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  1. Title: National Register Historic Places (Polygons), Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2014

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    Summary: This point shapefile contains site locations from the National Register of Historic Places in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island within 10km of the coastal shoreline. for Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The NRHP database is a listing of sites (buildings, objects, etc.) and areas (large properties, districts, etc.) which have some sort of cultural or historical significance in American history and are noteworthy for preservation (http://www.nps.gov/nr/about.htm). This dataset is a compilation of NRHP from state databases. Please be advised that some NRHP in this dataset may be missing as the states are currently working on updating their databases and datasets. New Hampshire and Connecticut NRHP are not included in this product since spatial datasets are currently being developed. This regional dataset will be updated as states provide updates to datasets. Users must consult with appropriate State and/or Tribal Preservation Offices in the identification and evaluation of historic properties as stated under the National Preservation Act. This regional dataset compiled by Northeast Ocean Data serves as a baseline for identifying NRHP; users must confirm with appropriate State and/or Tribal Preservation Offices for official listings under the National Register of Historic Places. For more information and current listings of NRHP, please be directed to the National Park Service’s Natio The NRHP provides a listing of important places for the preservation of American history. This dataset is used to support coastal and ocean planning by displaying sites/areas within 10km of the coastal shoreline. The Nature Conservancy. (2014). National Register Historic Places (Polygons), Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2014. Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/nd207gd3722. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  2. Title: Shellfish Habitats for Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, 1975-2013

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    Summary: This shellfish habitat layer was derived from datasets from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire state GIS resources. Shapefiles downloaded/provided from these states include delineated shellfish habitats for oysters (American oyster, Eastern oyster, European oyster), clams (Atlantic surf clam, ocean quahog, quahog, razor clam, and soft-shell clam), blue mussel, and scallops (bay scallop and sea scallop). Maine’s molluscan shellfish layer is based on habitat distribution data from February 2008 to September 2010 provided by town officials, harvesters, harbormasters, Maine Department of Marine Resources (MEDMR) biologists, MEDMR specialists, MEDMR Marine Patrol officers and MEDMR scientists. The Massachusetts shellfish suitability data maps areas along the coast of Massachusetts where shellfish have been observed since the mid-1970’s depicting areas that are suitable for shellfish habitats. This data is a compilation of information provided by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, local shellfish constables, commercial fisherman, maps and studies. The New Hampshire dataset contains delineations of tidal shellfish beds from 2005 to 2013 provided by data from New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Shellfish Program, Morrissey, E and C. Nash (2013), University of New Hampshire [Grizzle, R. and K. Ward (2009 and 2013), Capone et al. (2008)], and Normandeau Associates, Inc. (2008). This regional dataset does not include shellfish habitats for Connecticut, New York or Rhode Island; however, this dataset will be updated to include these states once data is available. This dataset shows shellfish suitability areas (habitats) for eleven shellfish species (Atlantic surf clam, ocean quahog, quahog, razor clam, soft-shell clam, blue mussel, American oyster, Eastern Oyster, European oyster, bay scallop, and the sea scallop) for New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. The Nature Conservancy. (2014). Shellfish Habitats for Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, 1975-2013. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/vr206rb1519. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  3. Title: Land Use and Land Cover: Salinas Valley, Monterey County, California, 2005

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    Summary: This polygon shapefile represents land use and land cover for the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties of California for 2005. This shapefile was extracted from a generalized land use/land cover database of the Salinas-Pajaro region. Map unit categories were based on a modified Anderson Level II hierarchy. Mapping generally adhered to a 0.5 acre Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU) for riparian and agriculture types and 1 acre MMU for all upland, urban, or other land use types. Vegetation percent cover classes were assigned to the tree and shrub layers for each stand. Herbaceous vegetation was not assigned a cover class. All density values are measured in absolute cover, not relative cover. If tree cover is equal to or greater than 40% then the shrub cover is assigned a Not Assessed value of 9. The minimum mapping unit (MMU) resolution size of the land use/land cover polygons is twofold. In the intense agricultural region and for wetland and riparian areas the polygons have a 0.5 acre MMU. In the remainder of the study area, composed of non-agricultural areas, upland vegetation, and urban areas, the MMU is 1 acre. For thin linear-shaped polygons the MMU for width is one half the width of a full MMU square. Exceptions to the MMU guidance are noted in further criteria below. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas, such as cities, towns, and villages, were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses within their extents. The MMU size for these agricultural uses within urban areas is 0.5 acres. As noted above, the study area overlaps with the 2005 mapping of the Salinas River and San Benito river major riparian corridors that Aerial Information Systems, Inc. conducted for the Nature Conservancy. The MMU for the original projects was <0.5 acres. Where those units had not changed for 2005 and 2012 mapping, the map units were kept at the original polygon size. The 0.5 acre MMU is used for new mapping of riparian and wetland map units. Other Mapping Criteria includes photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Stanford University contracted Aerial Information Systems, Inc. to develop a 2005 and 2012 Anderson Level II terrestrial Land Use/Land Cover map for a portion of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County and portions of several valleys in the greater Pajaro River and San Benito River watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties, to support research and future modeling efforts in the area. Karp, D. and Gennet, S. (2014) Land Use and Land Cover: Salinas Valley, Monterey County, California, 2005. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/by476jb7889 MAPPING CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS/CRITERIA The Land Use/Land Cover mapping classification is a simple life form classification representing trees, shrubs, herbs, agriculture, urban. Note that there is correlation to some of the upper level hierarchy (Formation to Macrogroup) of the National Vegetation Classification Hierarchy as Applied to California Vegetation in the Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition, Appendix 3. Land Use/Land Cover Land use/land cover involves two aspects of mapping that overlap. Land use is how the land is being utilized, such as urban, agriculture, open space, vacant, etc. Land cover is what is covering the landscape, usually in the form of vegetation, buildings, structures, non-vegetated, etc. The two aspects may overlap such as when trees are an overstory to agriculture, or a naturally vegetated area is designated as a park. Mapping of Land Use and Land Cover may be done as two separate layers or as one. For this project, it was mapped as one layer. Therefore, following California Department of Fish and Wildlife criteria for state-wide vegetation mapping, when overlap occurs the land cover or vegetation takes precedence if it is dominant over the land use. 10 = Forest & Woodlands (Trees) 11 = California Forest & Woodland (Dry Upland Native Trees) Stands are represented by upland tree species that are typical of the California Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Blue oak (Q. douglasii), Interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), Valley oak (Q. lobata), and California buckeye (Aesculus californica). Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture or orchards/vineyards, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the agriculture or orchards/vineyards will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. 12 = Riparian Forest & Woodland (Wetland Native Trees) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian tree species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian, Flooded and Swamp Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Red willow (Salix laevigata), Black willow (S. gooddingii), Shining willow (S. lucida), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Box elder (Acer negundo), Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and White alder (Alnus rhombifolia). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 13 = Exotic Trees (Dry Upland Exotic Trees) Stands are represented by exotic tree species including Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pepper, and Tamarisk, among others. Single rows of planted trees are not mapped unless the crowns are so large that they meet the MMU width. 20 = Shrublands 21 = Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub (Wetland Thickets) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian shrub and tree sapling species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub/Wash Group. These include Mixed willow thickets (shrubs and saplings) of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Salix spp. (Shining willow [S. lucida], Arroyo willow [S. lasiolepis], Narrowleaf willow [S. exigua], Black willow [S. gooddingii], and/or Red willow [S. laevigata]), Mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia), Scale broom (Lepidospartum squamatum), and Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 22 = Upland Scrub (Chaparral, California Coastal Scrub & Pacific Coast Scrub) Stands are represented by upland shrub species that are typical of the California Chaparral and the California Coastal Scrub Macrogroups. These include Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum californica) and Dune scrub species among others. 30 = Herbaceous Vegetation 31 = Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs (Dry Upland Herbaceous) Stands are represented by upland herbaceous species that are typical of the Mediterranean Grasslands & Forb Meadow Formation, and the Vancouverian Coastal Dune and Bluff Macrogroup. These include naturalized Mediterranean annual grasses such as Brome (Bromus spp.), Oats (Avena spp.), and Barley (Hordeum spp.), Mustards (Brassica spp.), and other invasive exotic species including Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Iceplant. Dry upland herbaceous (grass) map units range from small parcels of land that have been vacant for years, to large expanses of open or fenced land which is also referred to as rangeland. Rangeland can take the form of woodlands, shrublands, or herbaceous as the predominant vegetation. From a land use point of view they can be considered not in any use, or used for grazing of domesticated animals. For this project the vegetation takes precedence over the grazing aspect of land use. However, smaller fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained and associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals), are mapped as Pasturelands. Remnant foundations of buildings that have been removed are included with the surrounding vegetation. Large ditches that predominantly contain the weeds/grass/ruderal vegetation are included in the Water Feature class. