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Promenade Street Providence RI 02908-5767 US pjordan@dem.state.ri.us 7:30 am to 3:30 pm e-mail preferred 20200114 ArcGIS Metadata 1.0 Greg Bonynge University of Rhode Island Environmental Data Center 401-874-2180 1 Greenhouse Road Kingston RI 02881 greg@edc.uri.edu email preferred No fee for downloading directly from the RIGIS Data Distribution System located at http://www.rigis.org. Esri shapefile ZIP http://www.rigis.org http://www.rigis.org Feature Class CONS_EcologicalCommunities 2014-12-24 2011 Photo Science Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company vector digital data Suggested bibliographic reference: RIGIS, 2014. Ecological Communities Classification; RIECC11. Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) Data Distribution System, URL: http://www.rigis.org, Environmental Data Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island (last date accessed: 31 December 2014). Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) This is a statewide, seamless digital dataset of the ecological communities for the State of Rhode Island, which was derived using automated and semi-automated methods and based on imagery captured in 2011. The project area encompasses the State of Rhode Island and also extends 1/2 mile into the neighboring states of Connecticut and Massachusetts or to the limits of source orthophotography. Geographic feature accuracy meets the National Mapping Standards for 1:5000 scale mapping with respect to base level data (roads, hydrography, and orthos). The minimum mapping unit for this dataset is .5 acre. The ecological communities classification scheme used for these data was based on the Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification document created by Richard W. Enser on October 4, 2011. To provide a statewide dataset representing ecological communities for use by the Rhode Island Department of Administration, Statewide Planning Program. The dataset is also intended to be incorporated into the Rhode Island Geographic Information System database for use by federal, state and local government and made available to the general public under established RIGIS licensing procedures. This dataset was created by Photo Science Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company Paul Jordan State of Rhode Island, Department of Environmental Management Supervising GIS Specialist 401-222-2776 x4315 401-222-2069 235 Promenade Street Providence RI 02908-5767 US pauljordan@dem.ri.us 7:30 am to 3:30 pm e-mail preferred Northeast Rhode Island New England US Ecological Communities environment planningCadastre ISO 19115 Topic Category environment planningCadastre Northeast Rhode Island Ecological Communities New England US This dataset is provided 'as is.' The producer(s) of this dataset, contributors to this dataset, the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) consortium, the State of Rhode Island, and the University of Rhode Island do not make any warranties of any kind for this dataset, and are not liable for any loss or damage however and whenever caused by any use of this dataset. This dataset is provided 'as is.’ The producer(s) of this dataset, contributors to this dataset, the Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) consortium, the State of Rhode Island, and the University of Rhode Island do not make any warranties of any kind for this dataset, and are not liable for any loss or damage however and whenever caused by any use of this dataset. Please acknowledge both RIGIS and the primary producer(s) of this dataset in any derived products. Versions of the RIGIS logo suitable for both printed and web-based products are available at http://www.rigis.org/logos. Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) 1993-01-01 Rhode Island Geographic Information System (RIGIS) Data Distribution System http://www.rigis.org Version 6.2 (Build 9200) ; Esri ArcGIS 10.7.1.11595 ground condition 2011-04-29 2011-05-02 -71.890929 -71.108006 41.145943 42.026046 Geography for the dataset was based on ground conditions of 2011 four-band orthophotography with a spatial resolution of 0.5 ft and 2011 LiDAR data and data derivatives with a nominal post spacing of 1m. Additional ancillary data used in the production of this dataset were provided by the State of Rhode Island and included 2011 land cover/land use, 2011 impervious, road centerline, hydrography, railroads, state boundary, municipal boundary, coastline, location of schools, hospitals, governmental facilities, waste disposal sites, etc. 1 -71.890929 -71.108006 42.026046 41.145943 Last metadata review date: 20140105 Delivered as a topologically complete ESRI Geodatabase Delivered as a topologically complete ESRI Geodatabase Data exists for all areas within the project extent. Due to shifting unconsolidated material along the shoreline caused by tidal influences additional ecological communities were mapped that were outside the 2003/2004 land use mapping boundary. No formal attribute accuracy assessment was conducted on the data. The data went through multiple levels of QC (by the internal production unit at Photo Science Inc. and by the State of Rhode Island). No formal horizonal accuracy assessment was conducted. However, the data were based on imagery with a 6 inch Ground Sample Distance (GSD) digital ortho imagery which was compiled to meet a 0.76 meter (2.5') horizontal accuracy at 95% confidence level (0.44-meters Root Mean Squared (RMSE) Error XY (0.31 meter RMSE X or Y)) based on NSSDA testing guidelines. This accuracy requirement is not applicable in areas where the ground is obscured on the aerial imagery by foliage, prevalent smoke, or dense shadow. There is no vertical component for the data. Data contributed to RIGIS by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Metadata were reviewed, corrections made to formatting, minor updates made to attribute definitions in partnership with RIDEM, RIGIS distribution information added. 2014-01-05 Greg Bonynge University of Rhode Island Environmental Data Center 401-874-2180 1 Greenhouse Road Kingston RI 02881 greg@edc.uri.edu email preferred. Task Overview: The Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification (RIECC) scheme is based on two previously published classifications: Northeastern Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Classification (2008) and Natural Communities of Rhode Island (2006). It was developed by Richard W. Enser in collaboration with RI Natural History Survey, RI DEM, University of Rhode Island, and The Nature Conservancy and supported by the Rhode Island Conservation Stewardship Collaborative. Most features were mapped to Level 3 – Communities, however, exceptions do exist. Some features, such as agricultural lands, were classified at Level 4 – Type. Analysts were unable to map other features down to the community level due to insufficient training and field data. These features were mapped at Level 2 – Class. The RIECC dataset was created in Trimble's eCognition (eCog) software using an Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) approach. This