Working Version 1.0
Protocol for Developing Terrestrial Ecosystem Current Landscape Condition Assessments
for the
Rocky Mountain Region of the USDA Forest Service
Technical Coordinator: Claudia Regan Regional Landscape Ecologist
Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment Team: Dean Erhard, Dan Kashian, Sigrid Resh, and Jennifer Ross
Contributors: Bernie Bornong, Dean Erhard, Julie Grode, Mark Hatcher, Greg Hayward, Kent Houston, Nancy McDonald, David Shadis, and Jim Thinnes
Editors: Bob Hamre and Molly Welker
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Team Members
Bernie Bornong Dr. Greg Hayward Dr. Sigrid Resh Forest Silviculturist Regional Wildlife Ecologist Forest Ecologist Bighorn National Forest Rocky Mountain Region Affiliate Faculty 2013 Eastside 2nd Street USDA Forest Service Dept. of Forest, Rangeland, Sheridan, WY 82801 740 Simms Street and Watershed Stewardship Golden, CO 80401 Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523
Dean Erhard Kent Houston Jennifer Ross Ecologist Soils Scientist/Ecologist GIS Analyst Rio Grande National Forest Shoshone National Forest Rocky Mountain Region 1803 West Highway 160 808 Meadow Lane USDA Forest Service Monte Vista, CO 81144 Cody, WY 82414-4516 740 Simms Street Golden, CO 80401
Julie Grode Dr. Dan Kashian David Shadis Wildlife Biologist Post-doctoral Fellow National Fire Plan Ecologist White River National Forest Dept. of Forest, Rangeland, Rocky Mountain Region P.O. Box 948 and Watershed Stewardship USDA Forest Service Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Colorado State University 740 Simms Street Fort Collins, CO 80523 Golden, CO 80401
Bob Hamre Nancy McDonald Jim Thinnes Technical editor (retired) Writer/Editor Timber Program Manager and Rocky Mountain Research Rocky Mountain Region Forest Silviculturist Station USDA Forest Service White River National Forest 240 W. Prospect Road 740 Simms Street P.O. Box 948 Fort Collins, CO 80525 Golden, CO 80401 Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
Mark Hatcher Dr. Claudia Regan Molly Welker Range Conservationist Regional Landscape Ecologist Technical Writer/Editor Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Rocky Mountain Region 2150B Centre Ave. Gunnison National Forests USDA Forest Service Stop 2E6 2250 Highway 50 740 Simms Street Fort Collins, CO 80526 Delta, CO 81416-8723 Golden, CO 80401
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Preface
The Species Conservation Project is a strategic effort by the Rocky Mountain Region of the USDA Forest Service to provide rigorous scientific tools that support ecological conservation on the National Forests and Grasslands. Such tools will allow us to create management programs that are explicitly designed to enhance the viability of at-risk plant and animal species and the integrity of ecosystems.
The Species Conservation Project is conducting species assessments of about 300 at-risk plants and animals and ecosystem assessments of multi-scaled ecological units. Ecosystem assessments are being done for both terrestrial and aquatic-riparian-wetland systems. Synthesis models will blend the results of both types of assessments to support the analysis of ecological tradeoffs and the development of conservation options.
Terrestrial ecosystem assessments define historic and current patterns of vegetation communities and landscapes, effects of natural and human disturbances, and ecological risks and restoration options. Terrestrial ecosystem assessments have two parts: historic range of variation assessments and current landscape condition assessments. Leading ecologists are writing Historic Range of Variation Assessments for 10 large ecological subregions and 4 key ecosystem types in the Region. Forest Service specialists are conducting the Current Landscape Condition Assessments on a few large ecological subregions per year.
This protocol describes how to conduct a Current Landscape Condition Assessment. It comprises four principal parts (in addition to several appendices):
• Chapter 1 is the introduction, which covers concepts, the regional approach, components, and goals.
• Chapter 2 describes the general information on the assessment approach including the conceptual background for the ecological drivers, the importance of landscape ecology, and the scale terminology and concepts.
• Chapter 3 explains the content of the assessment through seven modules, and describes how to assess specific ecological factors, define the data sources and analytical methods, the relevance to management applications, and a synthesis.
• Chapter 4 defines the implementing criteria to address cooperator selection, interagency involvement, data management, publication, and timelines.
This protocol and the assessments are intended to be living documents. They will be updated as additional experience is gained and as new knowledge arises. Eventually, the protocol will be peer reviewed and published. However, this current version is a working draft that will be updated and improved through the SCP Change Management Process.
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Table of Contents TEAM MEMBERS...... 2 PREFACE...... 3 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION...... 9 TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS ...... 12 HISTORIC RANGE OF VARIATION ASSESSMENTS...... 12 CURRENT LANDSCAPE CONDITION ...... 16 ASSESSMENTS...... 16 OBJECTIVES OF THE PROTOCOL...... 18 CHAPTER 2 GENERAL INFORMATION ON ASSESSMENT APPROACH 19 CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND ...... 19 Ecological Drivers...... 19 LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY ...... 20 SCALE TERMINOLOGY AND CONCEPTS ...... 20 HIERARCHY OF ECOLOGICAL UNITS ...... 26 SCOPE OF THE ASSESSMENT...... 34 Rationale for Assessment Organization...... 39 Data Sources and Analytical Considerations...... 40 CHAPTER 3 ASSESSMENT CONTENT...... 42 ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT OF THE ASSESSMENT AREA...... 42 EXISTING VEGETATION CONDITION...... 49 Module 3A: Forests and Woodlands...... 49 Module 3B: Grasslands and Shrublands ...... 49 INFLUENCES ON LANDSCAPE CONDITION...... 54 Module 4A: Wildfire, Insects, and Disease...... 54 Module 4B: Management of Forest and Woodland Ecosystems ...... 60 Module 4C: Management of Grassland and Shrubland Ecosystems...... 63 Module 4D: Invasive Plant Species ...... 66 Module 4E: Roads and Trails...... 73 Module 4F: Recreation and Exurban Development Patterns...... 76 Module 4G: Minerals, Oil, and Gas Exploration and Extraction ...... 79 LANDSCAPE PATTERNS ...... 79 Module 5A: Forest and Woodland...... 79 Module 5B: Grassland and Shrubland ...... 85 AREAS OF SPECIAL BIODIVERSITY SIGNIFICANCE...... 90 SYNTHESIS ...... 93 Defining Ecological Integrity (file to be inserted) ...... 93 Mapping Ecological Integrity...... 93 Mapping Reference Landscapes ...... 98 Identifying Information Needs ...... 101 Data and Analytical Requirements ...... 101
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CHAPTER 4 CRITERIA FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT DELIVERY...... 103 SELECTING COOPERATORS AND PARTNERS ...... 103 DOCUMENT AND PRODUCT FORMAT...... 103 DATA SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT...... 104 PEER REVIEW AND PUBLICATION...... 104 GLOSSARY...... 105 LITERATURE CITED (to be inserted)……………………………………………………
List of Figures Figure 1.1. Conceptual model for the Species Conservation Project...... 8 Figure 1.2. Map of the Historic Range of Variation Assessment Areas in Region 2...... 12 Figure 1.3. Flowchart of implementation steps for the CLC Assessment process...... 15 Figure 2.1. Spatial and temporal scale relationships among several potential processes or ecosystem attributes of interest...... 20 Figure 2.2. The importance of scale of observation in influencing information derived from ecological assessments. This illustrates how multiple scales of observation are required to adequately describe the ecological conditions influencing a riparian dependent migratory bird. ………………………………………………………………………………………23 Figure 2.3. Three hierarchical levels should be considered in any study, the level of focus plus the higher level and the lower level. The highest level encompasses those attributes or processes that constrain the level of focus and provides a context for understanding the significance of the focus. The lower level encompasses those attributes that are the components of the level of focus and provides information that explains the focal condition……………………………………………………………………………………24 Figure 2.4. The Rocky Mountain Region Relative to the Dry Domain (map source: http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_domains.html) ...... 26 Figure 2.5. The Rocky Mountain Region relative to ECOMAP Divisions (map source: (http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_divisions.html)...... 27 Figure 2.6. The Rocky Mountain Region relative to the ECOMAP Provinces (map source: (http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html)...... 28 Figure 2.7. The Bighorn National Forest relative to the Bighorn Mountains Section (M331B) and its three associated Subsections...... 30 Figure 2.8. Landtype Associations for the Bighorn National Forest...... 31 Figure 2.9. Ecomap Section M331B, which is an example of appropriate assessment area extent. The location of the assessment area within the broader geographic area of Region 2 is illustrated...... 33 Figure 2.10. Land Type Associations are ecological stratification units used to describe variation within the assessment area. The characteristics of the Section should be evaluated within the context of the broader ecological unit (the Province)...... 34 Figure 2.11. Stratification units for the CLC Assessment may range from the Section, the National Forest, mid-scale planning units, Land Type Associations, and vegetation cover types. Stand level data will be used but summaries are not presented for specific stands in the CLC Assessment...... 36 Figure 3.1a. Kuchler's Potential Natural Vegetation Map of the United States...... 45 Figure 3.1b. Kuchler's Potential Natural Vegetation Map of the Bighorn National Forest...... 46 3/21/2005 5 Working Version 1.0
