7. PRSR 04-11-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The field survey included identification of dominant plant species within a given natural community. Intensity of inventory effort was related to the overall quality of an area. In general, good quality natural communities were more thoroughly inventoried and more extensive searches conducted for less frequently occurring or State-listed plant species. The field inventory emphasized gathering data on the composition, structure and function of natural communities, including disturbance indicators such as exotic species and erosion. This information provides a solid starting point for assessing the current condition of the community and can be used to development management recommendations. Land Cover Classification MLCCS Background MLCCS, Version 5.4 was used to classify land cover within the city. A brief explanation of the method and its application to this project is provided below. The complete 273 page MLCCS Manual can be viewed/downloaded on the MN DNR web site at the following address: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mlccs/index.html. MLCCS has afive-level hierarchical system of land cover codes to describe natural semi-natural, and cultural land cover types. Natural land cover types include areas such as forests, prairies, wetlands, shrublands, and other similar areas. Semi-natural areas are those dominated by nonnative plant species, but are not actively planted/maintained by humans through activities such as mowing/cutting. Cultural land cover types are areas that can be thought of as developed or substantially impacted by humans. These typically include paved (impervious) areas, agricultural fields, pastures and frequently manipulated grasslands, quarries, and others. The Elk River inventory focused on natural and sem-natural areas for land cover mapping. Progression through each of the five levels of the system represents an increased level of detail in land cover classification. In this framework, Level 1 is the least detailed and Level 5 is the most detailed. For the purposes of this project, all natural and semi- natural areas within the city were classified to the greatest level of detail practical (typically, Level 4 or Level 5). MLCCS Modifier Codes Several `classes' of MLCCS modifiers were assessed in the field while conducting the land cover classification of Elk River. These modifiers were assessed based on the methodology and definitions provided in the MLCCS training manual. Once assessed, the modifier values were entered into the GIS database for each land cover polygon. Modifier codes used in the Elk River NRI project that have a bearing on the descriptions provided in this report include: Natural Community Quality Modifier (M 34x) The M_34x modifier was developed as part of MLCCS methodology as a cursory Top of the World Park Addition Natural Area Management Plan 7