Vegetation Classification, Mapping, and Quantitative Inventory (VCMQ)
The Intermountain Region’s Vegetation Classification, Mapping, and Quantitative Inventory (VCMQ) Program supports sustaining and restoring the integrity, biodiversity, and productivity of ecosystems throughout the Region. A mid-level mapping methodology was developed to capture existing vegetation type, tree and shrub canopy cover, and tree size using automated, systematic procedures to map the 12 Intermountain Region National Forests with minimal bias. Plot data were also collected with onsite field visits to inform and supplement the modeling efforts. The VCMQ vegetation maps were developed based on agency standards outlined in the Existing Vegetation Classification, Mapping, and Inventory Technical Guide.
The VCMQ Program aims to answer three questions about existing vegetation:
- What is it? (Classification)
- Where is it? (Mapping)
- How much is there? (Quantitative Inventory)
The VCMQ mid-level map products are the best mid-level existing vegetation information designed to support forest-wide and multi-forest planning and monitoring, landscape level watershed assessments, forest and rangeland health assessments, wildlife habitat assessments, and implementation of the national fire plan at the forest level.
A few example uses of VCMQ products include:
- Forest Insect Hazard Ratings
- Identify potential timber harvest and fuel treatment areas
- Rangeland capability analyses
- Revise Forest Plans
- Refine greater sage-grouse habitats
- Model plant and wildlife habitat distributions
- Predict distributions of invasive species and insect and disease outbreaks
- Perform pre and post-fire vegetation assessments
- Monitor vegetative change over time
- Locate recreational opportunities in specific vegetation types
- Create interactive and user-friendly vegetation maps
The vegetation products were customized to each of the 12 National Forests and were collaboratively planned, developed, and implemented by District, Forest, and Regional Office staffs, the Interior West Forest Inventory and Analysis (IWFIA) Program of the Rocky Mountain Research Station, and the Geospatial Technology and Applications Center (GTAC).
Spatial datasets and final reports (including vegetation classifications and accuracy assessments) for each Forest are located below. This interactive map displays the Intermountain Region National Forests existing vegetation groups and types in an easy-to-use viewing platform.
Vegetation Group Maps
The following links go to a Pinyon Public file or folder.
Key Contacts
Jock Blackard
VCMQ Team Leader
Vegetation Inventory Specialist
jock.blackard@usda.gov
Marisa Anderson
Ecologist
marisa.anderson@usda.gov
Dustin Jensen
Region 4 – FACTS, FSVEG Coordinator
dustin.jensen@usda.gov
Jed Gregory
Remote Sensing Program Manager
jed.gregory@usda.gov
Ben Soderquist
Natural Resource Specialist/Regional Analyst
benjamin.soderquist@usda.gov