method enabled analysts to leverage off the updated land use land cover data while combining the spectral data from the imagery, height information from the LiDAR, and various thematic data from the State's GIS database. The process was iterative, and classification began at the general Level 2 'Classes' and progressed to the more detailed Level 3 'Communities' and, where appropriate, Level 4 'Type'. Task Steps: Step 1: Preprocess and Prepare Data Many of the data used in creation of the 2011 land use/land cover were also used in the ECC mapping including the nDSM and the ortho-derived data such as texture and NDVI. Several additional datasets were included in the ECC mapping: LiDAR derived slope, aspect and canopy closure, 2007 National Wetlands Inventory. These data were formatted and clipped into 10 production areas in preparation for processing in eCog. Step 2: Develop Training and Field Data Photo Science worked closely with Richard Enser, the ecologist who developed the RIECC scheme, to develop a database of training data. The data were represented through polygons delineated using GIS software. Individual polygons delineated a single ecological community and were created based on a combination of field visits and photo interpretation of the imagery in the office. For remote sensing classification it is necessary to have representative polygons for all of the feature types in the classification scheme. Through analyzing the relationship of the training data to the independent data (spectral signatures within the imagery, height, soil type, slope, etc.) analysts can build a model that characterizes their presence throughout the entire project extent or area of interest. Building these relationships requires the training data to be comprehensive so that the variations within communities are represented. The training database was under development throughout the early mapping stages, including steps 1 and 2. Many communities were well represented; however, there was insufficient information for some of them, particularly the conifer communities. In order to sufficiently identify enough of these features as training sites it would be necessary to conduct further field collection. This was not possible given the project's schedule and budgetary constraints. RIDEM and Photo Science agreed to map features without enough training data at the class level. Step 3: Develop classification rule set to segment and classify A hierarchical rule set was developed for RI that classified features in successive steps where previous results informed later rules. For instance, water was classified first, because it is typically simple to identify based on its relatively uniform spectral signature and zero slope and height values. The location of water helped inform the next steps, identifying wetlands. In this way the scene was broken out into general life forms and then more detailed communities through a series of rules and classification steps. Multiple segmentation levels enabled image objects to be developed based on multiple factors. For example, when identifying wetlands slope was a critical factor, however, slope alone did not accurately delineate lowlands. This was particularly true for areas along the coast or where a low, uniform slope also occurred within the uplands. It was necessary to also factor the spectral and height information for identifying potential wetlands. Once areas of potential wetlands were identified, a summary was performed on the NWI data to code segments with a large percentage of wetland within them. The NWI was contained in a third level below the one based on nDSM and NDVI. Wetlands were then coded to emergent, shrub and forested based on multiple criteria including spectral properties, texture and height. After wetlands were classified, the upland areas were segmented again using parameters that were adjusted for that landscape. Throughout the classification process there were multiple segmentation routines performed. Similar to the segmentation steps, the classification routines were specifically tailored for the communities. Since not all the input data sets were relevant to all the communities or had the same influence on their presence (Oak can exist anywhere but Ruderal Forest is dependent on nearby impervious of a certain density and distance) independent data was used and weighted appropriately for the communities. Prior to finalizing the process tree it was run on several subsets within the project. This testing helped ensure that all factors had been sufficiently considered and that it was ready to run on the full project area. Step 4: Smooth and clean the data The final step in the eCog process tree was to export the map as a raster file. Sharp and unnatural looking edges were smoothed through a series of filters and very small polygons were eliminated. (A full filtering to remove polygons below the MMU (1 acre) was not performed at the draft stage (when the maps were split into production areas) because doing so would have removed valid polygons that would be large enough once the data were merged.) Maps were then converted to a vector format as a geodatabase. Prior to delivery the data sets were reviewed and manually edited. Step 5: Quality Control The data went through internal Quality Control. On-site field verification of these data was not performed, although Rhode Island staff also thoroughly reviewed the data in the draft stages. Any issues identified by either the PSI internal QC expert or the Rhode Island team was rectified in the final submission. Step 6: Seamless dataset creation and delivery with metadata Once the data was approved it was merged into a statewide coverage and added to a database. At this point small polygons were intelligently eliminated. Some classes, such as urban and wetlands, were allowed to remain smaller. All seamlines were then checked to make sure no obvious edges or misclassified polygons existed. Metadata was created that conforms to the FGDC standard. 2014-06-30 Andrew Brenner Photo Science Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company Program Manager 859-277-8700 315 West Huron, Suite 260 Ann Arbor MI 48103 US abrenner@quantumspatial.com Source digital orthophotography was used as the basis for the delineation of features. Ecological Communities for Rhode Island 2011 RIGIS2011 2014-01-01 2011 Photo Science, Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company vector digital data http://www.rigis.org ground condition 2011-04-29 2011-05-02 0 CONS_EcologicalCommunities State of Rhode Island ecological communities delineated by digital aerial imagery which was obtained between 4/29/2011 and 5/2/2011 State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Feature Class 0 OBJECTID OBJECTID OID 4 10 0 Internal feature number. Esri Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. Urban Numerical designation of urban and non-urban polgyons. Photo Science, Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company 0 0 represents all non-urban polygons. The following are considered to be non-urban