noveltyaccount 1 day ago

Just curious, why do you have to survey repeatedly? Are you monitoring something changing?

1
energywut 1 day ago

The area was partially clearcut about a decade back. Some areas are due for brush management and some for commercial thinning. Additionally, because it is alpine and contains a stream used by fish for spawning, it is interesting to see the variations in snow load and water flow in the stream year over year.

So there's at least a reason to get out each winter (snow load), spring (melt/brush growth/flowers), and summer/fall (stream health/identify trees once brush loses leaves).

I also like seeing if there's trees in stands dying at an unusual rate, which might indicate pine beetle infestations or sickness that I'd need to take care of.

Also, it's a fun hobby and a cool dataset to flip through.