Landscape Analysis
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The spatially explicit, web-based Conservation Efforts Database is capable of (1) allowing multiple-users to enter data from different locations, (2) uploading and storing documents, (3) linking conservation actions to one or more threats (one-to-many relationships), (4) reporting functions that would allow summaries of the conservation actions at multiple scales (e.g., management zones, populations, or priority areas for conservation), and (5) accounting for actions at multiple scales from small easements to statewide planning efforts.
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Long-term vegetation dynamics across public rangelands in the western United States are not well understood because of the lack of large-scale, readily available historic datasets. The Bureau of Land Management’s Soil-Vegetation Inventory Method (SVIM) program was implemented between 1977 and 1983 across 14 western states, but the data have not been easily accessible. This guide introduces the SVIM vegetation cover dataset in a georeferenced, digital format; summarizes how the data were collected; and discuss potential limitations and biases. It demonstrates how SVIM data can be compared with contemporary monitoring datasets to quantify changes in vegetation associated with wildfire and the abundance of exotic invasive species. Specifically, it compares SVIM vegetation cover data with cover data collected by BLM’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) program (2011–2016) in a focal area in the northern Great Basin. Comparisons between historic SVIM data and recent AIM data documented significant declines in the occupancy and cover of native shrubs and native perennial forbs, and a significant increase in exotic annual forbs. Our study demonstrates that SVIM data will be an important resource for researchers interested in quantifying vegetation change through time across public rangelands in the western United States.
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This paper (1) provides a review of conditions under which historic reference information is and is not required to meet management and policy objectives, (2) summarizes current approaches to defining the reference for land health and degradation assessments, and (3) presents a protocol, “Describing Indicators of Rangeland Health” (DIRH) for collecting and organizing data that can be used to define a historic reference. This protocol builds on the framework and indicators presented in the “Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health” (IIRH). IIRH uses a combination of scientific and local knowledge to generate soil- and climate-specific assessments of three attributes of land health. It is used in a number of countries. In the United States, data are aggregated over 30,000 locations to provide national assessments.
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The Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) is an innovative online mapping tool that can be used by anyone—no fees or registration required. The tool provides quick snapshots of rangeland vegetation. It allows users to easily compare trends in rangeland resources through time at a ranch, county, or watershed scale.
The RAP includes a data layer of annual herbaceous cover across rangelands of the sagebrush biome.
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The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of Policy Analysis has invited LANDFIRE, to present a seminar, Foundational All-Lands Data for Improving Decisions in Land Management, on September 10, 2018, in Washington, D.C. as part of their Seminar Series. The presentation is open to the public via webcast; the recorded event will also be posted to the Office of Policy Analysis website.
This webinar gives a brief introduction to multiple LANDFIRE datasets and then explore how two National Forests are working to tweak LANDFIRE data to better meet their needs. We will conclude by sharing resources and ideas that may help you think through modifying LANDFIRE or other similar datasets for your use.
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The interior secretary, Ryan Zinke, recently directed the agencies in his department to work with states and private landowners to minimize development and disturbance in migration corridors and winter ranges used by elk, mule deer and pronghorn antelope.
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The GBLCC Conservation Planning Atlas (CPA) is an important aspect of our effort to engage a landscape focus and best available science toward improving collaboration and maximizing conservation efforts in the Great Basin. Incorporating over 1000 spatial data layers related to conservation of the Great Basin region’s many natural and cultural resources, the CPA provides managers, researchers and planners from state, federal, local, NGO and private partners a valuable suite of tools for collaborative spatial planning. In short, the portal represents a single website to access regional spatial layers, decision support tools, and Great Basin LCC project information and products.
GBLCC’s Geospatial Data Specialist, Eric Jensen will be joined by Conservation Biology Institute’s Kai Henifin to share about the CPA. Together we will dive into navigation of the portal, data, tools and publications available, and the Data Basin suite of collaborative features—such as Groups, sharing and comment threads. Finally, we’ll explore current use cases and share information about how you or your group can leverage the CPA for your own projects and planning.
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In part due to its vegetative strategy, western aspen is host to a large number of insects and diseases. However, only a few are agents of significant impact that can cause or warn of substantial changes in the condition of aspen clones. Environmental conditions, particularly drought stress, also play an integral role in the life cycle of the important insects and diseases of aspen, and regional droughts were the triggering factor in the initiation of the most notable instances of substantial aspen dieback and decline.
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Map additions to the SGI Web App allow users to easily visualize songbird distribution, bolstering multi-species conservation across the American West.