Appalachian Trail MegaTransect Project

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Appalachian Trail Mega-Transect Project
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The Inspiration
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How the Data were Gathered?

• ID and Data Gathering Training with Hikers
• Hikers hiked between May and October
• Counted trees within 15 feet of trail centerline
• Trees over 3 feet in height
• Trees with multiple stems 1 tree
• Individual data on treesover 8 dbh

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Initial Data Collection

• Trees overall
• 5,076 trees counted
• 187.4 miles hiked
• Within 494 miles of trail
• 38 of 494 187.4

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What Do we Do w/ the Data

• This was a pre-pilot study
• Were still piloting!
• Are the data useful in this format?
• What questions can we answer?
• Differences in soil type?
• Differences in elevation?
• Differences betweenland use?
• Other variables?

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Area of Interest Northern New Jersey
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Soil Types along Trail in NJ
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Land Use along Trail In NJ
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Chestnut Count in New Jersey
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What Wed Like

• Endorsement of the Project
• We want your input!
• Please contact Kathy
• Some funding from the Science Cabinet
• In the range of 5000
• To refine data gathering process
• Incidentals and ID kits
• Travel
• GIS assistance with pilot study in advance of NSF
  grant
• Endorsement of NSF Funding Application with
  Appalachian Trail Conservancy

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Questions