Field sampling methods on seismic lines: a comparison between circular plots and belt transects

Seismic lines are linear clearings created for oil and gas exploration. Regeneration on seismic in Alberta's boreal forest is limited by slow natural recovery, making them persistent features the landscape prompting interest line restoration through vegetation reestablishment. The goal of this study was to establish an effective woody sampling method monitoring regeneration mixedwood forests. Data collected belt transects circular plots were similar, doubling area sampled did not impact results. Based ease implementation, a 30 m × 2 transect center recommended method. However, if understory also being measured, dividing into smaller areas as single yielded less accurate height data than plots. Plots measured along lines' edge inner determine recovery differs across width line. While all tree responses differ between plot locations, more abundant when locations. Therefore, focus program, using placed prevent overestimation. These recommendations intended measuring 5 wide upland forests forest; implementation other environments or response variables requires additional testing.