Mapping champion trees; Seattle, WA; 2/4/09

Science & Technology: Protecting old growth in the new world Seattle University Spectator - Seattle,WA,USA
For his research the Department has loaned Vincent a GPS device that is accurate down to several centimeters, and Vincent uses this in conjunction with graphic information system (GIS) software. He has focused on three coniferous and two deciduous species of trees in his efforts to map the old growth on the Seward Peninsula. Aside from simply noting the locations of old growth trees, he also records their size, height, canopy spread and density, trunk diameter and general health. In addition, he uses a device called a Dendrometer, which expands and contracts with a tree to measure water uptake and loss throughout the day.