.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 2000

Currentness_Reference: publication date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -116.164258

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -115.504270

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 33.569502

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 33.006166

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Theme_Keyword: wetlands

Theme_Keyword: vegetation

Theme_Keyword: habitat

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category

Theme_Keyword: Biologic and ecologic

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Place_Keyword: Salton Sea

Place_Keyword: California

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints: None

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Krantz, Tim

Contact_Organization: Redlands Institute, University of Redlands

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 1200 E. Colton Ave.

City: Redlands

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: 92373

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 909-335-5268

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 909-307-6952

Browse_Graphic:

Browse_Graphic_File_Name: None

Security_Information:

Security_Classification_System: None

Security_Classification: Unclassified

Security_Handling_Description: None

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.1.0.780

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Title: None

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report: The data is estimated to be 99% accurate.

Logical_Consistency_Report: Polygon and chain-node topology present.

Completeness_Report:

The data set has no generalization and no data was intentionally omitted.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Estimated to be +/- 20 feet

Quantitative_Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Assessment:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Value: +/- 20 feet

Lineage:

Source_Information:

Source_Scale_Denominator: 12,000

Type_of_Source_Media: DOQQ Image

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

The vegetation mapping effort focused on the immediate shore zone area and adjacent wetlands, extending to the limits of the coverage area along the three tributary rivers and three perennial creeks. Using DOQQs for base maps, observers identified the dominant and associated wetland vegetation types in the field, making note of hydrological conditions (standing water, mud flat, etc.). Wetland indicator plant species were identified in accordance with the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands (USFWS 1988). Wetlands vegetation polygons were drawn on the DOQQs in the field, using a minimum mapping unit of approximately 0.5 hectares. All fieldwork was conducted between June 1998 and August 1999. Some private duck clubs and other areas were not accessible to fieldworkers, but were assigned wetland vegetation and habitat attributes in consultation with resource managers and knowledgeable individuals from the California Department of Fish and Game Wister Management Area, Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge, and Torres-Martinez Indian Reservation. The field data were digitized in the laboratory from the DOQQs to create a GIS coverage. The polygons were drawn and attributes were assigned accordingly. After all polygons were generated, the entire coverage was reviewed for accuracy and rectified as necessary.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

r:\salton\ssdp\atlasthematic\gis\env\biology\vegetation\wetlands_veg

Process_Step:

Process_Description: Dataset copied.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

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Process_Description: Dataset copied.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

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Process_Step:

Process_Description: Dataset copied.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

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Process_Step:

Process_Description: Dataset copied.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

Server=ri-dbserv-2.institute.redlands.edu; Service=5181; Database=sde_temp; User=sde_admin; Version=sde.DEFAULT

Process_Step:

Process_Description: Dataset copied.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

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Process_Step:

Process_Description: Dataset copied.

Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation:

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Cloud_Cover: N/A

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: G-polygon

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 477

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Label point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 477

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 477

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 4

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Composite object

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 5

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.000000

Longitude_Resolution: 0.000000

Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222

Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Altitude_System_Definition:

Altitude_Resolution: 1.000000

Altitude_Encoding_Method:

Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: SS_WetlandsVeg

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AT_CATEGOR

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: SHAPE

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: NEW

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBJECTID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PERIMETER

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WETLANDS_V

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WETLANDS_1

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ASSOC_VEG

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WETLAND

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CATEGORY

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ACREAGE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PRIME_NAME

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WET_TYPE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: FID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: COM_NAME

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PRIMARY_

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AREA

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: SHAPE_area

Attribute_Definition: Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: SHAPE_len

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: wetlands_veg.pat

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: FID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AREA

Attribute_Definition: Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PERIMETER

Attribute_Definition: Perimeter of feature in internal units.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WETLANDS_VEG#

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WETLANDS_VEG-ID

Attribute_Definition: User-defined feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PRIMARY

Attribute_Definition:

This field represents the dominant vegetation species for a polygon.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ASSOC_VEG

Attribute_Definition: This field describes the associated species for a polygon.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WETLAND

Attribute_Definition:

This field describes four classes of wetlands in the coverage area

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: NEW

Attribute_Definition: unknown

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: CATEGORY

Attribute_Definition: type of wetland classification

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ACREAGE

Attribute_Definition: acreage of polygon

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PRIME_NAME

Attribute_Definition: scientific name of community

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: COM_NAME

Attribute_Definition: common name

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: WET_TYPE

Attribute_Definition: wetland type

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AT_CATEGORY

Attribute_Definition: reclassed wet_type for SaltonSea Atlas

Attribute:

