Integration of multispectral and ecological data for characterizing montane meadow communities in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Six spectrally and ecologically distinct montane meadow community types were identified and mapped within the Gallatin National Forest of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem by analysis of Landsat Thematic Mapper data. A distinct xeric-to-hydric gradient among the meadow types was predicted by analysis of the satellite data. Thirty sites (six meadow types x five occurrences of each) were selected for intensive field sampling of plant, bird, and butterfly species. Species richness was highest for all taxa (including forbs, grasses, and shrubs) in mesic meadows. Spectral response curves indicate a progression from strongly photosynthetically active vegetation to a composite vegetation/soil response