Efficient representative sampling of vegetation is a necessity today as more baseline ecological assessment relies upon inventory and mapping of existing vegetation. This workshop will address different techniques of sample allocation and cover the process and strategy for implementing a vegetation sampling strategy using the National Vegetation Classification. Examples of sampling strategy and methodology will be discussed during this half-day Saturday workshop. Topics include: vegetation stands as entities, relationships between classification units, size and complexity of the sampling universe, expected results and purpose of sampling, type of sampling needed, logistical constraints, landscape units and their relationships to vegetation, appropriate classification hierarchy level, uses of existing vegetation information, and biophysical correlates with vegetation. We will discuss pros and cons of such basic methods of sample allocation as grid-based, random, random stratification, general random tessellation, and subjective sampling. We will also explore special considerations and restrictions regarding spatial and thematic properties of vegetation stands. Participants will be asked to discuss their own sampling needs and experiences and should be familiar with general concepts of vegetation classification and landscape ecology. The targeted audience includes academics, consultants, GIS analysts, and state and federal resource agency project managers. This workshop will help focus classification implementation and outcome for any project that requires sampling of specific or multiple types of vegetation. It will be held in conjunction with a full-day field trip Sunday August 5 where sample allocation scenarios will be reviewed in nature. Please see field trip #5 'Allocating Vegetation Sampling Plots' for further description. Lunch will NOT be served, bring your own lunch.