Indicator
Freel Peak Cushion Plant Community
Basics
Freel Peak Cushion Plant Community
Freel Peak
Action
Program
Each Unit (number)
VP16: Provide for the non-degradation of the natural qualities of any plant community that is uncommon to the Basin or of exceptional scientific, ecological, or scenic value. This threshold shall apply to the Freel Peak Cushion Plant community.
The natural qualities of the community (as determined by a qualified expert).
This Indicator is reported in the following LT Info areas:
Accomplishments
freel peak chart.png
Mean change in species frequency of occurrence between 2006 and 2011 in eight summit area sections by thermic rank on the three summit areas of Freel Peak (FES = Freel East Summit, FPK = Freel Peak, FSW = Freel Southwest Summit) where GLORIA (Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments) plots were established. Thermic rank is based on upper elevation plant elevation zones for the northern Sierra Nevada, based on NRCS land resource units (LRUs): 1. alpine, 2. subalpine, 3. upper montane, 4. mid montane, 5. lower montane. Negative changes in frequency indicate a loss or decline, and positive values indicate an increase in frequency.
Name Options
Freel Peak
General

Program Freel Peak Cushion Plant Community Monitoring

Approach

Long-term monitoring plots were installed in 2006 on Freel Peak and 2 adjacent summits following GLORIA protocol. Vascular plant and groundcover are visually estimated in 16 one-meter by one-meter permanent quadrats, and species presence is recorded in eight summit area sections. In addition, continuous soil temperatures are logged in four summit areas, and detailed repeat photography is taken. Plots are remeasured every 5 years. The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station has taken the lead in organizing monitoring associated with the GLORIA project throughout California. GLORIA data provide the primary indicator of the status and trend of the cushion plant community. In 2009, the LTBMU installed 4 permanent plots targeting the Tahoe draba population in the Freel Peak cushion plant community. The plots are visited every 3-5 years to provide a quantitative and consistent method for evaluating the status and trend of this sensitive species.

Partners

Associated Programs data not provided.