communities… Coastal Grassland Maritime Shrub Dune Maritime Shrubland Ruderal Grassland/Shrubland Sparsely Vegetated Rock Maritime Bluff Inland Sand Barren Maritime Woodland Oak Forest Northern Hardwood Forest Pitch Pine Woodland/Barrens Hemlock/Hardwood Forest White Pine Mixed Deciduous/Coniferous Forest Tree Plantation Ruderal Forest Cropland Turf Nursery/Christmas Trees Orchard Vineyard Hayfields Pasture Open Mineral Soil Wetlands Emergent Marsh Shrub Swamp Modified/Managed Marsh Open Peatlands Floodplain Forests Forested Swamp Intertidal Shore Mud Flat Salt Marsh Tidal River/Stream Tidal Creek Coastal Salt Pond Estuarine Aquatic Bed Photo Science, Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company 1 1 represents all urban polygons. The following are considered to be urban communities… Urban/Recreational Grasses High Density Residential (<1/8 acre lots) Medium High Density Residential (1/4 to 1/8 acre lots) Medium Density Residential (1 to 1/4 acre lots) Medium Low Density Residential (1 to 2 acre lots) Low Density Residential (>2 acre lots) Commercial (sale of products and services) Industrial (manufacturing, design, assembly, etc.) Roads (divided highways >200' plus related facilities) Airports (and associated facilities) Railroads (and associated facilities) Water and Sewage Treatment Waste Disposal (landfills, junkyards, etc.) Power Lines (100' or more width) Other Transportation (terminals, docks, etc.) Commercial/Residential Mixed Commercial/Industrial Mixed Developed Recreation (all recreation) Vacant Land Cemeteries Institutional (schools, hospitals, churches, etc.) Confined Feeding Operations Transitional Areas (urban open) Photo Science, Inc., a Quantum Spatial Company Urban Integer 4 10 0 System Level 1 (1) classification in the Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification organizational scheme and classificatory nomenclature. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Estuarine System Deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are semi-enclosed by land but that open, partly obstructed, or ephemeral access to the open ocean, and in which ocean water is partially diluted by freshwater influx. This system extends from the upstream limit of tidal influence seaward to an imaginary line closing the mouth of a bay or river. Salinity is >0.5 ppt. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Upland System This system consists of upland communities, forested and non-forested, which have well-drained soils that are xeric to mesic (never hydric) and a vegetated cover that is never dominated by hydrophytes, even if the soil surface is seasonally flooded or saturated. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Palustrine System Non-tidal perennial wetlands characterized by emergent vegetation, including wetlands permanently saturated by seepage, permanently flooded, and those seasonally or intermittently flooded and seasonally dry. Vegetated cover composed of hydrophytes and soils are hydric. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. System String 254 0 0 Community Level 3 (1A1) classification in the Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification organizational scheme. They are ecological associations that occur in Rhode Island and are based on biogeographical region, landscape characteristics, and dominant cover type. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Intertidal Shore Shoreline areas that are made up of the following types: Mud Flat. Usually located in quiet pockets of bays and protected by headlands. Sand-sized particles are mixed with silt and clay. These flats can be highly productive of clams and other invertebrates and are important feeding areas for shorebirds. During the summer, green macroalgae such as sea lettuce and hollow green weed can cover these flats. Sand Flat. Usually located in embayed areas where rocky or sandy barriers help create protected sounds and lagoons. Local habitats range from small guts, shallow tributary creeks, and large saline pools to shallow estuarine bays and tidal creeks. Eelgrass (Zostera) is characteristic in saline habitats, but not all sand flats are vegetated. Rocky Shore. Intertidal zones of solid rock that experience extreme exposure to wind, waves, currents, and ice-scour. Often covered with seaweeds with blue-green algae common in the high zones, barnacles are found in the mid zones, and mussels in the lower zones. Tide pools are frequently found in these habitats. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Northern Hardwood Forest Deciduous forest communities dominated by a variety of species; red oak is usually a co-dominant made up of the following types. a. Beech/Sugar Maple/Red Oak Forest. This community represents the southern extension of the northern hardwood forest In Rhode Island, the overstory includes a higher percentage of red oak rather than the yellow birch that characterizes more northern forests. The better examples harbor many plants that have limited distributions in Rhode Island, primarily in the northwestern towns of Burrillville and Glocester. The list includes paper birch, hobblebush, striped maple, and a variety of herbaceous spring ephemerals. b. Mixed Hardwood Riverside Forest. This community is found on the upper terraces of large rivers, on well-drained soils at the upper limits of periodic flooding. Canopy trees include American beech, sugar maple, white ash, red oak, and basswood. The shrub layer is limited, but there is a lush ground layer with an abundance of ferns. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Peatlands This community was mapped only to the Class Level. Wetlands with substrates consisting of accumulated organic deposits consisting of coarse fibrous or woody peat, or well-decomposed organic soils (mucks). Permanent saturation reduces aeration of the substrate, slowing decomposition of litter and favoring peat accumulation. Open peatlands have <50% tree cover. 1. Northern Peatlands. These open “bogs” occur in basins south of the coldest regions of the Northeast down to near the glacial boundary. They are found mostly in areas where glacial stagnation left coarse deposits and glacial depressions (many are "kettleholes"). The basins are generally closed, i.e., without inlets or outlets of surface water. The nutrient-poor substrate and the reduced throughflow of water create conditions fostering the development of peat and peatland vegetation. In deeper basins, the vascular vegetation grows on a peat mat over water, with no mineral soil development. Although these are often called bogs, in most cases they are technically fens (albeit nutrient-poor ones), as the vegetation remains in contact with the groundwater a. Dwarf Shrub Bog/Fen. Dominated by a sphagnum cover with >50% cover of woody shrubs, the characteristic species being leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne) with sheep laurel (Kalmia), cranberry (Vaccinium), and dwarf huckleberry (Gaylussacia), and patches of patches of sedges and forbs. b. Black Spruce Bog. Dominated by a sphagnum cover with >50% cover of black spruce (Picea), with