16 Patty, Nora Check-in 17APR2024
Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
16.1 Attendees
- Nora Pearson
- Patty Burns
- Nic Jelinski (partial attendance)
16.2 Project Updates
16.2.1 Field Sampling Progress
- 5 sites sampled so far:
- 1 site at fairgrounds (opportunistic construction site)
- 1 additional opportunistic construction site
- 3 residential properties
16.2.2 Upcoming Sampling Locations
- South St. Paul parks (multiple sites)
- National Wildlife Refuge units along Minnesota River
- Additional residential properties through “snowball” sampling
16.2.3 Permit Status
- Secured permits for:
- Fish and Wildlife Service (Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge)
- South St. Paul parks
- Three Rivers Parks (West Metro)
- Pending permits:
- DNR (Scientific and Natural Areas, State Parks)
- Ramsey County
- City of Saint Paul
16.3 Data Collection and Management
16.3.1 Pedon Description Form
- Team will use the standard NRCS Form 232 for pedon descriptions
- Discussed potential modifications to tailor form for urban soils project
- Considered using Survey123 app for digital data collection
16.3.2 Survey123 Implementation
- Brandon DeFoe (Resource Soil Scientist) can assist with setting up Survey123 form
- Would allow direct import of data into NASIS database
16.3.3 NASIS Data Entry
- Goal: Complete all 2024 data entry by end of 2024 calendar year
- Discussed potential automation options for data import
16.3.4 Rapid Urban Site Index (RUSI)
- Will implement RUSI as part of site characterization
- Includes assessment of traffic, infrastructure, and surface conditions
- May need to modify or expand categories for project needs
16.3.5 Action Items:
16.4 Sampling Methodology
16.4.1 Site Selection Strategy
- Aim for 3 sampling points per soil map unit in larger areas
- Use judgment to sample representative landscape positions
- Consider accessibility and underground utilities
16.4.2 Opportunistic Sampling
- Team will respond quickly to construction sites and other exposures
16.4.3 Action Items:
16.5 Project Planning
16.5.1 Initial Field Review
- Tentatively scheduled for week of June 10-14
- Participants to include:
- Nora Pearson
- Patty Burns
- Dan Wing
- Joe Brennan
- Clayton Johnson
- Kellen O’Connor
- Purpose: Review field protocols, data collection methods, and project objectives
16.5.2 Action Items:
16.6 Detailed Discussion Notes
16.6.1 Pedon ID and Sample Numbering System
Patty explained the NRCS system for assigning pedon IDs:
The format is: YYYY-STATE-COUNTY FIPS CODE-### (three digit sample code)
For example: 2024MN1231001, for a sample taken in Ramsey County
Nora and Patty discussed options for sample numbering within pedons:
They agreed to use underscores to separate horizon numbers:
2024-MN-123-001_1, 2024-MN-123-001_2, etc.
Update: after discussing with Nic, we are using a unique sample code for each sample, rather than including it with an underscore after the site codes. Sample codes will have a two digit year code and a three digit sample code. For example: 24-001. So, each site has a unique code and each sample has a unique code. Sample codes will be recorded on collection bags and on pedon description sheets.
16.6.2 Action Items:
16.6.3 Landscape and Landform Classifications
The team discussed the importance of standardizing landscape and landform terminology:
Patty: “Landscape is big like landscape might be tilt and and and it and it’s gonna be a like a really broad area of the landscape, but sometimes, like we’ve used… and all I can think of is like… till planes… and then your land form… And then land form might be I can’t even guess now.”
They agreed to develop a cheat sheet with standardized options for the project area.
16.6.4 Action Items:
16.6.5 Clay Percentage Estimation
Nora expressed concern about estimating clay percentages in the field. Patty shared her experience and offered advice: using a textural triangle cheat sheet and practicing with more experienced team members.
16.6.6 Action Items:
16.6.7 Artifacts Page for Urban Soils
The team discussed the importance of properly documenting artifacts in urban soils. Patty agreed to add a dedicated artifacts page to the pedon description form.
16.6.8 Action Items:
16.7 Next Steps
- Finalize pedon description form modifications
- Develop Survey123 form for digital data collection
- Create cheat sheets for landscape/landform classifications and clay percentage estimation
- Plan and execute initial field review in June
- Continue sampling at secured sites and respond to opportunistic sampling locations
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration as the project moves forward. Nora and Patty agreed to touch base again the following week to address any outstanding issues and continue refining project protocols.