MEASUREMENT PROTOCOLS FOR LONG-TERM COVER AND DENSITY DATA These data sets include all measures of cover and density made on these study transects since they were established during USFS Studies FSRM 1706-09, FSRM 1706-12, FSRM 1706-15, and FSRM 1706-25. The Forest Service's measurements on these transects began as early as 1953 and continued through 1984. Measurements on these transects were resumed in 1991, and they have subsequently been measured every three years, with the most recent measurements recorded in 2009. The transects are scheduled for re-measurement again in 2012. Cover was estimated by species along 100-ft. transects by stretching a graduated tape between rebar in the ground at either end of the transect. Basal intercept for perennial grasses and canopy intercept for shrubs and trees are expressed in units of 0.1 ft. Although cover was recorded in units of 0.01 ft. through 1984, this data set reports all cover estimates to the nearest 0.1 ft. for consistency. Cover on these transects has been measured at varying intervals beginning as early as 1953 and most recently in 2009. Perennial plant density was estimated in 100x1 ft. belt transects, where the 100-ft. dimension was provided by the permanent line intercept transect location and the 1-ft. width was on the right side of the transect as viewed from the 0-ft. marker. Density on these transects has been measured every three years from 1972-1984 and 1991-2009. longtermstudy.txt 31 May 2009