most individuals <5m tall. Black spruce is a rare plant in Rhode Island and only one example of this community type remains in the state at the Arcadia Management Area. 2. Coastal Plain Peatlands. This group is comprised of dwarf shrub and herbaceous bogs that typically occur in isolated glacial kettle holes or in areas of deep sands supporting a pitch pine barrens landscape. These bogs develop in acidic, tannic water supporting a floating or grounded peat mat. Taller shrubs, especially highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) may occur at the periphery of the bog, and water willow (Decodon) often forms a distinct zone adjacent to open water. Aquatic plants such as water lily (Nymphaea) occur in open water. a. Graminoid Fen. A weakly minerotrophic peatland fed by groundwater containing minerals obtained during passage through or over mineral soils and aquifers. The substrate is peat composed primarily of sphagnum. Sedges are the dominant vegetation, including several species of Carex and twig-rush (Cladium), often with scattered shrub islands of leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne), cranberry (Vaccinium) and sweet gale (Myrica) at <25% overall cover. b. Coastal Plain Quagmire. Community on shallow depressions with permanently flooded muck soils, water depths ranging from 6cm to 0.6 m. Deeper water sections may support only aquatic vegetation, but shallow areas develop dense patches of emergent herbaceous plants including twig-rush (Cladium), beak-rushes (Rhynchospora), spikerushes (Eleocharis), bulrushes (Scirpus), and yellow-eyed grass (Xyris). c. Sea Level Fen. A rare emergent wetland community that develops at the upper edge of tidal marshes at the point of freshwater influx from groundwater seepage. Characteristic species are twig-rush (Cladium), bulrush (Scirpus) and spike-rush (Eleocharis). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Emergent Marsh These freshwater emergent and/or submergent marshes are dominated by herbaceous vegetation, occurring in basins that are most often flat-bottomed and shallow, or forming a ring around the periphery of deeper basins. They are associated with lakes, ponds, slow-moving streams, impoundments or ditches. The herbaceous vegetation does not persist through the winter. Scattered shrubs are often present and usually total less than 25% cover. Trees are generally absent and, if present, are scattered. The substrate is typically muck over mineral soil. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Ruderal Forest Undifferentiated upland forests, typically even-aged, resulting from succession following removal of native woody cover for agriculture or logging. Soil alteration from agriculture tends to lead to low-diversity forests, often with exotic species in the understory, that do not resemble natural forest systems. Generally, a ruderal forest is characterized by a combination of early-successional trees that can not be identified as natural ecological systems even in an incipient state. (If a forest has sufficient cover of indicator trees for a particular “natural” community, even with a presence of early-successional trees, it is classed as that forest system.) These forests often contain substantial amounts of red maple (Acer), white pine (Pinus), red cedar (Juniperus), aspen (Populus), and gray birch (Betula), with associates of sassafras, (Sassafras), black locust (Robinia), hawthorn (Crateagus), apple (Pyrus), pin cherry (Prunus), and sometimes walnut (Juglans). Where soil disturbance has not been severe, many sites will follow a trajectory towards one of the later successional and more natural forest communities. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Urban/Suburban Built This community is mapped to the type level. The types for this community were integrated from the Rhode Island 2011 Land Cover Map. The Urban/Suburban Built community is made up of the following types, High Density Residential (<1/8 acre lots), Medium High Density Residential (1/4 to 1/8 acre lots), Medium Density Residential (1 to ¼ acre lots), Medium Low Density Residential (1 to 2 acre lots), Low Density Residential (>2 acre lots), Commercial (sale of products and services), Industrial (manufacturing, design, assembly, etc.), Roads (divided highways > 200’ plus related facilities), Airports (and associated facilities), Railroads (and associated facilities), Water and Sewage Treatment, Waste Disposal (landfills, junkyards, etc.), Power Lines (100’ or more width), Other Transportation (terminals, docks, etc.), Commercial/Residential Mixed, Developed Recreation (all recreation), Vacant Land, Cemeteries, Institutional (schools, hospitals, churches, etc.), Confined Feeding Operations, and Transitional Areas (urban open). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Maritime Woodland Community of tall shrubs and small trees (up to 6 m tall) near the coast, generally on the inland side of the maritime shrubland community. These two communities often intergrade and include the same species, but woodlands have more tree diversity with black cherry (Prunus), sassafras (Sassafras), oaks (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and red cedar (Juniperus). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Oak Forest Forest communities dominated by oaks (Quercus). Species composition generally dependent on site conditions, especially soil type and hydrology. Variants include: a. Black Oak/Scarlet Oak – Heath Forest. The predominant oak forest type in Rhode Island on well-drained, acidic soils. Chestnut oak and white oak may also be common constituents along with black birch (Betula), black gum (Nyssa), red maple (Acer), and sassafras (Sassafras). American chestnut (Castanea) was formally a common constituent. Understory is primarily ericaceous shrubs, especially huckleberry (Gaylussacia) and lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium). b. White Oak – Mountain Laurel Forest. Typically found on well-drained coarse or gravelly soils such as on moraine deposits and eskers. Shrub layer is dominated by fairly dense cover of mountain laurel (Kalmia) with sparse herbaceous cover. Tends to occur in small patches within mixed oak and oak-pine forests. c. Chestnut Oak Forest. Typically found on well-drained upper slopes and ridge tops with shallow soils. Red, black, and white oaks may also occur along with pitch pine (Pinus). The understory is ericaceous. d. Mixed Oak – American Holly Forest. Typically found on moist, moderately well-drained silt and sandy loam soils, often at the upper edge of forested wetlands; upslope it often grades into oak – heath forest type. Black and scarlet oak are usually the dominant canopy trees, but red maple (Acer) may also be common; American holly (Ilex) is a prominent (>25% cover) sub-canopy tree. The understory shrub layer may be dense with highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) and pepperbush (Clethra) the predominant species. e. Mixed Oak/Hickory Forest. This oak-dominated forest community is characterized by a greater representation of hickory (Carya). Typically found on well-drained loams and sandy loams of ridge tops and slopes, oak/hickory forests usually occupy more mesic and nutrient-rich sites than the more widespread oak-heath type. The richer habitats abet a more diverse flora in all layers: Overstory trees include white ash, tuliptree, and the shrub layer is multi-layered with tall witch hazel and flowering dogwood, medium-height maple-leaved viburnum, and short with sheep laurel and lowbush blueberry. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Coastal Grassland Communities dominated by native herbaceous plants on or near the maritime coast and influenced by a dynamic disturbance regime of wind and salt spray. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Ruderal Grassland/Shrubland Anthropogenic communities of herbaceous or mixed herb/shrub vegetation resulting from succession following complete removal of native woody cover. a. Old Field. Community developing on areas originally cleared for agricultural purposes. Recently cleared fields are characterized by grasses and forbs, later stages include higher percentages of shrubs and scattered tree saplings. Some fields may be periodically mowed to maintain an herbaceous cover. Old fields are characterized by unnatural combinations of native and alien species; later shrubby stages often include exotic invasives. b. Clearcut. Community developing on areas originally cleared by logging. Plant composition differs from old field habitats by retention of understory woody and herbaceous plants, including well-developed shrub layers. c. Hedgerow. Linear patches of shrubs and small trees often maintained to separate agricultural fields. d. Utility Rights-of-Way. Linear herb and shrub communities on managed utility corridors. Powerline rights-of-way tend to be maintained irregularly and include larger patches of shrubs, whereas gas pipelines are regularly mowed and dominated by herbs. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Inland Sand Barren Sparsely vegetated community on open sands within pitch pine forests and woodlands. Examples are generally small (<2 acres) and vegetation is patchy, usually covering <75% of the surface area. Lichens (especially Cladonia) and sand star fungus (Astraeus) are typically present. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Tree Plantation Land cover is apparently modified and appears as a managed tree plantation, usually coniferous, even-aged trees planted in rows. Species may be native or non-native and include various spruces (Picea), pines (Pinus), firs (Abies), and larch (Larix). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Modified/Managed Marsh Anthropogenic marsh communities created and obviously managed that have resulted from water diversion made up of the following types. a. Impoundment. Deep and shallow water marshes created by diking/damming of small streams and mostly created as waterfowl habitat in state and private wildlife management areas. b. Ruderal Marsh. Wetland communities created by water diversion along highways and other urbanized land uses characterized by unnatural combinations of native and alien plants, including invasive species such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum) and Phragmites. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. NC No Code definition for this polygon. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Hemlock/Hardwood Forest Forest community with >50% tree cover of Hemlock (Tsuga). (Similar forests with <50% cover of hemlock are covered below). This community typically occurs on middle to lower slops of ravines, cool mid-elevational slopes, and moist uplands at the edge of swamps. In stands with a closed hemlock canopy the shrub and herb layers are sparsely vegetated. Associated canopy hardwoods include beech (Fagus), sugar maple (Acer), yellow and black birch (Betula), red oak (Quercus), and occasionally tuliptree (Lireodendron). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Urban/Recreational Grasses Managed grasslands planted in developed settings for recreation, erosion control, aesthetic, or other purposes. Examples of types that may be distinguished include a. Lawn, b. Park, c. Golf Course, d. Cemetery, e. Airfield/Runway Margin, f. Highway Median, etc. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Floodplain Forests Hardwood forests on river floodplains where lowest areas receive annual overbank flooding, usually in the spring but also occasionally in the fall. The water table may be well below ground surface for much of the growing season. A broadly defined community, floodplain forests are variable based on frequency and duration of flooding, size of river, topography, and substrate. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Fresh Water Water that is generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Cropland Land used for the production of annual-cycle crops including (corn, potatoes, small grains, vegetables, flowers, etc.), and perennial crops associated with orchards, vineyards, nurseries, sod farms, and Christmas tree farms. Plant cover may vary by season or from time to time depending on farm activities but in Rhode Island types that can commonly be described include: a. Vegetables, b. Turf, c. Orchard, d. Vineyard, e. Christmas trees. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Hayfields/Pasture Land with perennial herbaceous cover (usually in recognizable fields) used for livestock grazing or the production of hay. May be distinguished by type as either a. Hayfields or b. Pasture. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Forested Swamp Wet forests not generally associated with flowing water other than small streams, found in basins with permanently flooded or saturated mineral soils. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Tidal Creek The aquatic community of a continuously flooded creek that drains the tidal waters of a coastal salt marsh. Water levels fluctuate with the tides; the creek bottom is permanently flooded, but the banks are exposed at low tide. Characteristic plants include widgeon grass (Ruppia) and several cyanophyta. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Sparsely Vegetated Rock Herb and shrub communities on exposed bedrock or glacial till. a. Inland Rocky Outcrop. Sparse community of exposed, primarily granitic, bedrock ledges. b. Maritime Rocky Cliff. Community on exposed bedrock along the shore receiving direct impacts of wind and salt spray. Plant communities are most diverse where fresh water seepage emerges near the crest of cliffs and trickles down rock crevices. c. Maritime Bluff. Community on exposed clay and glacial till on steep faces (bluffs) along the immediate coast, primarily on Block Island. Generally very sparsely vegetated with patches of herbaceous vegetation forming along freshwater seeps. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Salt Marsh This system encompasses the intertidal marshes of the North Atlantic Coastal Plain from Chesapeake Bay north to Cape Cod, and sporadically to the southern Maine coast. It includes a number of different broad vegetation types including salt pannes, salt marshes, and salt shrublands. This system occurs on the bay side of barrier beaches and the outer mouth of tidal rivers where salinity is not much diluted by freshwater input. The typical salt marsh profile, from sea to land, features a low regularly flooded marsh strongly dominated by salt marsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora); a higher irregularly flooded marsh dominated by saltmeadow cordgrass (S. patens) and saltgrass (Distichlis); low hypersaline pannes characterized by saltwort (Salicornia); and a salt scrub ecotone characterized by marsh elder (Iva), groundsel-tree (Baccharis), and switchgrass (Panicum). Salt marsh "islands" of slightly higher elevation also support red-cedar. Each of these so-called “zones” of vegetation can be treated as separate community types that can easily be remotely discerned: a. Low Salt Marsh, b. High Salt Marsh, c. Salt Panne, d. Salt Scrub. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Pitch Pine Woodland/Barrens Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) communities may be characterized as woodlands with >50% tree cover, or barrens with <50% tree cover. As this community is maintained by periodic burning, the suppression of wild fire in Rhode Island in recent decades has resulted in a significant decline in the acreage of this type. Typically, pitch pine communities are characterized by well-drained sandy soils and widely open tree canopies with a dense shrub layer of scrub oak (Quercus illicifolia) and open sandy patches with bearberry (Arctostaphylos) and lichens. In the absence of fire pitch pine communities gradually succeed to mixed forests with oaks becoming successively more predominant (See: Pitch Pine/Oak Forest below). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Tidal River/Stream The aquatic community of continuously flooded substrates that supports no emergent vegetation. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Coastal Shrubland Communities dominated by shrubs on or near the maritime coast and influenced by a dynamic disturbance regime of wind and salt spray. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Extractive Industry Surface mining operations including these types: a. Sand/Gravel Pit and b. Rock Quarry. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Salt Water Water that is generally characterized by having concentrations of dissolved salts. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Shrub Swamp Wetland communities dominated by shrubs 0.5 to 5 m tall that occur along the margin of a pond or river, isolated in a wet depression or valley, or as a transition community between a marsh and upland communities. This type is highly variable with the dominant shrub species dictated by local conditions, including water depth, topographic position, and microclimate. At wetter sites buttonbush (Cephalanthus) or water willow (Decodon) may dominate with over 90% cover. Sites not permanently flooded may support a mix of shrubs with characteristic species including highbush blueberry (Vaccinium), sweet pepperbush (Clethra), winterberry (Ilex), alders (Alnus), silky dogwood (Cornus), maleberry (Lyonia), spicebush (Lindera), spiraea (Spiraea), and swamp azalea (Rhododendron). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Community String 254 0 0 Acre Area of feature in acres. ESRI Positive real numbers that are automatically generated. Acre Double 8 38 8 ECC_Code Ecological Communites Code is the code that represents the community's location in the Organizational Scheme and Classification Nomenclature. 1, 2, 3 = System A, B, C, etc. = Class 1, 2, 3, etc. = Community a, b, c, etc. = Type Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Ecological Communites Code is the code that represents the community's location in the Organizational Scheme and Classification Nomenclature. ECC_Code String 254 0 0 Type Level 4 (1A1a) classification in the Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification organizational scheme. These are further divisions of the communities that represent more distinct groups and sets of particular species. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Pasture Type classification Pasture, part of the Hayfields/Pasture community. This type is a recognizable field that is used for livestock grazing Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Impervious Impervious surfaces. These features were imported from the 2011 Rhode Island impervious map. Impervious features included built structures, parking lots, driveways, roads, and any other paved surfaces. Bridges over water, marinas, etc were not considered impervious. Compacted dirt roads, tennis courts, paved sporting facilities such as sports track, swimming pools, etc. were considered impervious. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Maritime Bluff Community on exposed clay and glacial till on steep faces (bluffs) along the immediate coast, primarily on Block Island. Generally very sparsely vegetated with patches of herbaceous vegetation forming along freshwater seeps. Part of the Sparsely Vegetated Rock community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. High Density Residential (<1/8 acre lots) Residential areas with approximately 8 houses or more per acre. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Turf Type classification Turf, composed of sod farms where grass is grown for sale that will be transported elsewhere for planting. Part of the Cropland community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Hayfields Type classification Hayfields, land with perenniel herbaceous cover used for the production of hay. Part of the Hayfields/Pasture community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Institutional (schools, hospitals, churches, etc.) Institutional land and buildings are public or quasi-public facilities with or without green space designed to serve large numbers of people such as government buildings, schools, colleges, hospitals, prisons, churches, town halls, public works facilities, police stations or fire stations. The maintained areas around the facilities are included as are parking facilities. Some of the facilities at a large college, for example, may be pulled out into other categories (such as an athletic field - 161). However, all dormitories, family and faculty housing and other buildings are included in this category as are grassy areas that are on the property of the institution as are usually noted on USGS topographic maps. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration NC No Code definition for this polygon. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Roads (divided highways >200' plus related facilities) Related facilities would include rest areas, highway maintenance areas, storage areas, on/off ramps, and maintained grassy areas adjacent to the roadway. Also included is the grass or wooded median strip between the roads. Roads less than 200 feet in width that are the center of two differing land use classes will have the land use classes meet at the center line of the road. Bridges that are greater than 200 feet wide will be included in this category. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Commercial/Industrial Mixed Some facilities are not obviously commercial or industrial but a mix of the two. They are nicely landscaped yet have distinguishing characteristics of both commercial and industrial areas. Parking lots are included. Commerce Parks will fit into this category. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Waste Disposal (landfills, junkyards, etc.) Landfills often can be mistaken for sand and gravel pits but do not have the "spider" shaped sorting/conveyor apparatus associated with sand and gravel operations. There is usually an area of recent activity with disturbed earth and piles of material (waste and cover material) nearby. There will often be large areas that haven't been disturbed for a while. Associated facilities for landfills, junkyards, and automobile dumps include all buildings, roads and parking areas. There are usually construction machines (such as front bucket loaders, road graders, bulldozers and dump trucks) on site. Once landfills are closed, they are covered, graded and often times venting pipes for methane gas can be seen arranged systematically throughout the landfill. There will generally be a high point in the middle of the landfill with moderate slopes out to the edges. Some capped landfills may have been converted to another use, such as Developed Recreation. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Maritime Shrub Dune Community of medium height shrubs on backdunes and other protected portions of sandy dunes on barrier beaches. Bayberry (Morella) and beach plum (Prunus) are characteristic species; some areas may be dominated by non-native sand rose (Rosa rugusa). Part of the Coastal Shrubland community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Other Transportation (terminals, docks, etc.) This category is used for land-based truck terminals and warehouses (with many loading docks) as well as water-based docks and associated buildings used for industrial or commercial purposes not associated with other categories (such as recreation docks used at marinas), but includes commercial fishery facilities. Adjacent parking areas and storage facilities are included. This category takes precedence over Industrial (130) if the primary use is to transport goods. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Mud Flat Usually located in quiet pockets of bays and protected by headlands. Sand-sized particles are mixed with silt and clay. These flats can be highly productive of clams and other invertebrates and are important feeding areas for shorebirds. During the summer, green macroalgae such as sea lettuce and hollow green weed can cover these flats. Part of the Intertidal Shore community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Industrial (manufacturing, design, assembly, etc.) Industrial areas are typically not landscaped as thoroughly as a commercial facility. Parking is often in one large lot. These areas generally have many loading docks and there are often truck trailers parked on-site. These facilities are often far from residential areas, often surrounded by forests, but typically near major roads or highways. Parking areas are included. Industrial buildings are almost always larger than residential structures. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Nursery/Christmas Trees This Type is a combination of two Types, Nursery and Christmas Trees that are being mapped to the Nursery Type. This type includes Christmas tree farms and other tree nurseries that are grown as ornamental trees for sale. This is part of the Cropland community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Low Density Residential (>2 acre lots) Residential areas with >2 acre lots. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Medium Low Density Residential (1 to 2 acre lots) Residential areas with 1 to 2 acre lots or approximately 1 house per 1 or 2 acres. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Medium High Density Residential (1/4 to 1/8 acre lots) Residential areas with 1/4 to 1/8 acre lots or approximately 4-8 houses per acre. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Vacant Land Land is classified as vacant if it is abandoned land that isn't being used for any other land use. It isn't being prepared for another use and does not have enough tree growth to be classified as forest or enough vegetation to be classified as brushland. It may include structures and indicates that the land was previously used for one of the urban categories. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Maritime Shrubland Community of shrubs and scattered small trees on bluffs, headlands, and islands exposed to ocean winds and salt spray. Primary species include bayberry (Morella), shadbush(Amelanchier), and arrowwood (Viburnum), and non-native invasives are often present including honeysuckle (Lonicera), bittersweet (Celastrus), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). Part of the Coastal Shrubland community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Commercial/Residential Mixed This category is used for land uses that are a mix of both commercial and residential. Although difficult to tell from aerial photographs, ancillary data may be provided to help classify areas into this type. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Commercial (sale of products and services) Large commercial facilities (such as malls, shopping centers and larger strip commercial areas) are typically well landscaped with parking strategically arranged around the building in multiple areas. There are often a few loading docks. These land uses are usually found in residential areas or grouped with other commercial facilities. Parking areas are included. Smaller commercial facilities (such as neighborhood stores or smaller strip commercial areas) often look similar to residential areas but are sometimes distinguishable by their larger parking areas (compared to residential parking) often behind the building down a driveway with spaces for 5 or 10 vehicles or if in a dense residential area, they may actually be commercial at the ground level and apartments above. Without any of these distinguishing features, these will probably be classified as residential. Also included in this category are office parks, medical offices and lawn and garden centers that do not produce or grow the product (not part of nurseries). Commercial buildings are almost always larger than residential structures. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Railroads (and associated facilities) Railroad facilities include all tracks, maintained rights-of-way adjacent to the tracks, terminals, stations, switching yards, storage facilities and buildings, and parking lots around the station. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Transitional Areas (urban open) Some areas are in the process of being developed from one land use to another. Since these are transitional lands, it is not always apparent what the new land use will be so they are classified as this category. Typically, these areas are being developed for residential, commercial or industrial use. Comparison to older imagery shows that it was previously another land use or land cover category. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Cemeteries From small to large cemeteries, these features are obvious by the orderly grid of gravestones, monuments and road networks. Quite often, they are noted on USGS topographic maps. This category includes associated buildings, roads and parking areas. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Cropland This Type classification is labeled in the attribute table as Cropland but represents the Type Vegetables, part of the Cropland community. Land used for the production of annual-cycle crops including (corn, potatoes, small grains, vegetables, etc.). Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Vineyard Type classification Vineyard, a plantation of grapevines whith are typically associated with wine making. Part of the Cropland community. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Power Lines (100' or more width) This category maps power line structures such as substations. Power line utility corridors have been mapped as the community of the given area such as ruderal grassland/shrubland or shrub swamp and are not part of this type. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Orchard This Type is part of the Cropland community and is composed of tree orchards that produce perennial crops. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Medium Density Residential (1 to 1/4 acre lots) Residential areas with 1 to 1/4 acre lots or approximately 1-4 houses per acre. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Water and Sewage Treatment Water and sewage treatment facilities are typically characterized by circular sedimentation and aeration tanks, associated facilities include pump houses, filtration and aeration buildings, water storage tanks /standpipes as well as parking lots. State of Rhode Island Department of Administration Type String 254 0 0 Class Level 2 (1A) classification in the Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification organizational scheme and classificatory nomenclature. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Plantation and Ruderal Forest Upland class comprised of the forest communites Tree Plantation and Ruderal Forest. This class is typically made up of forests that have been altered or managed in some way. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Coniferous Woodlands and Forests Communities comprised of 25-60% tree cover (woodlands) or >60% tree cover (forests), with >75% coniferous species. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Salt Water Water that is generally characterized by having concentrations of dissolved salts. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Fresh Water Water that is generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved salts and other total dissolved solids. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Open Peatlands Wetlands with substrates consisting of accumulated organic deposits consisting of coarse fibrous or woody peat, or well-decomposed organic soils (mucks). Permanent saturation reduces aeration of the substrate, slowing decomposition of litter and favoring peat accumulation. Open peatlands have <50% tree cover. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Agricultural Upland Class that contains the Cropland and Hayfields/Pasture communities. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Deciduous Woodlands and Forests Communities comprised of 25-60% tree cover (woodlands) or >60% tree cover (forests), with >75% deciduous species. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Open Mineral Soil Wetlands Trees absent or <50% cover, dominant vegetation is shrub and/or herbaceous. Substrates are mineral soils (not peat or muck) or close to bedrock. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Forested Wetlands (Mineral and Peat Soils) Seasonally flooded forests and permanently flooded or saturated swamps on mineral soils, peat substrates (accumulated organic deposits of coarse fibrous or woody plant material) or well-decomposed organic soils (mucks). Dominated by >60% canopy cover of woody vegetation >5m in height. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Mixed Deciduous/Coniferous Forests Communities comprised of mixed forest deciduous and coniferous forests. This class is comprised of the following communities: Mixed Oak/Pitch Pine Forest. Forest community on well-drained sandy soils of glacial outwash plains and moraines, and also on thin rocky soils of ridgetops. Dominant trees are pitch pine (Pinus) at >25% cover mixed with one or more oaks (Quercus), primarily white, black and scarlet. A well-developed shrub layer usually contains scrub oak, highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) and Huckleberry (Gaylussacia). Mixed Oak/White Pine Forest. Forest community on well-drained soils with a canopy of mixed oak and 40-50% cover of white pine (Pinus). Patches with >50% cover of white pine may also be found, but the overall pattern in larger stands is an even mix of oaks and pine. Shrub and ground layers are generally similar to oak-dominated forests, although understory cover is diminished in closed canopy stands of pine. Hardwood/Hemlock Forest. Forest community similar to the above-referenced Hemlock/Hardwood Forest except that in this mixed community hemlock occurs at <50% cover. The greater percentage of hardwoods, primarily yellow birch (Betula), beech (Fagus), and red and sugar maple (Acer), in the canopy layer encourages a more diverse understory than the closed canopy hemlock-dominated forests. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Estuarine Intertidal Includes areas between the highest and lowest tide levels where the substrate is regularly exposed and flooded by semi-diurnal tides. Some areas are irregularly exposed at low tides; other areas are only irregularly flooded at high tides. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Developed Land Upland Class that is comprised of developed communities. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Estuarine Subtidal Includes the area below the lowest tide where the substrate is permanently flooded and continuously submerged. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Open Uplands (Grassland and Shrubland) Upland communities dominated by shrubs or herbaceous plants. Trees may be present as scattered individuals or small clumps, but never more than 25% overall cover. Rhode Island Ecological Communities Classification Document published by Richard W. Enser on 4 October 2011. Class String 254 0 0 Descriptio Descriptio String 150 0 0 Mean_Height Mean_Height Double 8 38 8 Shape Feature geometry. ESRI Coordinates defining the features. Shape Geometry 4 0 0 Shape.STArea() Shape.STArea() Double 0 0 0 Shape.STLength() Shape.STLength() Double 0 0 0 dataset EPSG 6.12(9.3.0.0) Simple FALSE 0 TRUE FALSE