Technical proposal for the characterization of woody vegetation in 2 long-term monitoring plots in the Iberian System

Long-term ecological research (LTER) is a fundamental tool for observing and understanding processes that unfold over a long timescale, beyond the typical two to five years of research projects. Phenomena such as climate change, arguably the most significant driver of global change, and its consequences, could not be studied without long-term data series spanning at least decades. In the central Iberian Peninsula, there are no scientific facilities that allow for long-term monitoring. A vast geographical area lacks long-term monitoring plots. However, extensive areas of the Iberian mountain range, with very low human population densities and consequently minimal disturbance for decades, offer ideal locations for establishing biodiversity monitoring plots of this type. Areas such as the Serranía de Cuenca and the Alto Tajo are good examples of this.

In this context, the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha (JCCLM), aware of the natural values ​​of the region and committed to studying and conserving them in the current context of global change, is interested in establishing long-term monitoring plots in the Alto Tajo. This technical assistance involves the identification, marking, and characterization of study plots for subsequent ecological monitoring. During this characterization process, the area and number of plots will be assessed based on the structure and density of the vegetation to be characterized, ensuring that representative information about the forest ecosystem can be obtained. All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 5 cm will be mapped and measured in the plots established on the La Campana estate. Each tree will be georeferenced with an accuracy of less than 5 cm, and its DBH and maximum height will be measured. Each tree will be marked to facilitate subsequent sampling.