1998-99 NEUSE RIVER BASIN

The training program for the ECO (Environmental careers Organization) associates consisted of the following:

1. In-House Neuse River Basin Study Overview

A presentation detailing the Neuse study objectives, data acquisition, and ECO's role within the project was provided by Ross Lunetta, Neuse River Basin P.I. Future environmental studies (i.e. Non-point source pollution, feeding habits of white-tailed deer, etc.) were also discussed in order to educate the ECO associates on the importance of quality data.

Back to 1998 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

2. In-House CPR and Field Safety Training

A representative from the American Red Cross administered a two-hour CPR session. The ECO field crews were trained to administer basic medical treatment for ankle sprains, broken limbs, major and minor cuts and abrasions, snakebites and heat stroke.

Back to 1998 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

3. Field Instrument Use:

The ECO field crews were trained to use all instruments in the field before measuring data rom sample sites.

1. Clinometer-

Field crews were trained in proper sighting of tree bases and tops, difficulties likely to be encountered in the field, and calculations used for differing distance measurements

2. Compass-

Compass readings were used to determine both aspect and general navigation. Particular care was given to teaching the differences of azimuthal readings and bearings.

3. Densiometer-

The United States Forest Service trained field crews in the use of a densiometer to ensure repeatable calls within and between observers.

4. Digital Camera-

Instruction on the correct usage of a digital camera and accompanying software was provided.

5. Diameter Tape-

A DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) tape was used to measure tree diameters.

6. GPS -

Lorrie Vorburger and Malcolm Wilkins of the USEPA, who participated in a Trimble GPS workshop prior to ECO's arrival, provided instruction including under canopy readings in order to understand problematic situations that were likely to occur.

Back to 1998 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

4. Field Vegetative Identification

Vegetation identification was implemented by using naturalists, ecologists, and botanists familiar with the North Carolina natural systems.

1. Pre-study Training -

Ecologists Julie Fontaine and Jens Jeratz from a local environmental engineering firm volunteered their expertise for three hours of training. A riverine site was evaluated for woody species as well as herbaceous ground cover. Naturalist Dr. AJ Bullard, a local resident from Mt Olive, NC, taught the field crews about woody and herbaceous species likely to be encountered over the study period.

2. During-study Training -

Dr. AJ Bullard was contracted to work with the EPA throughout the summer and fall to evaluate sample sites for correct species identification. Each week he would evaluate one field crew's calls, then instruct them on the missed species as well as new species encountered on site. Jennifer Floyd, a botanist at North Carolina State University also assisted in the field training by identifying vegetative samples sent in by the ECO crews. After her identification of the genus and species, Jennifer would email the crews in the field of her results. This provided concurrent training throughout the study period.

Back to 1998 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

5. Field Protocol Training

1. Positives

The training of the ECO associates was successful given the short time period (2 weeks) to develop a viable protocol. Vegetative identification experts were assembled to teach the fundamental tree species encountered in the Neuse Basin, and field crews were trained for instrument use and data acquisition techniques.

2. Negatives

The field training was inadequate in that only one field site was used to evaluate field techniques. In essence, the first week of actual data collection produced a multitude of errors that were later required to go back and correct. One 2-hour GPS training session was not enough to teach all the information needed to effectively locate a sample site. The problems encountered in the decision process of whether to split a site, take the point, or abandon the point and move on to the next one were not adequately addressed during the training period. Teaching tree, shrub, and herbaceous plants required more in-house training as well as on-site training. Two days dedicated to vegetative identification was not sufficient. No teaching was done in regards to proper data input and data downloading.

Back to Discussion of 1998 Training Curriculum

Field Training consisted of the following:

1. In-House Neuse River Basin Study Overview
1. Goals and Objectives
2. Sampling Design
3. Parameters of Interest
4. Schedule
5. Organizational and Data Flow Chart

This included meeting with the ECO crews at the beginning of the week for assignments, discussing problems encountered the previous week, field data capture, data downloading in the hotels, data transfer to office personnel, and QA/QC of data by the office personnel in database.

Field Training and Field QA/QC

Naturalist Dr. AJ Bullard and NCSU's Jennifer Floyd role of providing QA/QC of vegetative identification and further field training of the ECO crews will be described. Other QA/QC items such as GPS weekly checks and proper field data capture protocol will be explained.

Back to 1999 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

2. In-House CPR and Field Safety Training

EPA provided training classroom training for field safety and CPR. Issues addressed were health safety factors such as heat stroke, insect stings, snake bites, etc.

Back to 1999 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

3. Field Instrument Training
1. Classroom

A classroom session, introducing the field instruments used for measurement, was taught to address instrument care, upkeep, use, etc. The following is a list of the instruments used in the 1999 Neuse study:

1. Clinometer
2. Densiometer
3. Vertical Sighting Tube
4. Compass
5. Basal Area Prism
6. Digital Camera
7. Diameter Tape (DBH)

Back to 1999 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

Top of page

4. GPS Training

1. Theoretical (Classroom)
1. How GPS WORKS - A Basic Overview

This presentation described the basic philosophy of the GPS constellation of satellites; sources of error including government introduced selective availability, differential correction, and other pertinent topics.

2. Datums, Coordinate Systems, and Projections

Descriptions of the coordinate system used in the Neuse study were described as well as the shift in point location if an incorrect datum is entered into the GPS rover unit.

3. 1998 GPS Problems Encountered and Solutions

Issues from the 1998 ECO teams were addressed regarding the use of the GPS in the field.

2. Field
1. GPS Under Forest Canopy

Field instruction involved GPS fixes under forest canopy. The technique of getting a measurement close to the point of interest and pulling a specified distance and direction was demonstrated.

2. GPS X,Y Fluctuations

Field training provided instruction on obtaining fixes while the GPS fluctuates on the X, Y coordinate fix.

3. GPS for Road Navigation

The GPS units were helpful to the 1998 ECO field crews in navigating to the sample point. This technique was demonstrated for the 1999 ECO field crews.

Back to 1999 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

Top of page

5. Field Data Collection Protocol



1. Classroom

The associates attended a two-hour classroom session detailing field data collection techniques. The field crews walked through the process of navigating to a sample point, deciding what decision rules need to be applied for actual point location, on-site measurement protocols, in-hotel data entry and digital image downloading. Also proper communication protocol was implemented in dealing with EPA office support.

2. Field

Each field crew visited local sites to implement all protocols and field data capture methods. All three ECO field crews practiced on sites that tested their understanding of the sampling process. Each afternoon they downloaded the data for quality assurance assesment. The following mornings all three crews gathered to assess problems encountered. A variety of additional situations they would likely encounter was discused including:

1. Access Problems
2. Split Plot
3. Agriculture
4. Forest Points

Back to 1999 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

6. Vegetative Identification
   
   
1. Classroom

The sole source contract was written for naturalist Dr. AJ Bullard and NCSU Botanist Jennifer Floyd for in-house vegetative training. Four hours of instruction regarding species identification of tree species, herbaceous, and shrub species were presented to the 1999 ECO crew. A pre-test was given to the field crews to document their basic understanding and to monitor their progress throughout the summer. Study guidebooks developed by Ashton and Naomi along with other field guides were distributed. At the end of the training period, the field crews were re-tested on their knowledge of species identification.

2. Field

Dr. Bullard, Jennifer Floyd, and Naomi Patterson instructed the crews on species identification around the RTP area. The three teachers also accompanied the field crews for assistance with vegetative calls.

Back to 1999 NRB Field Study Training Curriculum

Top of page