Method for Mapping and Monitoring

The function of this method is to serve as a foundation for the mapping and monitoring research on Metamasius callizona and its host plants. The method is multitiered. The tiers begin large in territory and broad in view and become successively smaller and more focused.

The first tier is the host plant range, which is essentially south Florida. Tier II is made up of the different drainage basins that exist in Tier I. Tier III is a large region within a Tier II that supports a variety of host plant habitats. These three tiers function to locate habitats for study within the host plant range in south Florida. Tier IV is a pivotal tier that connects location with randomization. Tier V and VI incorporate randomness into the system. Right now (Jan 2002) the research begins proper at the tier III level, in Myakka River State Park (MRSP).

Following is a table that outlines the different tiers and their parameters:

Other data collected will include climate and weather conditions, water levels, animal movements, seasonal vegetation and anything else of interest.

Mapping of tiers comply to the following procedures:

Tier III:
Typically covers a large area and the map will represent broad distributions of host plant populations that have at least ten HPAs. These areas are noted in whatever manner best allows a successful return to the area; may be given in time to walk, bicycle, or drive and given in relation to the overall outline of the area of study.

Tier IV:
Choose at least three TIV candidates for mapping based on location and variation. The idea is to cover as much of the different settings within the TIII that supports host plant growth while beginning with a schedule of greatest efficiency. Start on the paved roads, recreational parks, and larger, more frequented paths. With time and familiarity, move to the further reaches within the TIII, those areas that were mapped as mentioned in the paragraph above, and that (hopefully) wait patiently for their inclusion into the system.

Next: Walk the TIV with a handful of orange surveying flags and tag all noticed HPAs (an area that supports at least one living host plant). Count the number of HPAs; make rough sketch of TIV. Break up into sections based on HPA density. Leave the flags until the field trip is finished; remove them just before leaving.

Tier V, Sections:
In this tier, it becomes necessary to recognize individual HPAs (bring into the system) and to map the Section such that the HPA may be reliably relocated. Different situations demand different approaches. Some areas have many host plants in a small crowded area; or the host plants may be spread few and far between. The function of the map (to recognize and locate the HPA) outweighs the method of the mapping, so when the method may be improved in efficiency or reliability, such measures are exploited. Following are some of the approaches so far used:

Triangulation: A baseline is laid and direction is recorded as the azimuth to the north bearing. Distance is measured in feet using a standard surveying tape. Objects (trees, mostly) are sited from two points along the baseline using a siting stick and compass. The azimuth-feet reading for each point is recorded. The object is noted by a key symbol. This approach works well for paths and some parks, areas with dense tree populations and variation in the type and distribution of these trees. Sections mapped using this method were those in the following Tier IVs: CGNRP , CGPA, CGI, FHR, FLRW, RHR, CWW, DPS1, DPS2 and DPS3. FLRE used a hybrid of this method and relative sketches.

Pacing: Objects are linked one to another by siting from object to object, recording the bearing, and pacing off steps. This approach works well for parks with lots of open area. Sections mapped using this method were those in the following Tier IVs: SPA.

Cycling: Distance between HPAs is measured by the amount of time needed to cycle at a certain speed. Bearings are given in general (ie, north or south or northwest, etc.). Good for long stretches with low HPA density, such as along a main road or through areas that include stretches along prairie edges or through prairie stretches. Sections mapped using this method were those in the following Tier IVs: NPR, SPR, CGR.

Relative sketch: Nothing is measured off; general bearings are used. Sketch is drawn from observation. Good for long stretches of nothing or readily distinguishable areas. Sections mapped using this method were those in the following Tier IVs: HC, and somewhat for FLRE.

Tier VI: HPA
HPAs are sketched. The most obvious host plants are mapped on the sketch. Host plants are assigned a number unique to their Section. Clusters of host plants may be noted and mapped to greater detail at a later date. For each collection trip, changes that may occur to the HPA are noted, any newly discovered host plants are added in, as well as any that may have fallen into/onto the HPA. It may be necessary to sketch the HPA from different views.

Two points should be remembered in mapping an HPA. They are:
1. Do not waste too much time trying to find and map every single host plant.
2. Do not map so many host plants that it is impossible to relocate every one on the next collection trip.

Time brings together a more complete picture of the HPAs and the host plants that live on them, just as continued mapping and monitoring will bring together the picture of the various Sections and TIVs that make up the park.

On Making Random Choices:
Sections and HPAs will be randomly chosen based on the initial mapping or scheduled time of remapping of the HPAs within the TIV or Section. New discoveries will be noted but not included in the pool of possibilities.

Remapping:
Twice a year, Sections will be revisited. HPAs mapped will be checked for status (still an HPA or not?) and new HPAs will be added to the map. Any selected HPAs that have lost all of their host plants will be replaced by a HPA randomly selected from the remaining HPAs to choose from.

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