Attribute:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: wetlands_veg.patmaincat

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: FID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AREA

Attribute_Definition: Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: PERIMETER

Attribute_Definition: Perimeter of feature in internal units.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: MAINCAT#

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: MAINCAT-ID

Attribute_Definition: User-defined feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: AT_CATEGORY

Attribute:

Attribute:

Attribute:

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

Each polygon in the wetlands habitat coverage possesses three fields describing its primary (dominant) plant species, associated plant species, and wetlands type. The attributes for these fields are described below. Primary Vegetation-This field represents the dominant vegetation species for a polygon. Dominance was subjectively assessed by the observer in the field as the presence of a species comprising 50% or more of the absolute vegetation cover as determined on the DOQQs. In areas of sparse vegetation, determination of primary vegetation was made relative to other species cover, even if the actual percent cover may have been less than 50% of the total area within the polygon. Quantitative vegetation data were not collected at this time, nor was digital image analysis undertaken to determine vegetation cover values. Quantitative vegetation assessments may be undertaken at such time as project alternatives are selected and potential construction routes and footprints are defined. The attributes for the primary vegetation field are listed below. The wetlands affinity of each primary species is listed in the data dictionary according to the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: California (Region 0) (USFWS 1988).* In the case of the halophytic scrub community, no single dominant species was identifiable. This community occurs as a mix of halophytic (salt-adapted) plant species including various Atriplex species, Suaeda californica, Allenrolfea occidentalis, Pluchea sericea, and Tamarix ramosissima. A "9998" designation indicates polygons for which there is no data; and "9999" indicates polygons for which there is no primary wetlands vegetation (such as mudflats or open water in managed wetlands, such as duck club ponds, or otherwise upland vegetation). * "Obligate" wetland species are defined as those occurring in wetlands >99% of the time; "facultative wetland" species are defined as those usually occurring in wetlands (67-99% of the time); "facultative" species (34-66%), "facultative upland" (67-99% in uplands), or "obligate upland" species (>99% in uplands) (USFWS 1988). Primary and Associated Vegetation Attributes Table 9998 No data 9999 No wetlands vegetation; however, may include some wetlands types ALOC Allenrolfea occidentalis Iodine bush ATCA Atriplex canescens Shadscale saltbush ATHY A. hymenelytra Desert holly ATLE A. lentiformis Lenticular saltbush BASE Baccharis sergiloides False willow CATI Carthamus tinctorius Safflower HASC Halophytic scrub community Mixed halophytic species HOVU Hordeum vulgare Barley LADI Larrea divaricata Creosote LESP Leptochloa species Sprangletop PHAS Phragmites australis Common reed PHPR Phleum pratense Timothy PLSE Pluchea sericea Arrowweed PRGL Prosopis glandulosa Mesquite PRPU P. pubescens Screw-bean mesquite SAEX Salix exigua Narrow-leaf willow SCRO Scirpus robustus Bulrush SUCA Suaeda californica Sea-blite TARA Tamarix ramosissima Tamarisk TYLA Typha latifolia Broad-leaf cattail Associated Vegetation-This field describes the associated species for a polygon. Associations were determined to be the species occurring with a primary species, therefore occupying less than 50% of absolute vegetation cover. As with primary vegetation classifications, associations were subjectively determined based upon the observers' interpretations of DOQQs in the field. The attributes are denoted similarly as the primary species, with the exception that the associated species are not necessarily facultative wetland species. For example, three polygons have creosote bush-an upland species-as an association, indicating that, although the polygons have a primary wetlands species, they are transitional to upland vegetation with their upland association. Wetland Types-This field describes four classes of wetlands in the coverage area: shoreline strand vegetation, adjacent wetlands, managed wetlands, and riparian wetlands. These wetland types are characterized by particular hydrological situations as described below. Shoreline strand-This wetland community is comprised of a mix of halophytic scrub species. The shoreline strand vegetation generally extends along a narrow band immediately above the beaches of the Salton Sea, and is presumably sustained by percolation of saline water through the beach deposits. Thus, only the most salt-tolerant species can survive in these areas, typically dominated by iodine bush or tamarisk. For the purpose of this vegetation study, the shoreline strand community was derived based upon a high resolution shoreline delineation created by image analysis of DOQQs, and was plotted as a 5-meter buffer above the delineated shoreline. In areas where other wetland types were identified along the shoreline, the 5-meter buffer was subtracted from the total wetland acreage calculations, so as not to double count these areas. Adjacent wetlands-This wetland type includes wetland