Westech Environmental Services, Inc. personnel have conducted well over 100 vegetation studies including baseline vegetation inventories, range surveys, timber inventories, wildlife habitat analyses and agricultural assessments. Projects have been variously designed to satisfy regulatory agency requirements for industrial clients or to provide data for private and governmental resource planning and management.

Agency regulations and/or client objectives may affect the scope of the vegetation study. Regulations vary between federal and state governments. Since on-site conditions and past studies in a geographical region may also affect the intensity of study required, there is no standard description of a vegetation study, and each project must be considered individually. Westech personnel have found that most studies can be divided into three general categories:

1. A reconnaissance is usually initiated when a project is in early planning and development or when only a general, qualitative description is necessary. The objective is to assemble as much information on a project site for as little cost as possible. A reconnaissance may be used to analyze the problems that might be encountered if a project is developed, or provide background information that will be used to design and negotiate a study plan with appropriate agencies. In some cases, an agency may determine that a reconnaissance will satisfy its regulatory requirements.  Reconnaissance surveys usually involve detailed literature review coupled with brief on-site visits. The duration of a reconnaissance is often determined by the time frame of project development. A reconnaissance-level vegetation survey sometimes involves mapping and description of major vegetation types.
2. Baseline studies are intensive surveys designed to describe existing conditions. Generally the baseline parameters are then used as a basis for comparison with subsequent changes. Baseline studies may be very detailed, involving analysis of several vegetation parameters or they may be less detailed, resembling monitoring programs in intensity and techniques.  Components of a baseline report include description of methods, results and discussion typically including a description of vegetation communities and synecological considerations, the presentation of qualitative and quantitative data (canopy cover, frequency, production, etc.), mapping and management recommendations, if required.
3. Vegetation monitoring studies are generally of two types. Long-term studies involve observations of changes in condition, trend, species diversity and composition; changes in land management practices; and plant response to climatic variables. Reclamation monitoring studies are conducted on revegetated areas to establish successional trends of reestablished plant communities and evaluate revegetation techniques.

Westech personnel have considerable experience in all three categories. Personnel are available to advise a client on potential study parameters, and to design and/or implement reconnaissance, baseline or monitoring studies.

Westech biologists employ a variety of study methods dependent upon the project. A literature review is often conducted prior to field work. Sources include academic institutions, agencies and libraries on national, state and local levels. Westech frequently uses a computerized search service through the Montana State Library system, which has access to data bases throughout the United States and Canada.

Vegetation mapping varies as to community, association, series, range type, timber, etc. depending on project requirements. Aerial photo interpretation is conducted using black and white, color or color IR photos; mapping is generally verified on the ground.

A vegetation inventory provides quantitative data on the absolute or relative abundance of plant species by vegetation type. Data may be estimated or quantified by numeration, ground cover, volume or weight. Canopy cover and frequency may be quantified by using one of several methods: Daubenmire, line point intercept, paced, variable sized quadrat or ocular estimate. Biomass production can be measured by clipping, ocular estimate, double sampling or through statistical inference. Plant density, or occurrence within a unit area, is quantified through a direct count. Condition and trend analyses are normally measured using USDA Soil Conservation Service or Forest Service techniques.

Species lists are developed from literature review or direct observation. Searches for plants having threatened or endangered status are made routinely. Plants are identified using a stereozoom microscope and applicable taxonomic keys. Timber inventories are undertaken to collect data regarding volume, diameter, height and age using the Point Centered Quarter, Variable Plot or Bitterlich methods.

Plant and soil moisture related analyses utilize neutron probe measurements and rooting depth studies. Grazing utilization measurements are based on plant height and weight or stem and twig counts.