This report enumerates the methodology and results of mapping glades in a total of 173 7.5 minute quadrangle maps for the Ozark Highlands Section of northern Arkansas during the 11 month reporting period commencing June of 2014 and ending May 20, 2015. When combined with the previous mapping during 2013-2014, the grand totals for all glades mapped in Arkansas are 29,810 glade polygons totaling 44,107 acres in 221 7.5 minute quadrangle maps. The Ozark Highlands Ecological Section was completed.
The latest resulting glade shapefile reflects assignment of rock substrates that correspond to the Missouri glade rock types. The author decided to assign rock types based on accumulated knowledge, actual field verifications, and increased confidence in the relative accuracy of rock types accomplished during the Arkansas glade mapping effort. Additionally, as with the Missouri glade rock type shapefile, the author is confident that glade patterns associated with generalized geology, topography, and distinctive ecological subsections more accurately reflect correlated rock types. However, the degree of accuracy in some landscape regions is in question due to the complexity of rock formations and generalization of the Arkansas geology map. In this case the author did not assign rock types to certain glade areas, which are simply denoted as “glades.” As with the Missouri map, field verifications will be necessary to correct the rock types and corrections continue. The author also added “talus” features as these are closely related to glades, contain species of conservation concern, and are relatively easy to distinguish from nearby associated glades. Theo Witsell of the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission strongly concurred with my proposal to include talus natural communities during the mapping process. The degree of effort necessary to add this mapping did not interfere with meeting monthly performance measures (total quadrangles mapped). Also during this period, the author commenced mapping glades in the Ouachita Mountains. This glade region contains thousands of acres of novaculite glades. The attached shapefile contains a portion of this glade type (the southwestern most extent of glades near and west of Hot Springs) to demonstrate the unique patterns of novaculite glades and further need to continue mapping in this region. Some additional 40 quadrangle maps will be added to this shapefile while mapping continues under an ABC contract with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