habitats adjacent to the Salton Sea, but above the delineated shoreline and extending beyond the narrow shoreline strand vegetation. The adjacent wetlands include mudflats that are periodically inundated by storm run-off or wave fetch, but that otherwise lack primary wetland vegetation attributes except along their upland edges. Adjacent wetlands also include diked wetlands-areas behind dikes, many of which are below the Sea level, and that are sustained by a combination of seepage of saline water from the Sea and/or from agricultural drainage. The degree of hydrological support from agricultural run-off or the Sea can be inferred by the kind of primary and associated vegetation found in that polygon, ie. halophytic species indicating saltwater communication, while cattails and bulrush indicate freshwater drainage. Managed wetlands-Managed wetlands occur on Department of Fish and Game and National Wildlife Refuge lands along the southern shores of the Salton Sea, and on duck club and aquaculture ponds along the southern shore of the Sea and near the mouth of the Whitewater River to the north. These areas may be managed as perennial, seasonal, freshwater or brackish water wetlands, depending upon the hydrological management regime of the managing agency. Some of these lands are also managed as agricultural lands for forage crops for waterfowl, including safflower, milo, barley, and other grain crops. Because of the changing wetland management practices of these areas, the primary and associated plant species are also mutable within a short timeframe. For example, the CDFG was clearing large areas of tamarisk and creating brackish water wetlands in many ponds within the Wister Unit at the time of these surveys. Thus, these areas are best considered in terms of their manageability, rather than the particular species found there at the present time. Riparian wetlands-This wetland type includes riverine plant communities along the New, Alamo and Whitewater Rivers, and wetland plant communities along the San Felipe, Salt and Thiery Creeks. The New River riparian wetlands are comprised almost entirely of tamarisk, with only a few areas of native wetland vegetation. The Alamo supports some areas of willow riparian and, depending upon management practices, some areas of freshwater marsh of cattails and bulrushes, particularly near the mouth of the river on National Wildlife Refuge lands. Riparian vegetation along the Whitewater River has been highly altered by channelization and other disturbances, but still supports some willow, cottonwood, and other riparian associations. Other non-wetland attributes recorded in this field include uplands (polygons having primary and associated wetland vegetation values of "9999" and a wetland type of "UPLA"), agricultural lands ("AGRI"), residential ("RESI") or other developed, non-wetland uses. Wetlands Type Attributes Table AGRI Agriculture (classed as an Upland type) ADWE Adjacent wetland ALRI Alamo River (classed as a Riparian wetland type) CSFC Current San Felipe Creek (classed as a Riparian wetland type) DKCL Duck club (classed as a Managed wetland type) EMGW Ephemeral (semi-permanent) managed wetland FIFA Fish farm (classed as a Managed wetland type) HATC Hatchery (classed as a Managed wetland type) HSFC Historic San Felipe Creek (classed as a Riparian wetland type) MGWE Managed wetland NERI New River (classed as a Riparian wetland type) PMGW Permanent managed wetland (classed as a Managed wetland type) RESI Residential, including commercial, industrial and other developed lands RIWE Riparian wetland SACR Salt Creek (classed as a Riparian wetland type) MUFL Mudflat SHOR Shoreline strand SMGW Seasonal managed wetland (classed as a Managed wetland type) SSEA Salton Sea UPLA Upland WWRI Whitewater River (classed as a Riparian wetland type) 9998 no data

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

Holland, Robert F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of California. Unpublished report. State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Natural Heritage Division, Sacramento, CA. Munz, Philip A. 1974. A Flora of Southern California. Univ. of Calif. Press, Berkeley, CA. Sawyer, John O. and Keeler-Wolf, Todd. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society. USFWS. 1988. National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: California (Region 0). U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. Biol. Rpt. 88(26.10), May, 1988.

Distribution_Information:

Resource_Description: Downloadable Data

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Transfer_Size: 10.807

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20060906

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: Redlands Institute, University of Redlands

Contact_Person: Lewis, Lisa

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 1200 E. Colton Ave.

City: Redlands

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: 92373

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: R909-335-5268

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 909-307-6952

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention: local time

Metadata_Access_Constraints: None

Metadata_Use_Constraints: None

Metadata_Security_Information:

Metadata_Security_Classification_System: None

Metadata_Security_Classification: Unclassified

Metadata_Security_Handling_Description: None

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage: <http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html>

Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile