Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory Using Conceptual Models to Select Indicators for Monitoring Conditions on Rangelands Bob Breckenridge.

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Using Conceptual Models to Select Indicators for Monitoring Conditions on Rangelands

Bob Breckenridge

October 20, 2003

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

PurposeTo use existing conceptual models from

the literature, combined with field experience to address questions about the conditions of rangelands on appropriate temporal and spatial scales

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

TO ACCOMPLISH THIS:

A set of selection criteria was developed and submitted to stakeholders for evaluation (e.g., weighting).

PRODUCT:

The outcome from this effort could be a consensus-driven approach useful for evaluating candidate indicators for assessing change to sensitive receptors and process that could be field tested.

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Criteria for Indicator Selection

• Applicable and readily interpretable across different regions

• Correlation with change in ecosystem process• Temporal and spatial variability• Best periods to sample (index period)• Ability to be quantified by synoptic or automated

monitoring• Labor, eqiupment, analytical and data analysis

costs

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Criteria for Indicator Selection (continued)

• Amount and quality of available data• Ability to assess shift between ecotones• Responsive/sensitive to change• Is anticipatory (has early warning potential)• Degree of environmental impact from sampling• Status of method (established vs. experimental)• Cost-effectiveness

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

INDICATORS SELECTED

Spectral properties – includes albedo and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI); measured using spectral reflectance and verified with ground measurements

Vegetation composition, structure, and above ground biomass – includes leaf Area Index (LAI) as a measure of productivity

Biogeochemistry – includes C:N:P ratio, soil, litter, and vegetation samples

Energy balance – includes air temperature, monthly precipitation, Bowen’s Ratio, and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for assessing energy balance

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

INDICATORS SELECTED

Landscape patterns – description of the geometry of land cover patterns, I.e., fractal dimensions, patch size, and connectivity

Water balance/water quality – includes conductivity, N,P,K organic carbon, alkalinity, and benthic macroinvertebrates. Water quantity – water balance on watershed and groundwater basin level, infiltration rates

Retrospective index – developed using dendrochronology, PDSI records, pollen records, packrat middens, and charcoal records

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

INDICATORS SELECTED

Fauna – includes the Breeding Bird Census, ants and ground beetle abundance, composition and distribution

Erosion index – developed using soil loss values from wind and water loss equations

Soil physical profile characteristics – includes surface and soil profile description and physical properties.

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Decision Analysis Using the Kepner-Tregoe (K-T) Process

1. Define decision statement in terms of “must” objectives (mandatory) and “want” objectives (desirable)

2. Weight the “want” objectives from most important to least (ID what matters most and what could be done without)

3. Evaluate alternative indicators against “must” (go/no go) and “want” criteria from best meets and score others relative to it (which best fulfills the criteria)

4. Evaluate consequences of alternatives (evaluate probability and seriousness)

5. Make final decision

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

Total Weighted Score for each Indicator

Indicator Category Total weighted K-T score

Spectral properties 750Vegetation composition and cover 710Energy balance (Bowen’s ratio) 676Erosion index 628Biogeochemistry 625Landscape patterns 620Retrospective 511

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory

EMAP-Arid Indicator Categories

Spectral Reflectance (NDVI, Albedo)Vegetation Composition, Abundance, and Structure (LAI, HLI)Energy Balance (Bowen’s Ratio, APAR)Erosion Index (WEPP, RUSLE)Biogeochemistry (C:N:P Ratios)Landscape Ecology (Fractal Dimension)Water Balance (Infiltration Rate)Faunal (Species Richness, Trophic Structure)

Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory