Project Proposal -

Introduction
   The John B. Staalesen Vanderheyden Preserve is a parcel of land located in South Troy that was acquired by the Rensselaer Land Trust. The land was donated by the family of the recently deceased John B. Staalesen and contains 23.6 acres of land to be preserved by the Rensselaer Land Trust. The land was acquired by the Rensselaer on December 13, 2011.The Wynantskill Creek borders the land. Most of the land contains forest and wetlands.

Objectives
   The primary goal is to create a comprehensive map of all pertinent features including those that incorporate the wetlands and Wynantskill Creek as well as any trails. A map is necessary for this newly acquired piece of land that can be used by both the Rensselaer Land Trust and any individuals who are interested in exploring the land. The land is still open and relatively unmarked, so a project and map

Methodology
   This project will require the use of several different shape files and layers which will help to show the different aspects of the Vanderheyden Preserve. In terms of marking the precise trails and locations of interest, a hand held GPS unit will be used to ensure that precise points are selected for trails. I was also informed of a point of interest, a stack of tires, which I will indicate on the map for the sake of the Rensselaer Land Trust.

Data sources
   There are several different layers that will of interest for this parcel of land. A data layer will be used to separate the different types of landscape on the preserve. This includes wetlands, forests and fields or open area. I will also use a surface stream layer as well. I also plan on incorporating individual GPS points which will identify points of interests and mark trails. I will also use a layer to show any roads or parking that might be visible on the map.

Work Plan
   March 3rd-9th: Meet with client and go over the details of the project
   March 10th-16th: Visit the project site and begin collecting points of interest. The hope is to discover the points of interest on this trip or at least know where they are located so that I could at least obtain these points at a later date.
   March 17-23rd: Begin incorporate collected points to a basemap with relevant layers
   March 24-30th: Siena College's Spring Break, although I plan on going out in the field and obtaining any other points necessary to ensure an accurate map with necessary points of interest. I will stay in touch with the client to ensure that I am collecting necessary information and organizing the preferred data.
   March 31-April 6th: This week I want to seriously organize the points I have collected with the layers needed for presenting all pertinent details of the Preserve. I will
   April 7th-13th: Begin formatting the map and labeling details to make the map aesthetically pleasing.
   April 14th-20: Ensure that the map is labeled well enough and not too cluttered for a smaller handheld map.
   April 21st-May 6th: My goal for the last two weeks is to ensure that all layers and points are correctly placed, all symbology and labels look appropriate and that the map meets the needs of the client.

Deliverables
   The plan is to create handheld maps that individuals can use to navigate the preserve and show points of interest. The Rensselaer Land Trust needs a basemap that can be used for future reference. I also plan on sending a file of the completed map with incorporated layers and shapefiles so that the Rensselaer Land Trust can add to this map in the future.