Codes X, C and B

[ValentineHerr]

Census crew David, @jess-shue, @Iriskennedy @CarolineTroy @rmh24 @krystalbagnaschi,

I thought we decided to use codes C (dead above 1.3) and X (broken below 1.3) and B (Broken above 1.3) but I am noticing you have not been using them.

The main reason I am asking is because now the DBH=0 gets flagged because they are not justified. My current check is looking in the codes for a justification of why dbh = 0. It is looking for X and 'C' (although now I am noticing that I should not look at C since we have decided to measure dead trees anyways).

My question is: did you guys decide to drop those codes, or did you forget to record them? If you decided to drop them, I'll just look at the status of the tree and say that DC (or DN) justifies a DBH=0.

But what about DS trees? those DBH do need to be measured, to be used in the mortality census.

[ValentineHerr]

This is what was discussed last Wed:

[jess-shue]

@ValentineHerr Yes, I believe it would be best to go off of the status column first, then use the codes as justification.

Stems < 100 mm (10 cm) are not assessed for mortality. So, we discussed in the field last week to not measure DS stems < 100 mm as it would save time and will not be used for mortality.

[ValentineHerr]

ok that makes sense, I'll ignore trees where dbh_2018 is < 100 mm

[ValentineHerr]

Here are my new thoughts:

1. Suzanne said:

   I check for dbhs that are 0 (not measured), they should have a code explaining why it was not measured (dead, stem broke off, stem does not reach 1.3 m in case of multiple-stemmed trees, etc.).

2. My understanding is that the status column does not get sent to ForestGEO. I know BCI does not even have that column.

3. We are requiring DBH (so we have it for mortality census), so a rightfully non measured DBH will be 0 (instead of NA, like Suzanne may expect).

Conclusion: We do need to add a code for those dead trees that have dbh=0 even if they are <100mm. Don't measure them but add the X (if status is DC) or C (is status is DS). OR I need to change them to NA.

Does that sound right @jess-shue ? We can discuss on teams in a few minute.

[ValentineHerr]

After chatting with @jess-shue, the status column can be sent to Suzanne, if concatenated into the codes column. So she will see that DS, DN or DC justify a dbh = 0. So I'll reflect that in my checks and we will be able to close this issue. No need to change anything in the field or the data.