[njensen]

“I agree with the other comments you have received to date. Species lists tell us about biological diversity, ecotones, transition zones, and many other subtleties. I do wish that folks with less experience wouldn't just put their perceived list of dominants on a list because they think those plants "should be" present. I have observed plants being listed for a site that I have carefully searched for, something common like Encelia californica or Rhus integrifolia that drop out at certain elevations or inland sites (or don't, in which case it is very interesting!). I try to avoid labeling an entire company or institution as incompetent, though, as our skills are varied within a company and as time passes. I think many of us, however, have found rare taxa - sometimes unexpected rare taxa - that have been overlooked by others, so field work and subsequent reporting, along with appropriate documentation, form a body of knowledge that deepens our understanding of a site.”