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. 32 = Meadow & Marsh (Wetland/Wet Herbaceous) Stands are represented by wetland or riparian herbaceous species that are typical of Temperate and Boreal Freshwater Marsh Formation and the Temperate and Boreal Salt Marsh Formation, which include meadows and marshes. These include Bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.), Cattails (Typha latifolia), sedges (Carex sp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), Spike-rush (Eleocharis sp.), Alkali heath (Frankenia sp.), Pickleweed (Salicornia sp.), Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), Jaumea sp., and Gumweed (Grindelia sp.). Also present is the invasive exotic Giant cane (Arundo donax), which can form large stands. Presence of Arundo donax was noted in the Comment field. Where a dammed wetland feature occurs in a “natural environment”, that is, occurring along a drainage and not impounded on all sides, the Water Feature is separated from the wetland herbaceous where possible. Large mappable ditches whose delineations may contain wet herbs are mapped as Water Feature. Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the Salinas and San Benito Rivers were previously mapped in 2005, these databases were used as the starting point of the map. 40 = Little or No Vegetative Cover 41 = Naturally Occurring Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetation that area that are not of human cause. Typically these are sparsely vegetated stream or river flats or temporarily flooded minor stream channels, but may include upland rock outcrops or escarpments. 42 = Human Caused Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetated that are of human origin, with no buildings or permanent structures. These areas are typically “staging” or storage areas for agricultural equipment (irrigation, tanks, vehicles, etc.), and cleared areas adjacent to agricultural fields. Also included are berms, and cleared or scraped land. It does not include land tilled or prepped for agriculture. Cleared areas associated with a building or cluster of buildings are included with the buildings as Urban/Built-Up. Strips of cleared land along the riparian corridor edge may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if it meets the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area, and agriculture adjacent to the cleared area. Orchards/Vineyards that had been recently cut down and the land cleared may be called as Human Caused Unvegetated if the current temporal and future imagery shows that the land has not returned to Orchard/Vineyards. If the imagery shows the land as grassy, then it is mapped as Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs. 50 = Agriculture 51 = Active and Recently Active Agriculture Vegetable and grain row or field crop and nursery agricultural fields and greenhouses. Includes fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012). May include berry bush crops. Agriculture within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, was mapped if the agricultural field was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Nursery buildings, paved areas, parking areas, and areas of weedy/disturbance are mapped as Urban-Built-Up. Fallow agricultural land is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. It can appear grassy, weedy, or scraped. If the supplemental imagery shows that the land appears to have active agriculture within the last 5 years of the base image then it is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. If it appears to not have been in production during that time, then it is coded as its current state of cover. If an area was mapped as Agriculture, but looked grassy/weedy on 2012 image, then the comment field will note that map unit was grassy in 2012, but had agriculture within 5-year cycle. It is difficult to differentiate heavily disked/mowed grass areas from agricultural grain field crops. Therefore a general guideline was established for mowed features within the intensive agricultural areas. These features were typically classified as Active or Recently Active Agriculture. However, similar features occurring in the rangeland areas were categorized as Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs. In both cases a note in the Comment field was used to address this discrepancy. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they are included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse, the agriculture will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they met the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 52 = Pasturelands Fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained fenced land associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals). They may also be irrigated at times. The map unit may represent one to several adjacent individually fenced pasture fields. The individual fenced areas may range in size from 1 to approximately 40 acres. Small animal pens, corrals, and back yard pens are not included, but are mapped as Urban/Built-up. This category does not include large open or fenced rangeland, which is typically mapped as natural vegetation. 53 = Orchards/Vineyards Includes citrus, fruit and nut tree crops, and vineyards. Fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012) is also included. Orchards/Vineyards within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, were mapped if the orchard/vineyard was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Orchards/Vineyards that have been cleared completely are coded as Human Caused Unvegetated. However if rows or hummock are present, but the vines are not discernible or are very small, then the map unit is still mapped as Orchard/Vineyard. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they area included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to an orchard or vineyard, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the Orchard/Vineyard will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they meet the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 54 = Dairy, and Other Bovine Confined Feeding Operations Dairies, feed lots, and pens associated with bovine animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 55 = Poultry and Other Small Animal Confined Feeding Operations Facilities for chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, and other small animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 60 = Urban/Built-Up Urban/Built-Up areas are typically composed of isolated as well as clustered permanent buildings and structures typically associated with residential, commercial, or industrial use. Horse ranches, agricultural buildings not associated with confined feeding operations, mines, major highways (typically divided with four lanes), interchanges, and paved areas are included. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. Note that nursery greenhouses are mapped as Active and Recently Active Agriculture, but other building structures, parking areas, and small weed/disturbed areas within the nursery complex are included in Urban/Built-Up. Small corrals and backyard pens associated with adjacent farmsteads/residences/ranchettes are also included as Urban/Built-up. Mappable major highways are typically divided with a center median and have four lanes of traffic. The vegetated edge right-of-way is mapped separately if it is greater than the 0.5 acre MMU in the intense agricultural region. If the vegetation in the right-of-way is the same as the adjacent vegetated polygon, then it is included there. In transportation corridors where a paved road was situated adjacent to a railroad right-of-way and the width of the corridor was above MMU, the corridor was mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Note that riparian vegetation and river Water Feature take precedence over a highway bridge when they overlap. This category also includes intensive areas of urban development include cities, small towns, and isolated farmsteads/ranchettes and associated buildings. Single or clusters of agricultural buildings sometimes occur on small parcels of otherwise cleared land within the intensive agricultural area. Cleared parcels of land within the agricultural areas that contain stored equipment (irrigation, vehicles, equipment, etc.) and no buildings are mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. Where a disturbance corridor containing a paved road occurs within the intense agricultural area, and is >0.5 ac MMU full side width, then the corridor is mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses (0.5 acre MMU) within their extents. Grass (Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs) and Water Features were also mapped if they were greater than or equal to 10 acres.   70 = Water Features Permanently, seasonally, temporarily, and intermittently flooded water features, such as lakes, ponds, basins, reservoirs, large ditches, major canals, and rivers. Includes the active channel (as defined by the current baseline imagery) of the Salinas River, San Benito River, Arroyo Seco, and San Lorenzo Creek. Dry impoundments such as farm ponds, duck ponds, and flood control basins are also included in this category. Large mappable ditches are also included, and delineations may contain the immediately adjacent disturbed area and wet herbs/weeds/grass/ruderal/cleared area. However, if wetland tree or shrub vegetation is predominant, then those would take precedence over the Water Feature Class. Emergent marsh vegetation, where discernible and mappable, are mapped separately. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. The Pacific Ocean is also mapped as Water Feature. The shoreline is represented by the extreme high waterline (Upland-Littoral interface). This interface is normally not affected by the fluctuation of the tides. The demarcation was photo interpreted and mapped as best as could be done with the 2005 imagery as part of the original 2005 Salinas River project. Since 2009 Salinas River update retained the 2005 database shoreline, then the 2012 mapping also retained the 2005 shoreline. Cover Density – Tree and Shrub only 0 = 0-2%, not perceptible 1 = >2-10% 2 = >10-25% 3 = >25-40% 4 = >40-60% 5 = >60% 9 = Not applicable, Not assessed Other Mapping Criteria Photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. However, as mapping progressed there was a slight change in perspective on the mapping of grasslands/pastures. Typically the vegetation type would take precedence over the land use. Thus, large areas of “rangeland’ grasses could also be extensively used for grazing. Mowed grasslands were sometimes difficult to distinguish from agricultural lands and may have been called cropland rather than grass, especially if the area is frequently mowed and otherwise maintained. An attempt was made to add a note in the Comment field for the mapped unit when this situation was noticed.   This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  4. Title: Land Use and Land Cover: Additional Sites within the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed, California, 2012

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    Summary: This polygon shapefile represents land use and land cover for additional sites within the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties of California for 2012. This shapefile was extracted from a generalized land use/land cover database of the Salinas-Pajaro region. Map unit categories were based on a modified Anderson Level II hierarchy. Mapping generally adhered to a 0.5 acre Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU) for riparian and agriculture types and 1 acre MMU for all upland, urban, or other land use types. Vegetation percent cover classes were assigned to the tree and shrub layers for each stand. Herbaceous vegetation was not assigned a cover class. All density values are measured in absolute cover, not relative cover. If tree cover is equal to or greater than 40% then the shrub cover is assigned a Not Assessed value of 9. The minimum mapping unit resolution size of the land use/land cover polygons is twofold. In the intense agricultural region and for wetland and riparian areas the polygons have a 0.5 acre MMU. In the remainder of the study area, composed of non-agricultural areas, upland vegetation, and urban areas, the MMU is 1 acre. For thin linear-shaped polygons the MMU for width is one half the width of a full MMU square. Exceptions to the MMU guidance are noted in further criteria below. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas, such as cities, towns, and villages, were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses within their extents. The MMU size for these agricultural uses within urban areas is 0.5 acres. As noted above, the study area overlaps with the 2005 mapping of the Salinas River and San Benito river major riparian corridors that Aerial Information Systems, Inc. conducted for the Nature Conservancy. The MMU for the original projects was <0.5 acres. Where those units had not changed for 2005 and 2012 mapping, the map units were kept at the original polygon size. The 0.5 acre MMU is used for new mapping of riparian and wetland map units. Other Mapping Criteria includes photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Stanford University contracted Aerial Information Systems, Inc. to develop a 2005 and 2012 Anderson Level II terrestrial Land Use/Land Cover map for a portion of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County and portions of several valleys in the greater Pajaro River and San Benito River watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties, to support research and future modeling efforts in the area. Karp, D. and Gennet, S. (2014) Land Use and Land Cover: Additional Sites within the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed, California, 2012. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/fn952dg3239 MAPPING CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS/CRITERIA The Land Use/Land Cover mapping classification is a simple life form classification representing trees, shrubs, herbs, agriculture, urban. Note that there is correlation to some of the upper level hierarchy (Formation to Macrogroup) of the National Vegetation Classification Hierarchy as Applied to California Vegetation in the Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition, Appendix 3. Land Use/Land Cover Land use/land cover involves two aspects of mapping that overlap. Land use is how the land is being utilized, such as urban, agriculture, open space, vacant, etc. Land cover is what is covering the landscape, usually in the form of vegetation, buildings, structures, non-vegetated, etc. The two aspects may overlap such as when trees are an overstory to agriculture, or a naturally vegetated area is designated as a park. Mapping of Land Use and Land Cover may be done as two separate layers or as one. For this project, it was mapped as one layer. Therefore, following California Department of Fish and Wildlife criteria for state-wide vegetation mapping, when overlap occurs the land cover or vegetation takes precedence if it is dominant over the land use. 10 = Forest & Woodlands (Trees) 11 = California Forest & Woodland (Dry Upland Native Trees) Stands are represented by upland tree species that are typical of the California Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Blue oak (Q. douglasii), Interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), Valley oak (Q. lobata), and California buckeye (Aesculus californica). Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture or orchards/vineyards, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the agriculture or orchards/vineyards will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. 12 = Riparian Forest & Woodland (Wetland Native Trees) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian tree species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian, Flooded and Swamp Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Red willow (Salix laevigata), Black willow (S. gooddingii), Shining willow (S. lucida), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Box elder (Acer negundo), Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and White alder (Alnus rhombifolia). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 13 = Exotic Trees (Dry Upland Exotic Trees) Stands are represented by exotic tree species including Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pepper, and Tamarisk, among others. Single rows of planted trees are not mapped unless the crowns are so large that they meet the MMU width. 20 = Shrublands 21 = Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub (Wetland Thickets) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian shrub and tree sapling species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub/Wash Group. These include Mixed willow thickets (shrubs and saplings) of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Salix spp. (Shining willow [S. lucida], Arroyo willow [S. lasiolepis], Narrowleaf willow [S. exigua], Black willow [S. gooddingii], and/or Red willow [S. laevigata]), Mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia), Scale broom (Lepidospartum squamatum), and Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 22 = Upland Scrub (Chaparral, California Coastal Scrub & Pacific Coast Scrub) Stands are represented by upland shrub species that are typical of the California Chaparral and the California Coastal Scrub Macrogroups. These include Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum californica) and Dune scrub species among others. 30 = Herbaceous Vegetation 31 = Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs (Dry Upland Herbaceous) Stands are represented by upland herbaceous species that are typical of the Mediterranean Grasslands & Forb Meadow Formation, and the Vancouverian Coastal Dune and Bluff Macrogroup. These include naturalized Mediterranean annual grasses such as Brome (Bromus spp.), Oats (Avena spp.), and Barley (Hordeum spp.), Mustards (Brassica spp.), and other invasive exotic species including Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Iceplant. Dry upland herbaceous (grass) map units range from small parcels of land that have been vacant for years, to large expanses of open or fenced land which is also referred to as rangeland. Rangeland can take the form of woodlands, shrublands, or herbaceous as the predominant vegetation. From a land use point of view they can be considered not in any use, or used for grazing of domesticated animals. For this project the vegetation takes precedence over the grazing aspect of land use. However, smaller fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained and associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals), are mapped as Pasturelands. Remnant foundations of buildings that have been removed are included with the surrounding vegetation. Large ditches that predominantly contain the weeds/grass/ruderal vegetation are included in the Water Feature class. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. 32 = Meadow & Marsh (Wetland/Wet Herbaceous) Stands are represented by wetland or riparian herbaceous species that are typical of Temperate and Boreal Freshwater Marsh Formation and the Temperate and Boreal Salt Marsh Formation, which include meadows and marshes. These include Bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.), Cattails (Typha latifolia), sedges (Carex sp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), Spike-rush (Eleocharis sp.), Alkali heath (Frankenia sp.), Pickleweed (Salicornia sp.), Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), Jaumea sp., and Gumweed (Grindelia sp.). Also present is the invasive exotic Giant cane (Arundo donax), which can form large stands. Presence of Arundo donax was noted in the Comment field. Where a dammed wetland feature occurs in a “natural environment”, that is, occurring along a drainage and not impounded on all sides, the Water Feature is separated from the wetland herbaceous where possible. Large mappable ditches whose delineations may contain wet herbs are mapped as Water Feature. Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the Salinas and San Benito Rivers were previously mapped in 2005, these databases were used as the starting point of the map. 40 = Little or No Vegetative Cover 41 = Naturally Occurring Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetation that area that are not of human cause. Typically these are sparsely vegetated stream or river flats or temporarily flooded minor stream channels, but may include upland rock outcrops or escarpments. 42 = Human Caused Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetated that are of human origin, with no buildings or permanent structures. These areas are typically “staging” or storage areas for agricultural equipment (irrigation, tanks, vehicles, etc.), and cleared areas adjacent to agricultural fields. Also included are berms, and cleared or scraped land. It does not include land tilled or prepped for agriculture. Cleared areas associated with a building or cluster of buildings are included with the buildings as Urban/Built-Up. Strips of cleared land along the riparian corridor edge may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if it meets the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area, and agriculture adjacent to the cleared area. Orchards/Vineyards that had been recently cut down and the land cleared may be called as Human Caused Unvegetated if the current temporal and future imagery shows that the land has not returned to Orchard/Vineyards. If the imagery shows the land as grassy, then it is mapped as Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs. 50 = Agriculture 51 = Active and Recently Active Agriculture Vegetable and grain row or field crop and nursery agricultural fields and greenhouses. Includes fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012). May include berry bush crops. Agriculture within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, was mapped if the agricultural field was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Nursery buildings, paved areas, parking areas, and areas of weedy/disturbance are mapped as Urban-Built-Up. Fallow agricultural land is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. It can appear grassy, weedy, or scraped. If the supplemental imagery shows that the land appears to have active agriculture within the last 5 years of the base image then it is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. If it appears to not have been in production during that time, then it is coded as its current state of cover. If an area was mapped as Agriculture, but looked grassy/weedy on 2012 image, then the comment field will note that map unit was grassy in 2012, but had agriculture within 5-year cycle. It is difficult to differentiate heavily disked/mowed grass areas from agricultural grain field crops. Therefore a general guideline was established for mowed features within the intensive agricultural areas. These features were typically classified as Active or Recently Active Agriculture. However, similar features occurring in the rangeland areas were categorized as Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs. In both cases a note in the Comment field was used to address this discrepancy. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they are included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse, the agriculture will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they met the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 52 = Pasturelands Fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained fenced land associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals). They may also be irrigated at times. The map unit may represent one to several adjacent individually fenced pasture fields. The individual fenced areas may range in size from 1 to approximately 40 acres. Small animal pens, corrals, and back yard pens are not included, but are mapped as Urban/Built-up. This category does not include large open or fenced rangeland, which is typically mapped as natural vegetation. 53 = Orchards/Vineyards Includes citrus, fruit and nut tree crops, and vineyards. Fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012) is also included. Orchards/Vineyards within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, were mapped if the orchard/vineyard was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Orchards/Vineyards that have been cleared completely are coded as Human Caused Unvegetated. However if rows or hummock are present, but the vines are not discernible or are very small, then the map unit is still mapped as Orchard/Vineyard. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they area included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to an orchard or vineyard, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the Orchard/Vineyard will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they meet the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 54 = Dairy, and Other Bovine Confined Feeding Operations Dairies, feed lots, and pens associated with bovine animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 55 = Poultry and Other Small Animal Confined Feeding Operations Facilities for chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, and other small animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 60 = Urban/Built-Up Urban/Built-Up areas are typically composed of isolated as well as clustered permanent buildings and structures typically associated with residential, commercial, or industrial use. Horse ranches, agricultural buildings not associated with confined feeding operations, mines, major highways (typically divided with four lanes), interchanges, and paved areas are included. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. Note that nursery greenhouses are mapped as Active and Recently Active Agriculture, but other building structures, parking areas, and small weed/disturbed areas within the nursery complex are included in Urban/Built-Up. Small corrals and backyard pens associated with adjacent farmsteads/residences/ranchettes are also included as Urban/Built-up. Mappable major highways are typically divided with a center median and have four lanes of traffic. The vegetated edge right-of-way is mapped separately if it is greater than the 0.5 acre MMU in the intense agricultural region. If the vegetation in the right-of-way is the same as the adjacent vegetated polygon, then it is included there. In transportation corridors where a paved road was situated adjacent to a railroad right-of-way and the width of the corridor was above MMU, the corridor was mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Note that riparian vegetation and river Water Feature take precedence over a highway bridge when they overlap. This category also includes intensive areas of urban development include cities, small towns, and isolated farmsteads/ranchettes and associated buildings. Single or clusters of agricultural buildings sometimes occur on small parcels of otherwise cleared land within the intensive agricultural area. Cleared parcels of land within the agricultural areas that contain stored equipment (irrigation, vehicles, equipment, etc.) and no buildings are mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. Where a disturbance corridor containing a paved road occurs within the intense agricultural area, and is >0.5 ac MMU full side width, then the corridor is mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses (0.5 acre MMU) within their extents. Grass (Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs) and Water Features were also mapped if they were greater than or equal to 10 acres.   70 = Water Features Permanently, seasonally, temporarily, and intermittently flooded water features, such as lakes, ponds, basins, reservoirs, large ditches, major canals, and rivers. Includes the active channel (as defined by the current baseline imagery) of the Salinas River, San Benito River, Arroyo Seco, and San Lorenzo Creek. Dry impoundments such as farm ponds, duck ponds, and flood control basins are also included in this category. Large mappable ditches are also included, and delineations may contain the immediately adjacent disturbed area and wet herbs/weeds/grass/ruderal/cleared area. However, if wetland tree or shrub vegetation is predominant, then those would take precedence over the Water Feature Class. Emergent marsh vegetation, where discernible and mappable, are mapped separately. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. The Pacific Ocean is also mapped as Water Feature. The shoreline is represented by the extreme high waterline (Upland-Littoral interface). This interface is normally not affected by the fluctuation of the tides. The demarcation was photo interpreted and mapped as best as could be done with the 2005 imagery as part of the original 2005 Salinas River project. Since 2009 Salinas River update retained the 2005 database shoreline, then the 2012 mapping also retained the 2005 shoreline. Cover Density – Tree and Shrub only 0 = 0-2%, not perceptible 1 = >2-10% 2 = >10-25% 3 = >25-40% 4 = >40-60% 5 = >60% 9 = Not applicable, Not assessed Other Mapping Criteria Photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. However, as mapping progressed there was a slight change in perspective on the mapping of grasslands/pastures. Typically the vegetation type would take precedence over the land use. Thus, large areas of “rangeland’ grasses could also be extensively used for grazing. Mowed grasslands were sometimes difficult to distinguish from agricultural lands and may have been called cropland rather than grass, especially if the area is frequently mowed and otherwise maintained. An attempt was made to add a note in the Comment field for the mapped unit when this situation was noticed.   This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  5. Title: Land Use and Land Cover: Additional Sites within the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed, California, 2005

    Contributors:

    Summary: This polygon shapefile represents land use and land cover for additional sites within the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties of California for 2005. This shapefile was extracted from a generalized land use/land cover database of the Salinas-Pajaro region. Map unit categories were based on a modified Anderson Level II hierarchy. Mapping generally adhered to a 0.5 acre Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU) for riparian and agriculture types and 1 acre MMU for all upland, urban, or other land use types. Vegetation percent cover classes were assigned to the tree and shrub layers for each stand. Herbaceous vegetation was not assigned a cover class. All density values are measured in absolute cover, not relative cover. If tree cover is equal to or greater than 40% then the shrub cover is assigned a Not Assessed value of 9. The minimum mapping unit resolution size of the land use/land cover polygons is twofold. In the intense agricultural region and for wetland and riparian areas the polygons have a 0.5 acre MMU. In the remainder of the study area, composed of non-agricultural areas, upland vegetation, and urban areas, the MMU is 1 acre. For thin linear-shaped polygons the MMU for width is one half the width of a full MMU square. Exceptions to the MMU guidance are noted in further criteria below. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas, such as cities, towns, and villages, were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses within their extents. The MMU size for these agricultural uses within urban areas is 0.5 acres. As noted above, the study area overlaps with the 2005 mapping of the Salinas River and San Benito river major riparian corridors that Aerial Information Systems, Inc. conducted for the Nature Conservancy. The MMU for the original projects was <0.5 acres. Where those units had not changed for 2005 and 2012 mapping, the map units were kept at the original polygon size. The 0.5 acre MMU is used for new mapping of riparian and wetland map units. Other Mapping Criteria includes photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Stanford University contracted Aerial Information Systems, Inc. to develop a 2005 and 2012 Anderson Level II terrestrial Land Use/Land Cover map for a portion of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County and portions of several valleys in the greater Pajaro River and San Benito River watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties, to support research and future modeling efforts in the area. Karp, D. and Gennet, S. (2014) Land Use and Land Cover: Additional Sites within the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed, California, 2005. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/yb381px4022 MAPPING CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS/CRITERIA The Land Use/Land Cover mapping classification is a simple life form classification representing trees, shrubs, herbs, agriculture, urban. Note that there is correlation to some of the upper level hierarchy (Formation to Macrogroup) of the National Vegetation Classification Hierarchy as Applied to California Vegetation in the Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition, Appendix 3. Land Use/Land Cover Land use/land cover involves two aspects of mapping that overlap. Land use is how the land is being utilized, such as urban, agriculture, open space, vacant, etc. Land cover is what is covering the landscape, usually in the form of vegetation, buildings, structures, non-vegetated, etc. The two aspects may overlap such as when trees are an overstory to agriculture, or a naturally vegetated area is designated as a park. Mapping of Land Use and Land Cover may be done as two separate layers or as one. For this project, it was mapped as one layer. Therefore, following California Department of Fish and Wildlife criteria for state-wide vegetation mapping, when overlap occurs the land cover or vegetation takes precedence if it is dominant over the land use. 10 = Forest & Woodlands (Trees) 11 = California Forest & Woodland (Dry Upland Native Trees) Stands are represented by upland tree species that are typical of the California Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Blue oak (Q. douglasii), Interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), Valley oak (Q. lobata), and California buckeye (Aesculus californica). Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture or orchards/vineyards, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the agriculture or orchards/vineyards will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. 12 = Riparian Forest & Woodland (Wetland Native Trees) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian tree species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian, Flooded and Swamp Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Red willow (Salix laevigata), Black willow (S. gooddingii), Shining willow (S. lucida), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Box elder (Acer negundo), Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and White alder (Alnus rhombifolia). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 13 = Exotic Trees (Dry Upland Exotic Trees) Stands are represented by exotic tree species including Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pepper, and Tamarisk, among others. Single rows of planted trees are not mapped unless the crowns are so large that they meet the MMU width. 20 = Shrublands 21 = Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub (Wetland Thickets) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian shrub and tree sapling species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub/Wash Group. These include Mixed willow thickets (shrubs and saplings) of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Salix spp. (Shining willow [S. lucida], Arroyo willow [S. lasiolepis], Narrowleaf willow [S. exigua], Black willow [S. gooddingii], and/or Red willow [S. laevigata]), Mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia), Scale broom (Lepidospartum squamatum), and Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 22 = Upland Scrub (Chaparral, California Coastal Scrub & Pacific Coast Scrub) Stands are represented by upland shrub species that are typical of the California Chaparral and the California Coastal Scrub Macrogroups. These include Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum californica) and Dune scrub species among others. 30 = Herbaceous Vegetation 31 = Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs (Dry Upland Herbaceous) Stands are represented by upland herbaceous species that are typical of the Mediterranean Grasslands & Forb Meadow Formation, and the Vancouverian Coastal Dune and Bluff Macrogroup. These include naturalized Mediterranean annual grasses such as Brome (Bromus spp.), Oats (Avena spp.), and Barley (Hordeum spp.), Mustards (Brassica spp.), and other invasive exotic species including Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Iceplant. Dry upland herbaceous (grass) map units range from small parcels of land that have been vacant for years, to large expanses of open or fenced land which is also referred to as rangeland. Rangeland can take the form of woodlands, shrublands, or herbaceous as the predominant vegetation. From a land use point of view they can be considered not in any use, or used for grazing of domesticated animals. For this project the vegetation takes precedence over the grazing aspect of land use. However, smaller fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained and associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals), are mapped as Pasturelands. Remnant foundations of buildings that have been removed are included with the surrounding vegetation. Large ditches that predominantly contain the weeds/grass/ruderal vegetation are included in the Water Feature class. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. 32 = Meadow & Marsh (Wetland/Wet Herbaceous) Stands are represented by wetland or riparian herbaceous species that are typical of Temperate and Boreal Freshwater Marsh Formation and the Temperate and Boreal Salt Marsh Formation, which include meadows and marshes. These include Bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.), Cattails (Typha latifolia), sedges (Carex sp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), Spike-rush (Eleocharis sp.), Alkali heath (Frankenia sp.), Pickleweed (Salicornia sp.), Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), Jaumea sp., and Gumweed (Grindelia sp.). Also present is the invasive exotic Giant cane (Arundo donax), which can form large stands. Presence of Arundo donax was noted in the Comment field. Where a dammed wetland feature occurs in a “natural environment”, that is, occurring along a drainage and not impounded on all sides, the Water Feature is separated from the wetland herbaceous where possible. Large mappable ditches whose delineations may contain wet herbs are mapped as Water Feature. Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the Salinas and San Benito Rivers were previously mapped in 2005, these databases were used as the starting point of the map. 40 = Little or No Vegetative Cover 41 = Naturally Occurring Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetation that area that are not of human cause. Typically these are sparsely vegetated stream or river flats or temporarily flooded minor stream channels, but may include upland rock outcrops or escarpments. 42 = Human Caused Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetated that are of human origin, with no buildings or permanent structures. These areas are typically “staging” or storage areas for agricultural equipment (irrigation, tanks, vehicles, etc.), and cleared areas adjacent to agricultural fields. Also included are berms, and cleared or scraped land. It does not include land tilled or prepped for agriculture. Cleared areas associated with a building or cluster of buildings are included with the buildings as Urban/Built-Up. Strips of cleared land along the riparian corridor edge may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if it meets the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area, and agriculture adjacent to the cleared area. Orchards/Vineyards that had been recently cut down and the land cleared may be called as Human Caused Unvegetated if the current temporal and future imagery shows that the land has not returned to Orchard/Vineyards. If the imagery shows the land as grassy, then it is mapped as Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs. 50 = Agriculture 51 = Active and Recently Active Agriculture Vegetable and grain row or field crop and nursery agricultural fields and greenhouses. Includes fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012). May include berry bush crops. Agriculture within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, was mapped if the agricultural field was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Nursery buildings, paved areas, parking areas, and areas of weedy/disturbance are mapped as Urban-Built-Up. Fallow agricultural land is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. It can appear grassy, weedy, or scraped. If the supplemental imagery shows that the land appears to have active agriculture within the last 5 years of the base image then it is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. If it appears to not have been in production during that time, then it is coded as its current state of cover. If an area was mapped as Agriculture, but looked grassy/weedy on 2012 image, then the comment field will note that map unit was grassy in 2012, but had agriculture within 5-year cycle. It is difficult to differentiate heavily disked/mowed grass areas from agricultural grain field crops. Therefore a general guideline was established for mowed features within the intensive agricultural areas. These features were typically classified as Active or Recently Active Agriculture. However, similar features occurring in the rangeland areas were categorized as Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs. In both cases a note in the Comment field was used to address this discrepancy. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they are included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse, the agriculture will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they met the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 52 = Pasturelands Fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained fenced land associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals). They may also be irrigated at times. The map unit may represent one to several adjacent individually fenced pasture fields. The individual fenced areas may range in size from 1 to approximately 40 acres. Small animal pens, corrals, and back yard pens are not included, but are mapped as Urban/Built-up. This category does not include large open or fenced rangeland, which is typically mapped as natural vegetation. 53 = Orchards/Vineyards Includes citrus, fruit and nut tree crops, and vineyards. Fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012) is also included. Orchards/Vineyards within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, were mapped if the orchard/vineyard was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Orchards/Vineyards that have been cleared completely are coded as Human Caused Unvegetated. However if rows or hummock are present, but the vines are not discernible or are very small, then the map unit is still mapped as Orchard/Vineyard. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they area included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to an orchard or vineyard, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the Orchard/Vineyard will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they meet the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 54 = Dairy, and Other Bovine Confined Feeding Operations Dairies, feed lots, and pens associated with bovine animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 55 = Poultry and Other Small Animal Confined Feeding Operations Facilities for chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, and other small animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 60 = Urban/Built-Up Urban/Built-Up areas are typically composed of isolated as well as clustered permanent buildings and structures typically associated with residential, commercial, or industrial use. Horse ranches, agricultural buildings not associated with confined feeding operations, mines, major highways (typically divided with four lanes), interchanges, and paved areas are included. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. Note that nursery greenhouses are mapped as Active and Recently Active Agriculture, but other building structures, parking areas, and small weed/disturbed areas within the nursery complex are included in Urban/Built-Up. Small corrals and backyard pens associated with adjacent farmsteads/residences/ranchettes are also included as Urban/Built-up. Mappable major highways are typically divided with a center median and have four lanes of traffic. The vegetated edge right-of-way is mapped separately if it is greater than the 0.5 acre MMU in the intense agricultural region. If the vegetation in the right-of-way is the same as the adjacent vegetated polygon, then it is included there. In transportation corridors where a paved road was situated adjacent to a railroad right-of-way and the width of the corridor was above MMU, the corridor was mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Note that riparian vegetation and river Water Feature take precedence over a highway bridge when they overlap. This category also includes intensive areas of urban development include cities, small towns, and isolated farmsteads/ranchettes and associated buildings. Single or clusters of agricultural buildings sometimes occur on small parcels of otherwise cleared land within the intensive agricultural area. Cleared parcels of land within the agricultural areas that contain stored equipment (irrigation, vehicles, equipment, etc.) and no buildings are mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. Where a disturbance corridor containing a paved road occurs within the intense agricultural area, and is >0.5 ac MMU full side width, then the corridor is mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses (0.5 acre MMU) within their extents. Grass (Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs) and Water Features were also mapped if they were greater than or equal to 10 acres.   70 = Water Features Permanently, seasonally, temporarily, and intermittently flooded water features, such as lakes, ponds, basins, reservoirs, large ditches, major canals, and rivers. Includes the active channel (as defined by the current baseline imagery) of the Salinas River, San Benito River, Arroyo Seco, and San Lorenzo Creek. Dry impoundments such as farm ponds, duck ponds, and flood control basins are also included in this category. Large mappable ditches are also included, and delineations may contain the immediately adjacent disturbed area and wet herbs/weeds/grass/ruderal/cleared area. However, if wetland tree or shrub vegetation is predominant, then those would take precedence over the Water Feature Class. Emergent marsh vegetation, where discernible and mappable, are mapped separately. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. The Pacific Ocean is also mapped as Water Feature. The shoreline is represented by the extreme high waterline (Upland-Littoral interface). This interface is normally not affected by the fluctuation of the tides. The demarcation was photo interpreted and mapped as best as could be done with the 2005 imagery as part of the original 2005 Salinas River project. Since 2009 Salinas River update retained the 2005 database shoreline, then the 2012 mapping also retained the 2005 shoreline. Cover Density – Tree and Shrub only 0 = 0-2%, not perceptible 1 = >2-10% 2 = >10-25% 3 = >25-40% 4 = >40-60% 5 = >60% 9 = Not applicable, Not assessed Other Mapping Criteria Photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. However, as mapping progressed there was a slight change in perspective on the mapping of grasslands/pastures. Typically the vegetation type would take precedence over the land use. Thus, large areas of “rangeland’ grasses could also be extensively used for grazing. Mowed grasslands were sometimes difficult to distinguish from agricultural lands and may have been called cropland rather than grass, especially if the area is frequently mowed and otherwise maintained. An attempt was made to add a note in the Comment field for the mapped unit when this situation was noticed.   This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  6. Title: National Register Historic Places (Points), Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2014

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    Summary: This point shapefile contains site locations from the National Register of Historic Places in Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island within 10km of the coastal shoreline. The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The NRHP database is a listing of sites (buildings, objects, etc.) and areas (large properties, districts, etc.) which have some sort of cultural or historical significance in American history and are noteworthy for preservation (http://www.nps.gov/nr/about.htm). This dataset is a compilation of NRHP from state databases. Please be advised that some NRHP in this dataset may be missing as the states are currently working on updating their databases and datasets. New Hampshire and Connecticut NRHP are not included in this product since spatial datasets are currently being developed. This regional dataset will be updated as states provide updates to datasets. Users must consult with appropriate State and/or Tribal Preservation Offices in the identification and evaluation of historic properties as stated under the National Preservation Act. This regional dataset compiled by Northeast Ocean Data serves as a baseline for identifying NRHP; users must confirm with appropriate State and/or Tribal Preservation Offices for official listings under the National Register of Historic Places. For more information and current listings of NRHP, please be directed to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places site at http://www.nps.gov/nr/about.htm. The NRHP provides a listing of important places for the preservation of American history. This dataset is used to support coastal and ocean planning by displaying sites/areas within 10km of the coastal shoreline. The Nature Conservancy. (2014). National Register Historic Places (Points), Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 2014. Northeast Regional Ocean Council. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/nx561tq2394. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  7. Title: Land Use and Land Cover: Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed, California, 2012

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    Summary: This polygon shapefile represents land use and land cover for the Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties of California for 2012. This shapefile was extracted from a generalized land use/land cover database of the Salinas-Pajaro region. Map unit categories were based on a modified Anderson Level II hierarchy. Mapping generally adhered to a 0.5 acre Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU) for riparian and agriculture types and 1 acre MMU for all upland, urban, or other land use types. Vegetation percent cover classes were assigned to the tree and shrub layers for each stand. Herbaceous vegetation was not assigned a cover class. All density values are measured in absolute cover, not relative cover. If tree cover is equal to or greater than 40% then the shrub cover is assigned a Not Assessed value of 9. The minimum mapping unit resolution size of the land use/land cover polygons is twofold. In the intense agricultural region and for wetland and riparian areas the polygons have a 0.5 acre MMU. In the remainder of the study area, composed of non-agricultural areas, upland vegetation, and urban areas, the MMU is 1 acre. For thin linear-shaped polygons the MMU for width is one half the width of a full MMU square. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas, such as cities, towns, and villages, were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses within their extents. The MMU size for these agricultural uses within urban areas is 0.5 acres. As noted above, the study area overlaps with the 2005 mapping of the Salinas River and San Benito river major riparian corridors that Aerial Information Systems, Inc. conducted for the Nature Conservancy. The MMU for the original projects was <0.5 acres. Where those units had not changed for 2005 and 2012 mapping, the map units were kept at the original polygon size. The 0.5 acre MMU is used for new mapping of riparian and wetland map units. Other Mapping Criteria includes photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. The Salinas Valley mapping area encompasses 412,508 acres along the entire width of the valley, including the lower foothill toeslopes, from the San Ardo Oil Field in the south, to the Monterey Bay shoreline in the north between Marina and Castroville. The valley lies entirely within the outer coastal ranges; its western edge is bounded by the Sierra de Salinas and Santa Lucia Range with the eastern extent defined by the western slopes of the Gabilan Range. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Stanford University contracted Aerial Information Systems, Inc. to develop a 2005 and 2012 Anderson Level II terrestrial Land Use/Land Cover map for a portion of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County and portions of several valleys in the greater Pajaro River and San Benito River watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties, to support research and future modeling efforts in the area. Karp, D. and Gennet, S. (2014) Land Use and Land Cover: Pajaro River and San Benito River Watershed, California, 2012. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/jp529sh7785 MAPPING CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTIONS/CRITERIA The Land Use/Land Cover mapping classification is a simple life form classification representing trees, shrubs, herbs, agriculture, urban. Note that there is correlation to some of the upper level hierarchy (Formation to Macrogroup) of the National Vegetation Classification Hierarchy as Applied to California Vegetation in the Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition, Appendix 3. Land Use/Land Cover Land use/land cover involves two aspects of mapping that overlap. Land use is how the land is being utilized, such as urban, agriculture, open space, vacant, etc. Land cover is what is covering the landscape, usually in the form of vegetation, buildings, structures, non-vegetated, etc. The two aspects may overlap such as when trees are an overstory to agriculture, or a naturally vegetated area is designated as a park. Mapping of Land Use and Land Cover may be done as two separate layers or as one. For this project, it was mapped as one layer. Therefore, following California Department of Fish and Wildlife criteria for state-wide vegetation mapping, when overlap occurs the land cover or vegetation takes precedence if it is dominant over the land use. 10 = Forest & Woodlands (Trees) 11 = California Forest & Woodland (Dry Upland Native Trees) Stands are represented by upland tree species that are typical of the California Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), Blue oak (Q. douglasii), Interior live oak (Q. wislizenii), Valley oak (Q. lobata), and California buckeye (Aesculus californica). Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture or orchards/vineyards, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the agriculture or orchards/vineyards will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. 12 = Riparian Forest & Woodland (Wetland Native Trees) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian tree species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian, Flooded and Swamp Forest & Woodland Macrogroup. These include Red willow (Salix laevigata), Black willow (S. gooddingii), Shining willow (S. lucida), Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Box elder (Acer negundo), Big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and White alder (Alnus rhombifolia). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 13 = Exotic Trees (Dry Upland Exotic Trees) Stands are represented by exotic tree species including Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pepper, and Tamarisk, among others. Single rows of planted trees are not mapped unless the crowns are so large that they meet the MMU width. 20 = Shrublands 21 = Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub (Wetland Thickets) Stands are represented by wetland and riparian shrub and tree sapling species that are typical of the Southwestern North American Riparian Scrub/Wash Group. These include Mixed willow thickets (shrubs and saplings) of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Salix spp. (Shining willow [S. lucida], Arroyo willow [S. lasiolepis], Narrowleaf willow [S. exigua], Black willow [S. gooddingii], and/or Red willow [S. laevigata]), Mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia), Scale broom (Lepidospartum squamatum), and Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis). Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the 2005 Salinas River and 2007 San Benito River projects were previously mapped, these databases were used as the starting point of the new mapping for this project. The MMU of the original map units was <0.5 acre. For this project, the map units within those areas were left even if they were below the current project MMU. However for the 2012 mapping if there was a change, then the 0.5 acre MMU was used. If wetland tree or shrub vegetation was predominant, those took precedence over the Water Feature Class. 22 = Upland Scrub (Chaparral, California Coastal Scrub & Pacific Coast Scrub) Stands are represented by upland shrub species that are typical of the California Chaparral and the California Coastal Scrub Macrogroups. These include Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), Scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), Coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California buckwheat (Eriogonum californica) and Dune scrub species among others. 30 = Herbaceous Vegetation 31 = Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs (Dry Upland Herbaceous) Stands are represented by upland herbaceous species that are typical of the Mediterranean Grasslands & Forb Meadow Formation, and the Vancouverian Coastal Dune and Bluff Macrogroup. These include naturalized Mediterranean annual grasses such as Brome (Bromus spp.), Oats (Avena spp.), and Barley (Hordeum spp.), Mustards (Brassica spp.), and other invasive exotic species including Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and Iceplant. Dry upland herbaceous (grass) map units range from small parcels of land that have been vacant for years, to large expanses of open or fenced land which is also referred to as rangeland. Rangeland can take the form of woodlands, shrublands, or herbaceous as the predominant vegetation. From a land use point of view they can be considered not in any use, or used for grazing of domesticated animals. For this project the vegetation takes precedence over the grazing aspect of land use. However, smaller fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained and associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals), are mapped as Pasturelands. Remnant foundations of buildings that have been removed are included with the surrounding vegetation. Large ditches that predominantly contain the weeds/grass/ruderal vegetation are included in the Water Feature class. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. 32 = Meadow & Marsh (Wetland/Wet Herbaceous) Stands are represented by wetland or riparian herbaceous species that are typical of Temperate and Boreal Freshwater Marsh Formation and the Temperate and Boreal Salt Marsh Formation, which include meadows and marshes. These include Bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.), Cattails (Typha latifolia), sedges (Carex sp.), Rushes (Juncus spp.), Spike-rush (Eleocharis sp.), Alkali heath (Frankenia sp.), Pickleweed (Salicornia sp.), Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), Jaumea sp., and Gumweed (Grindelia sp.). Also present is the invasive exotic Giant cane (Arundo donax), which can form large stands. Presence of Arundo donax was noted in the Comment field. Where a dammed wetland feature occurs in a “natural environment”, that is, occurring along a drainage and not impounded on all sides, the Water Feature is separated from the wetland herbaceous where possible. Large mappable ditches whose delineations may contain wet herbs are mapped as Water Feature. Since the majority of the major riparian zones of the Salinas and San Benito Rivers were previously mapped in 2005, these databases were used as the starting point of the map. 40 = Little or No Vegetative Cover 41 = Naturally Occurring Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetation that area that are not of human cause. Typically these are sparsely vegetated stream or river flats or temporarily flooded minor stream channels, but may include upland rock outcrops or escarpments. 42 = Human Caused Unvegetated Areas with little or no vegetated that are of human origin, with no buildings or permanent structures. These areas are typically “staging” or storage areas for agricultural equipment (irrigation, tanks, vehicles, etc.), and cleared areas adjacent to agricultural fields. Also included are berms, and cleared or scraped land. It does not include land tilled or prepped for agriculture. Cleared areas associated with a building or cluster of buildings are included with the buildings as Urban/Built-Up. Strips of cleared land along the riparian corridor edge may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if it meets the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area, and agriculture adjacent to the cleared area. Orchards/Vineyards that had been recently cut down and the land cleared may be called as Human Caused Unvegetated if the current temporal and future imagery shows that the land has not returned to Orchard/Vineyards. If the imagery shows the land as grassy, then it is mapped as Mediterranean Grasslands & Forbs. 50 = Agriculture 51 = Active and Recently Active Agriculture Vegetable and grain row or field crop and nursery agricultural fields and greenhouses. Includes fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012). May include berry bush crops. Agriculture within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, was mapped if the agricultural field was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Nursery buildings, paved areas, parking areas, and areas of weedy/disturbance are mapped as Urban-Built-Up. Fallow agricultural land is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. It can appear grassy, weedy, or scraped. If the supplemental imagery shows that the land appears to have active agriculture within the last 5 years of the base image then it is coded as Active and Recently Active Agriculture. If it appears to not have been in production during that time, then it is coded as its current state of cover. If an area was mapped as Agriculture, but looked grassy/weedy on 2012 image, then the comment field will note that map unit was grassy in 2012, but had agriculture within 5-year cycle. It is difficult to differentiate heavily disked/mowed grass areas from agricultural grain field crops. Therefore a general guideline was established for mowed features within the intensive agricultural areas. These features were typically classified as Active or Recently Active Agriculture. However, similar features occurring in the rangeland areas were categorized as Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs. In both cases a note in the Comment field was used to address this discrepancy. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they are included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to agriculture, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse, the agriculture will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they met the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 52 = Pasturelands Fields that are typically improved, and periodically or often maintained fenced land associated with a farmstead or animal operation/ranch (horses, cows, small animals). They may also be irrigated at times. The map unit may represent one to several adjacent individually fenced pasture fields. The individual fenced areas may range in size from 1 to approximately 40 acres. Small animal pens, corrals, and back yard pens are not included, but are mapped as Urban/Built-up. This category does not include large open or fenced rangeland, which is typically mapped as natural vegetation. 53 = Orchards/Vineyards Includes citrus, fruit and nut tree crops, and vineyards. Fallow land that has been in similar agricultural production within the last 5 years of the base imagery (2005/2012) is also included. Orchards/Vineyards within an Urban developed area, such as a city or town, were mapped if the orchard/vineyard was greater or equal to 0.5 acres. Orchards/Vineyards that have been cleared completely are coded as Human Caused Unvegetated. However if rows or hummock are present, but the vines are not discernible or are very small, then the map unit is still mapped as Orchard/Vineyard. Raspberry fields are bush/vine crops whose photo signature is difficult to differentiate from row crops. They appear to have very narrow rows and tend to be low growing with very little shadow. Often they are covered by plastic hoop covers in the field. Because of the narrow rows and inconsistent cover by plastic hoops, it is very difficult to distinguish the raspberry fields from row crops. Therefore they area included within the Active or Recently Active Agriculture class. Where natural trees are the overstory to an orchard or vineyard, the trees will take precedence in mapping and the Comment field will note trees over agriculture. If the trees are scattered or sparse then the Orchard/Vineyard will take precedence and the Comment field will note the tree presence. Wide strips of cleared land along the edges of agricultural fields or orchards/vineyards may be mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated if they meet the minimum MMU width. There may be a dirt road within the cleared area. Some of these cleared areas are narrow slopes or embankments. 54 = Dairy, and Other Bovine Confined Feeding Operations Dairies, feed lots, and pens associated with bovine animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 55 = Poultry and Other Small Animal Confined Feeding Operations Facilities for chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats, and other small animals. May include barns, storage buildings, other structures, and/or associated residence. 60 = Urban/Built-Up Urban/Built-Up areas are typically composed of isolated as well as clustered permanent buildings and structures typically associated with residential, commercial, or industrial use. Horse ranches, agricultural buildings not associated with confined feeding operations, mines, major highways (typically divided with four lanes), interchanges, and paved areas are included. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. Note that nursery greenhouses are mapped as Active and Recently Active Agriculture, but other building structures, parking areas, and small weed/disturbed areas within the nursery complex are included in Urban/Built-Up. Small corrals and backyard pens associated with adjacent farmsteads/residences/ranchettes are also included as Urban/Built-up. Mappable major highways are typically divided with a center median and have four lanes of traffic. The vegetated edge right-of-way is mapped separately if it is greater than the 0.5 acre MMU in the intense agricultural region. If the vegetation in the right-of-way is the same as the adjacent vegetated polygon, then it is included there. In transportation corridors where a paved road was situated adjacent to a railroad right-of-way and the width of the corridor was above MMU, the corridor was mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Note that riparian vegetation and river Water Feature take precedence over a highway bridge when they overlap. This category also includes intensive areas of urban development include cities, small towns, and isolated farmsteads/ranchettes and associated buildings. Single or clusters of agricultural buildings sometimes occur on small parcels of otherwise cleared land within the intensive agricultural area. Cleared parcels of land within the agricultural areas that contain stored equipment (irrigation, vehicles, equipment, etc.) and no buildings are mapped as Human Caused Unvegetated. Instances of stand-alone small corrals within a large area of grass in an agricultural area or in the outer rangeland area, with no buildings present, are mapped as Urban/Built-up, with a “Corrals” note in the Comment field. If the corrals within the grassland are below MMU, then the grassland polygon is noted for the presence of corrals in the Comment field. Otherwise, small corrals adjacent to buildings or other urban uses are mapped as part of the Urban/Built-Up. If corrals are associated with confined feeding operations, then they are mapped with those uses. Where a disturbance corridor containing a paved road occurs within the intense agricultural area, and is >0.5 ac MMU full side width, then the corridor is mapped as Urban/Built-Up. Because of the agricultural emphasis of the project, large urban developed areas were not typically further subdivided other than for agricultural uses (0.5 acre MMU) within their extents. Grass (Mediterranean Grassland & Forbs) and Water Features were also mapped if they were greater than or equal to 10 acres.   70 = Water Features Permanently, seasonally, temporarily, and intermittently flooded water features, such as lakes, ponds, basins, reservoirs, large ditches, major canals, and rivers. Includes the active channel (as defined by the current baseline imagery) of the Salinas River, San Benito River, Arroyo Seco, and San Lorenzo Creek. Dry impoundments such as farm ponds, duck ponds, and flood control basins are also included in this category. Large mappable ditches are also included, and delineations may contain the immediately adjacent disturbed area and wet herbs/weeds/grass/ruderal/cleared area. However, if wetland tree or shrub vegetation is predominant, then those would take precedence over the Water Feature Class. Emergent marsh vegetation, where discernible and mappable, are mapped separately. Urban sewage and water treatment settling basins are included in Urban/Built-up. The Pacific Ocean is also mapped as Water Feature. The shoreline is represented by the extreme high waterline (Upland-Littoral interface). This interface is normally not affected by the fluctuation of the tides. The demarcation was photo interpreted and mapped as best as could be done with the 2005 imagery as part of the original 2005 Salinas River project. Since 2009 Salinas River update retained the 2005 database shoreline, then the 2012 mapping also retained the 2005 shoreline. Cover Density – Tree and Shrub only 0 = 0-2%, not perceptible 1 = >2-10% 2 = >10-25% 3 = >25-40% 4 = >40-60% 5 = >60% 9 = Not applicable, Not assessed Other Mapping Criteria Photo interpretation of land cover is based on state-wide criteria for vegetation mapping. However, as mapping progressed there was a slight change in perspective on the mapping of grasslands/pastures. Typically the vegetation type would take precedence over the land use. Thus, large areas of “rangeland’ grasses could also be extensively used for grazing. Mowed grasslands were sometimes difficult to distinguish from agricultural lands and may have been called cropland rather than grass, especially if the area is frequently mowed and otherwise maintained. An attempt was made to add a note in the Comment field for the mapped unit when this situation was noticed.   This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  8. Title: Marine Fish Weighted Persistence (Fall), 1970-2006

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    Summary: Weighted persistence is reported for each ten-minute square (TMS) for each of 48 target species. Weighted persistence is a calculation where each decade is weighted by the average abundance of the species over the decades it was present. The calculation involves two variables, abundance and persistence. Abundance was measured in numbers of individuals of a given species caught per sampling tow. Persistence refers to the consistency with which a species was caught in the same 10-minute square over time. Because the abundance data was skewed toward low abundances with occasional very high abundances, data was transformed to a log scale and the mean log abundance was calculated for each decade based on all valid tows within each ten minute square. These decadal average scores were then averaged across all decades to obtain a grand average abundance. Only decades where the species was present was used in calculating the grand average abundance as the absent decades were already accounted for in the persistence metric. The grand average abundance for a species was then divided by the maximum value occurring in any TMS for that species in a season to create a metric of relative grand average abundance ranging between 0-1 for each season. Low abundance was then defined as 0-0.4999. High abundance was defined as 0.5000 - 0.9999. Only 10-minute squares where valid tows occurred in 3 or more of the focus decades (1970's, 1980s, 1990s, 2000's) were used for mapping in the NAM report and are provided in this table. The Weighted persistence values were lumped into 7 classes for reporting purposes: 0= No recorded abundance 1= 1 decade, any abundance 2= 2 decades, any abundance 3= 3 decades, low abundance 4= 3 decades, high abundance 5= 4 decades, low abundance 6= 4 decades, high abundance The Weighted Persistence metric was developed to address the following questions concerning the distribution of specific fish species relative to places in the North Atlantic Marine Ecoregion: Where in the ecoregion has the species been consistently found over time? (persistence) Where in the ecoregion is the species consistently found in high abundances? (persistence weighted by abundance). The Nature Conservancy. (2011). Marine Fish Weighted Persistence (Fall), 1970-2006. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/kp821yp0259. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  9. Title: Marine Fish Weighted Persistence (Spring), 1970-2006

    Contributors:

    Summary: Weighted persistence is reported for each ten-minute square (TMS) for each of 48 target species. Weighted persistence is a calculation where each decade is weighted by the average abundance of the species over the decades it was present. The calculation involves two variables, abundance and persistence. Abundance was measured in numbers of individuals of a given species caught per sampling tow. Persistence refers to the consistency with which a species was caught in the same 10-minute square over time. Because the abundance data was skewed toward low abundances with occasional very high abundances, data was transformed to a log scale and the mean log abundance was calculated for each decade based on all valid tows within each ten minute square. These decadal average scores were then averaged across all decades to obtain a grand average abundance. Only decades where the species was present was used in calculating the grand average abundance as the absent decades were already accounted for in the persistence metric. The grand average abundance for a species was then divided by the maximum value occurring in any TMS for that species in a season to create a metric of relative grand average abundance ranging between 0-1 for each season. Low abundance was then defined as 0-0.4999. High abundance was defined as 0.5000 - 0.9999. Only 10-minute squares where valid tows occurred in 3 or more of the focus decades (1970's, 1980s, 1990s, 2000's) were used for mapping in the NAM report and are provided in this table. The Weighted persistence values were lumped into 7 classes for reporting purposes: 0= No recorded abundance 1= 1 decade, any abundance 2= 2 decades, any abundance 3= 3 decades, low abundance 4= 3 decades, high abundance 5= 4 decades, low abundance 6= 4 decades, high abundance The Weighted Persistence metric was developed to address the following questions concerning the distribution of specific fish species relative to places in the North Atlantic Marine Ecoregion: Where in the ecoregion has the species been consistently found over time? (persistence) Where in the ecoregion is the species consistently found in high abundances? (persistence weighted by abundance) The Nature Conservancy. (2011). Marine Fish Weighted Persistence (Spring), 1970-2006. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/tj531qw0684. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) compiled this data set from publicly available data sources and this data is freely distributable without permission from this TNC resource office. This data set must be cited on all electronic and hard copy products using the language of the Data Set Credit. The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any sale, distribution, loan, or offering for use of these digital data, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the approval of the Nature Conservancy. The use of these data to produce other GIS products and services with the intent to sell for a profit is prohibited without the written consent of the Nature Conservancy. All parties receiving these data must be informed of these restrictions. The Nature Conservancy shall be acknowledged as data contributors to any reports or other products derived from these data. This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  10. Title: Recreational Fishing Effort, 2000-2009

    Contributors:

    Summary: This product was created by the Nature Conservancy based on data provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The number of trips information is based on vessel trip report records that have been aggregated by ten minute square and have been screened for confidentiality. The records to produce this dataset are for federally permitted party boats and charter boats only. Vessel trip reports are submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service by federally permitted fishing vessels for all fishing trips. The screening process protects the identity of each individual permitted commercial fishing vessel. Approximately 70% to 80% of all recorded of trips between 2000 and 2009 are represented in this dataset at the ten-minute square resolution. The purpose of this data product to show the relative concentration of recreational fishing effort for each ten-minute square by federally permitted party and charter fishing vessels. The Nature Conservancy. (2011). Recreational Fishing Effort, 2000-2009. NOAA Marine Fisheries Service. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/gb973mq2159. These data and/or any products derived from them may only be distributed with prior written permission from The Nature Conservancy. This data set must be cited on all electronic and hard copy products using the language of the Data Set Credit. Use and analysis of the geographic data are limited by the scale at which the data was collected and mapped, and that, as a regional analysis, it is not intended for site level decisions. The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any sale, distribution, loan, or offering for use of these digital data, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the approval of the Nature Conservancy. The use of these data to produce other GIS products and services with the intent to sell for a profit is prohibited without the written consent of the Nature Conservancy. All parties receiving these data must be informed of these restrictions. The Nature Conservancy shall be acknowledged as data contributors to any reports or other products derived from these data. This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  11. Title: Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Fall), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit www.nature.ly/namera.Geospatial data obtained from the United States Navy included point shapefiles of valid sightings for all turtle targets and pre-calculated effort grids for each season. Sightings data were taken from NMFS-NEFSC Aerial Surveys, NMFS-NEFSC Shipboard Surveys, and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Database. The validity of sightings was carefully screened and verified by United States Navy contractors before inclusion in the model. Invalid records were not included in the analysis. Sightings for each ten minute square were divided by the effort for each ten minute square to calculate Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE). SPUE was calculated for each target species, for each season, and for each ten minute square. Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE) was used to analyze areas of importance for the target sea turtle species in the Northwest Atlantic region. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Fall), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/kq920jt5812. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  12. Title: Chlorophyll A (Spring), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1998-2006

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit http://nature.org/namera/. Phytoplankton concentration was determined by measuring chlorophyll a, which can be detected using remote sensing techniques. Plankton are important for many reasons: Phytoplankton and zooplankton support commercially and ecologically important fisheries (including shellfish); Increases in phytoplankton abundance is a good indicator of commercially productive waters; Plankton play a critical role in global biogeochemical cycles, including those of essential nutrients and carbon; Artificially-introduced nutrients (nutrient loading), particularly nitrate in marine systems, cause phytoplankton blooms (eutrophication) that can reduce bottom oxygen levels to hypoxic or anoxic levels in stratified water, causing fish kills if anoxic for periods of time; Species composition and abundance can be used as a) historic or current indicators or predictors of ecosystem or fishery health and b) to assess changes in climate, sea level, and biogeochemistry; and Blooms of toxic algae can harm both marine life and people. Phytoplankton concentration was determined by measuring chlorophyll a, which can be detected using remote sensing techniques. To measure chlorophyll by satellite, images from the Sea Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) obtained from NASA were used. These images have a 1.1 km2 nominal resolution. These data were processed by Dr. Tim Moore at the Ocean Process Analysis Laboratory, University of New Hampshire in order to improve the estimation of chlorophyll in the coastal zone. The chlorophyll data were derived from a regionally-parameterized empirical algorithm which follows the functional form: X=log(max(Rrs443,Rrs490,Rrs510)/Rrs555) Log(Chl)=a0+a1*X+a2*X2+a3*X3+a4X4 where the exponential coefficients were fitted to a regional subset of the NASA bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Data (NOMAD) set. The data were processed in MATLAB and delivered in .HDF format. The data were converted from .HDF to MATLAB using Marine Geospatial Ecology tools (Roberts et al. 2009). In each image, land and clouds were removed, so as to not skew the calculation. Seasonally averaged chlorophyll images were created for the time period January 1998 - December 2006. The data time series ranges are monthly for January 1997 - February 2007. Years with inconsistent monthly data were eliminated (1997 and 2007). The seasons are defined to be consistent with other target data: winter, January - March; spring, April - June; summer, July - September; fall, October - December. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Chlorophyll A (Spring), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1998-2006. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/nb672gq8020. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) compiled this data set from publicly available data sources and this data is freely distributable without permission from this TNC resource office. This data set must be cited on all electronic and hard copy products using the language of the Data Set Credit. Use and analysis of the geographic data are limited by the scale at which the data was collected and mapped, and that, as a regional analysis, it is not intended for site level decisions. The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any sale, distribution, loan, or offering for use of these digital data, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the approval of the Nature Conservancy. The use of these data to produce other GIS products and services with the intent to sell for a profit is prohibited without the written consent of the Nature Conservancy. All parties receiving these data must be informed of these restrictions. The Nature Conservancy shall be acknowledged as data contributors to any reports or other products derived from these data. This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  13. Title: Seabed Forms, Atlantic Coast, United States, 2010

    Contributors:

    Summary: This raster data layer was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit http://nature.org/namera/. Seabed forms classify seafloor topography into discrete units. Derived from The Nature Conservancy's derived digital bathymetry, seabed forms can be described by a combination of just two variables: seabed position and slope. Seabed position (also referred to as topographic position or slope position) describes the topography of the area surrounding a particular cell. We based our seabed position calculations on Fels and Zobel's (1995) method, which evaluates the elevation differences between the model cell and the surrounding cells within a specified distance. Seabed forms are one of the three componets of Ecological Marine Units (EMUs). The Nature Conservancy (2010). Seabed Forms, Atlantic Coast, United States, 2010. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/nn914kj6380. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) compiled this data set from publicly available data sources and this data is freely distributable without permission from this TNC resource office. This data set must be cited on all electronic and hard copy products using the language of the Data Set Credit. Use and analysis of the geographic data are limited by the scale at which the data was collected and mapped, and that, as a regional analysis, it is not intended for site level decisions. The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any sale, distribution, loan, or offering for use of these digital data, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the approval of the Nature Conservancy. The use of these data to produce other GIS products and services with the intent to sell for a profit is prohibited without the written consent of the Nature Conservancy. All parties receiving these data must be informed of these restrictions. The Nature Conservancy shall be acknowledged as data contributors to any reports or other products derived from these data. This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  14. Title: Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Winter), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit www.nature.ly/namera.Geospatial data obtained from the United States Navy included point shapefiles of valid sightings for all turtle targets and pre-calculated effort grids for each season. Sightings data were taken from NMFS-NEFSC Aerial Surveys, NMFS-NEFSC Shipboard Surveys, and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Database. The validity of sightings was carefully screened and verified by United States Navy contractors before inclusion in the model. Invalid records were not included in the analysis. Sightings for each ten minute square were divided by the effort for each ten minute square to calculate Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE). SPUE was calculated for each target species, for each season, and for each ten minute square. Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE) was used to analyze areas of importance for the target sea turtle species in the Northwest Atlantic region. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Winter), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/pm390mm2301. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  15. Title: Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Spring), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit www.nature.ly/namera.Geospatial data obtained from the United States Navy included point shapefiles of valid sightings for all turtle targets and pre-calculated effort grids for each season. Sightings data were taken from NMFS-NEFSC Aerial Surveys, NMFS-NEFSC Shipboard Surveys, and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Database. The validity of sightings was carefully screened and verified by United States Navy contractors before inclusion in the model. Invalid records were not included in the analysis. Sightings for each ten minute square were divided by the effort for each ten minute square to calculate Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE). SPUE was calculated for each target species, for each season, and for each ten minute square. Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE) was used to analyze areas of importance for the target sea turtle species in the Northwest Atlantic region. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Spring), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/rq878xt1673. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  16. Title: Chlorophyll A (Fall), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1998-2006

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit http://nature.org/namera/. Phytoplankton concentration was determined by measuring chlorophyll a, which can be detected using remote sensing techniques. Plankton are important for many reasons: · Phytoplankton and zooplankton support commercially and ecologically important fisheries (including shellfish); · Increases in phytoplankton abundance is a good indicator of commercially productive waters; · Plankton play a critical role in global biogeochemical cycles, including those of essential nutrients and carbon; · Artificially-introduced nutrients (nutrient loading), particularly nitrate in marine systems, cause phytoplankton blooms (eutrophication) that can reduce bottom oxygen levels to hypoxic or anoxic levels in stratified water, causing fish kills if anoxic for periods of time; · Species composition and abundance can be used as a) historic or current indicators or predictors of ecosystem or fishery health and b) to assess changes in climate, sea level, and biogeochemistry; and · Blooms of toxic algae can harm both marine life and people. Phytoplankton concentration was determined by measuring chlorophyll a, which can be detected using remote sensing techniques. To measure chlorophyll by satellite, images from the Sea Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) obtained from NASA were used. These images have a 1.1 km2 nominal resolution. These data were processed by Dr. Tim Moore at the Ocean Process Analysis Laboratory, University of New Hampshire in order to improve the estimation of chlorophyll in the coastal zone. The chlorophyll data were derived from a regionally-parameterized empirical algorithm which follows the functional form: X=log(max(Rrs443,Rrs490,Rrs510)/Rrs555) Log(Chl)=a0+a1*X+a2*X2+a3*X3+a4X4 where the exponential coefficients were fitted to a regional subset of the NASA bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Data (NOMAD) set. The data were processed in MATLAB and delivered in .HDF format. The data were converted from .HDF to MATLAB using Marine Geospatial Ecology tools (Roberts et al. 2009). In each image, land and clouds were removed, so as to not skew the calculation. Seasonally averaged chlorophyll images were created for the time period January 1998 - December 2006. The data time series ranges are monthly for January 1997 - February 2007. Years with inconsistent monthly data were eliminated (1997 and 2007). The seasons are defined to be consistent with other target data: winter, January - March; spring, April - June; summer, July - September; fall, October - December. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Chlorophyll A (Fall), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1998-2006. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/bv540hh8805. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) compiled this data set from publicly available data sources and this data is freely distributable without permission from this TNC resource office. This data set must be cited on all electronic and hard copy products using the language of the Data Set Credit. Use and analysis of the geographic data are limited by the scale at which the data was collected and mapped, and that, as a regional analysis, it is not intended for site level decisions. The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any sale, distribution, loan, or offering for use of these digital data, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the approval of the Nature Conservancy. The use of these data to produce other GIS products and services with the intent to sell for a profit is prohibited without the written consent of the Nature Conservancy. All parties receiving these data must be informed of these restrictions. The Nature Conservancy shall be acknowledged as data contributors to any reports or other products derived from these data. This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  17. Title: Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Summer), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit www.nature.ly/namera.Geospatial data obtained from the United States Navy included point shapefiles of valid sightings for all turtle targets and pre-calculated effort grids for each season. Sightings data were taken from NMFS-NEFSC Aerial Surveys, NMFS-NEFSC Shipboard Surveys, and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Database. The validity of sightings was carefully screened and verified by United States Navy contractors before inclusion in the model. Invalid records were not included in the analysis. Sightings for each ten minute square were divided by the effort for each ten minute square to calculate Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE). SPUE was calculated for each target species, for each season, and for each ten minute square. Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE) was used to analyze areas of importance for the target sea turtle species in the Northwest Atlantic region. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Sea Turtle Sightings Per Unit Effort (Summer), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1979-2007. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/gp711sq0410. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  18. Title: Marine Mammals Sightings Per Unit Effort, 1979-2007

    Contributors:

    Summary: Geospatial data obtained from the United States Navy included point shapefiles of valid sightings for all marine mammal targets and pre-calculated effort grids for each season. Sightings data were taken from NMFS-NEFSC Aerial Surveys, NMFS-NEFSC Shipboard Surveys, and the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium Database. The validity of sightings was carefully screened and verified by United States Navy contractors before inclusion in the model. Invalid records were not included in the analysis. Sightings for each ten minute square were divided by the effort for each ten minute square to calculate Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE). SPUE was calculated for each target species, for each season, and for each ten minute square. Sightings Per Unit Effort (SPUE) was used to analyze areas of importance for the target marine mammal species in the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregion: Where in the ecoregion has the species been consistently found over time? (persistence) Where in the ecoregion is the species consistently found in high abundances? (persistence weighted by abundance) The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Marine Mammals Sightings Per Unit Effort, 1979-2007. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/pd288xz6366. Not to be used for navigation This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  19. Title: Chlorophyll A (Winter), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1998-2006

    Contributors:

    Summary: This data product was created as part of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Ecoregional Assessment. The Nature Conservancy developed this science-based ecoregional assessment for the Northwest Atlantic Marine region (Bay of Fundy to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina). This assessment synthesizes information on oceanography, chemistry, geology, biology, and social science to inform decisions about coastal and marine ecosystems. By integrating this information at a regional level, the Conservancy is able to provide both a greater understanding of the interrelated biological diversity of the marine ecoregion, and a clearer picture of the current condition of its natural areas and the challenges to their continued persistence. The ten categories of targets identified as the primary structure for the marine ecoregional assessment are: coastal and estuarine habitats, benthic habitats, diadromous fish, demersal fish, pelagic fish, forage fish, nearshore shellfish, shorebirds and seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. For more information and a detailed report, please visit http://nature.org/namera/. Phytoplankton concentration was determined by measuring chlorophyll a, which can be detected using remote sensing techniques. Plankton are important for many reasons: Phytoplankton and zooplankton support commercially and ecologically important fisheries (including shellfish); Increases in phytoplankton abundance is a good indicator of commercially productive waters; Plankton play a critical role in global biogeochemical cycles, including those of essential nutrients and carbon; Artificially-introduced nutrients (nutrient loading), particularly nitrate in marine systems, cause phytoplankton blooms (eutrophication) that can reduce bottom oxygen levels to hypoxic or anoxic levels in stratified water, causing fish kills if anoxic for periods of time; Species composition and abundance can be used as a) historic or current indicators or predictors of ecosystem or fishery health and b) to assess changes in climate, sea level, and biogeochemistry; and Blooms of toxic algae can harm both marine life and people. Phytoplankton concentration was determined by measuring chlorophyll a, which can be detected using remote sensing techniques. To measure chlorophyll by satellite, images from the Sea Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) obtained from NASA were used. These images have a 1.1 km2 nominal resolution. These data were processed by Dr. Tim Moore at the Ocean Process Analysis Laboratory, University of New Hampshire in order to improve the estimation of chlorophyll in the coastal zone. The chlorophyll data were derived from a regionally-parameterized empirical algorithm which follows the functional form: X=log(max(Rrs443,Rrs490,Rrs510)/Rrs555) Log(Chl)=a0+a1*X+a2*X2+a3*X3+a4X4 where the exponential coefficients were fitted to a regional subset of the NASA bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Data (NOMAD) set. The data were processed in MATLAB and delivered in .HDF format. The data were converted from .HDF to MATLAB using Marine Geospatial Ecology tools (Roberts et al. 2009). In each image, land and clouds were removed, so as to not skew the calculation. Seasonally averaged chlorophyll images were created for the time period January 1998 - December 2006. The data time series ranges are monthly for January 1997 - February 2007. Years with inconsistent monthly data were eliminated (1997 and 2007). The seasons are defined to be consistent with other target data: winter, January - March; spring, April - June; summer, July - September; fall, October - December. The Nature Conservancy. (2010). Chlorophyll A (Winter), Northwest Atlantic United States, 1998-2006. Northeast Ocean Data. Available at: http://purl.stanford.edu/ph329wk2046. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) compiled this data set from publicly available data sources and this data is freely distributable without permission from this TNC resource office. This data set must be cited on all electronic and hard copy products using the language of the Data Set Credit. Use and analysis of the geographic data are limited by the scale at which the data was collected and mapped, and that, as a regional analysis, it is not intended for site level decisions. The Nature Conservancy shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any sale, distribution, loan, or offering for use of these digital data, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the approval of the Nature Conservancy. The use of these data to produce other GIS products and services with the intent to sell for a profit is prohibited without the written consent of the Nature Conservancy. All parties receiving these data must be informed of these restrictions. The Nature Conservancy shall be acknowledged as data contributors to any reports or other products derived from these data. This layer is presented in the WGS84 coordinate system for web display purposes. Downloadable data are provided in native coordinate system or projection.

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  20. Title: Salinas-Parajo Generalized Land Use/Land Cover Mapping

    Contributors:

    Summary: The Nature Conservancy and Stanford University contracted Aerial Information Systems to develop a 2005 and 2012 Anderson level II terrestrial Land Use/Land Cover map for a portion of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County and portions of several valleys in the greater Pajaro River and San Benito River watershed in San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties, to support research and future modeling efforts in the area. This collection contains 2 geodatabases as well as 5 shapefiles, which were derived from the database feature classes. System requirements: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software that reads ESRI shapefile format.

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