Regional Biodiversity Monitoring (for 2010)
Primary Question: How is the matrix of regional vegetation communities fluctuating in response to local climate trends?
Approach: Comparative fixed-plot analysis between communities along an elevational gradient in Waterville Valley, NH and The Bowl Research Natural Area, Grafton Co., NH
We plan monitoring vegetation composition within plots on Mount Tecumseh and an as-of-yet-to-be-determined location in the Bowl Natural Area, NH (this will require a permit from the White Mountain National Forest). The plots will be at similar elevations and orientations. We will be collecting data on composition, % cover, phenological state, and frequency. This data will be used to determine an Importance Value (IV) for each species. We will be monitoring species IV over time as a means of assessing biodiversity trend lines. These trend lines will be compared with local and regional meteorological data in order to determine potential statistical correlative significance.