Figure 3.1c. Potential Natural Vegetation Map of the Bighorn National Forest generated by the Bighorn Ecosystem Assessment Team...... 46 Figure 3.2a. National Fire Regime Map...... 56 Figure 3.2b. Bighorn National Forest Fire Regime Map...... 56 Figure 3.2c. Bighorn National Forest Condition Class Map...... 57 Figure 3.2d. National Condition Class Map...... 57 Figure 3.3a. Map showing the modeled patterns of vulnerability to invasive plant species on the Bighorn National Forest...... 66 Figure 3.3b. Map showing the risk of weed invasion associated with campgrounds and trails in the Bighorn National Forest...... 67 Figure 3.3c. Map showing the risk of weed invasion due to recent timber activities in the Bighorn National Forest...... 68 Figure 3.3d. Map of the risk of weed invasion associated with recent large fires in the Bighorn National Forest...... 69 Figure 3.4. Landscape Dynamics Simulation Model showing the preliminary results of the fire module for landscape structure dynamics...... 82 Figure 3.5. Map of the Livestock Preference Ratings for cattle on the Bighorn National Forest (source BNF resource data)...... 86 Figure 3.6. Map of the Rangeland Resilience on the Bighorn National Forest (source: BNF resource data)...... 87 Figure 3.7. Areas of high ecological integrity on the Bighorn National Forest. Cooler colors represent areas having more components of high ecological integrity...... 93 Figure 3.8. Areas of high ecological integrity by Forest Plan Watershed Units (e.g., a mid-scale planning unit) on the Bighorn National Forest. Cooler colors represent areas having more components of high ecological integrity...... 94 Figure 3.9. Areas of high ecological integrity by Wyoming Natural Diversity Database conservation sites on the Bighorn National Forest. Cooler colors represent areas having more components of high ecological integrity...... 95 Figure 3.10. Areas of concern (low ecological integrity) on the Bighorn National Forest. Warmer colors represent areas having more components of low ecological integrity...... 97 Figure 3.11. Vegetation cover types included within Reference Landscapes for high ecological integrity on the Bighorn National Forest...... 98
List of Tables Table 1.1. Historic Range of Variation Assessments being produced for the Rocky Mountain Region’s Species Conservation Project...... 14 Table 2.1. Factors driving ecosystem condition and species diversity. These drivers should be considered in developing the assessment of current landscape condition...... 18 Table 2.2. Definitions of scale-related terminology and concepts...... 24 Table 2.3. National Hierarchy of Ecological Units (ECOMAP 1993)...... 25 Table 2.4. Principal Map Unit Design Criteria of Ecological Units (ECOMAP 1993). Criteria used to differentiate each ecological unit in the national hierarchy are presented...... 26 Table 3.1. Data required for describing the ecological and socio-economic context of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module II)...... 42 Table 3.2. Analysis components required to describe the existing vegetation condition of each major vegetation type in an assessment area (Modules 3A and3B)...... 49 Table 3.3. Data required for the Existing Vegetation Condition Modules of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Modules 3A and 3B)...... 51 3/21/2005 6 Working Version 1.0
Table 3.4. Analysis components required to address the spatial patterns of wildfire, insects, and disease on the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4A)...... 54 Table 3.5. Data required for the Wildfire, Insects, and Disease Module for the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4A)...... 56 Table 3.6. Analysis components required to address the spatial patterns and magnitude of the influences of management practices on forest and woodland ecosystems (Module 4B). .... 60 Table 3.7. Data required for the Forest and Woodland Vegetation Management Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4B)...... 61 Table 3.8. Analysis components required to describe the influences of grassland and shrubland vegetation management in the assessment area (Module 4C)...... 63 Table 3.9. Data required for the Management of Grassland and Shrubland Ecosystems Module for the Current Landscape Condition Assessment...... 64 Table 3.10. Analysis components required to address the influence of invasive species on the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4D)...... 66 Table 3.11. Data required for the Invasive Plant Species Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4D)...... 71 Table 3.12. Analysis components required to address the relationship between roads and trails and the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4E)...... 73 Table 3.13. Data required for the Roads and Trails Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4E)...... 74 Table 3.14. Analysis components required to address the relationship between recreation and exurban development patterns and the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4F)...... 76 Table 3.15. Data required for the Recreation and Exurban Development Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4F)...... 77 Table 3.16. Analysis components required to address the influence of forested landscape patterns on ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 5A)...... 79 Table 3.17. Data required for the Forested and Woodland Landscape Pattern Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 5A)...... 81 Table 3.18. Estimated range of natural variability in landscape structure on the Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, prior to 1900. Estimates are for a 100,000 ha subalpine landscape on granitic substrates dominated by lodgepole pine and spruce-fir forests...... 82 Table 3.19. Analysis components required to describe the grassland and shrubland landscape condition in the assessment area (Module 5B)...... 85 Table 3.20. Data required for the Grassland and Shrubland Landscape Pattern Module for the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 5B)...... 86 Table 3.21. Analysis components required to address the relationship between special or unique areas and ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 6)...... 90 Table 3.22. Data required for the Special Areas Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 6)...... 91 Table 3.23. Analysis components required for the development of a synthetic understanding of ecological integrity and ecological sustainability concerns of the assessment area (Chapter VII)...... 93 Table 3.24. Area of each forest plan watershed unit having high- and moderately high ecological integrity. Proportion of each unit is shown in parentheses...... 93 Table 3.25. Area of each potential natural research area on the Bighorn National Forest having high- and moderately high ecological integrity. Proportion of each site is shown in parentheses...... 97 3/21/2005 7 Working Version 1.0
Table 3.26. Area (acres/ha) of major vegetation types (CVU) within reference landscapes on the Bighorn National Forest. Proportion of each vegetation type for each landscape is in parentheses...... 100 Table 3.27. Data required for the synthesis chapter of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment (Chapter VII)...... 101
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Terrestrial ecosystem assessments are one comprehensive throughout Region 2 (Fig. 1.1). of several elements of the Rocky Mountain Through the SCP, Region 2 will increase Region’s Species Conservation Project (SCP). efficiency, reduce redundancy, and address The project was initiated by the Regional species and ecosystem management at Leadership Team, and chartered in January appropriate spatial and temporal scales. 2001, as a Region-wide coordinated approach Assessment products will provide a to significantly improve the effectiveness of compilation, synthesis, and interpretation of agency management of species, particularly current scientific information on species and species facing risks to viability, and to ecosystems and will convert synthesized enhance management for ecological integrity knowledge into a form that is useful to and sustainability. The SCP focus is on resource specialists and decision-makers. developing and implementing approaches to By synthesizing information on how improve the integration of species and physical and biological features of the ecosystem management in forest planning at environment, natural disturbances, and multiple temporal and spatial scales as human actions influence ecosystem processes, demanded by the National Forest structure and composition, terrestrial Management Act (NFMA) and associated ecosystem assessments form a critical regulations. Approaches bring together foundation for the SCP. Scientists and several concepts developed over the past two resource managers recognize that decades within the context of ecosystem management designed to sustain system management science (Christensen et al. 1996; function and processes over appropriate Grumbine 1997), conservation biology (Hunter temporal and spatial scales, while meeting 1991; Murphy and Noon 1991; Meffe and multiple resource objectives, must play an Carroll 1997; Scott and Csuti 1997), and important role in land management. These recent efforts at improved implementation of ecosystem assessments will help biologists, the NFMA (Tongass National Forest Land ecologists, rangeland and forest managers, and Resource Management Plan 1997; and planners understand the ecology of the Northwest Forest Plan 1997; Sierra Nevada dominant ecosystem types and will describe Forest Plan 2001). With this foundation in the current condition of the ecosystems. the current science of ecosystem management These assessments will provide an and conservation biology, the SCP reflects the understanding of ecosystem dynamics and ideas described in recent agency guidance ecological context, critical elements in (Holthausen et al. date; Undersecretary of implementing ecosystem management Agriculture 2001; Deputy Chief USFS 2002; (Grumbine 1997), in managing for species Liggett et al. 2003). persistence (Groves et al. 2002), and in Elements of the SCP for Region 2 include managing for sustainable resource conditions identification of emphasis species, ecological (Dale et al. 2000; Aber et al. 2000). Hierarchy assessments, species assessments, integration theory highlights the importance of of the assessments, and interface with land understanding the contextual framework that management planning. These elements are broad-scale processes and patterns establish linked in a framework that will be flexible, for fine scale elements (Allen and Hoekstra adaptive (Walters 1986), consistent, and 1992; King 1997; Urban et al. ).
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Identify Emphasis Species1 P e e r Species Ecosystem Assessments Assessments2 R e v Reference Models of Sustainable Systems i Economic and Social e Assessments Coarse and Fine w Conservation Elements
Public Involvement Land & Resource Management Objectives
Forest Plan Project Alternatives Alternatives
Ecological Evaluation
Implementation Decision
Monitoring KEY 1 Species at risk, management indicator species, and other species Science Process Human Dimension identified as important. Monitoring NEPA Process Input/Output Path Context Relationship 2 Aquatic, riparian/wetland, and terrestrial.
Figure 1.1. Conceptual model for the Species Conservation Project.
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Both the synthesis of science and the understanding of current ecological conditions (5) Provide a strong scientific foundation for that together make up the terrestrial Forest Planning by improving ecological assessments will offer the Forest understanding of terrestrial systems at Service and associated partners the several stages in Forest planning, opportunity to significantly improve land including: stewardship in the Rocky Mountain Region. Analysis of Management Situation: Application of information from the Terrestrial assessments provide a strong assessments provides a scientific foundation foundation for identifying restoration for forest planning and project planning. issues, determining the direction of forest However, productive use of the products goes change, and understanding the capability far beyond these basic planning processes. of the forest to produce desired resources. Examples of how the terrestrial ecological Goals and Objectives: Terrestrial assessments assessments can be used include the following: aid in evaluating the efficacy of goals and objectives and aid in identifying (1) Training and orientation of new (or unrealistic goals that are beyond the transfer) employees regarding the ecology capability of the ecological system. of terrestrial systems on National Forests Forestwide Standards: Terrestrial and neighboring lands. assessments provide an understanding of (2) Provide a common understanding of ecological norms and variation in terrestrial vegetation dynamics and ecological conditions to improve framing of conditions for the education of the public standards for ecological condition. and agency partners regarding ecological Alternatives: Terrestrial assessments aid in disturbances, ecological change, and development of alternatives by current ecologic conditions. establishing a sound basis for predicting (3) Provide the scientific basis for discussions the capability of the land. with political officials regarding fire, Management Area Direction: Terrestrial insect, and disease processes in the assessments provide an understanding of Region. current conditions and potential future (4) Provide the scientific basis to increase change, which is critical to establishing effectiveness and efficiency in direction for particular land areas. development and application of the EIS Affected Environment and Environmental Accelerated Watershed Restoration Consequences: Terrestrial assessments Program (AWRP) by: are critical for evaluating the scientific a. Improving classification of fire risk. foundation for the assumptions made in b. Improving prioritization of projects. designing the selected alternative and for c. Clarifying an understanding of native predicting effects of management actions disturbance processes and therefore on the terrestrial vegetation. increases understanding of the Monitoring: Terrestrial assessments aid in ecological constraints to meeting identifying those ecological characteristics desired conditions. that should be expected to change as a d. Increasing public understanding of the consequence of management and in historical patterns of forest vegetation identifying those that will be important to and historic disturbance patterns in monitor. the Region.
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• What are the limits in application and (6) Provide a scientific foundation for project interpretation of the assessments? planning similar to that outlined above for • What are the major information gaps Forest Planning but also: revealed by the assessments? a. Provide understanding to facilitate • What are the essential characteristics of a identification of priority restoration practical implementable inventory and opportunities. monitoring system designed to detect b. Aid in identifying projects that changes in system conditions relevant to attempt to change ecological systems species conservation concerns? in directions that are counter to ecological development and therefore These broad questions are addressed in will require extra-continued the two major parts of the terrestrial management. ecosystem assessments: the Historic Range of Variation Assessments (HRV) and the Current Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment Landscape Condition Assessments (CLC). The Components Historic Range of Variation Assessments provide background on system function with a Several ecosystem assessments written to focus on the insights historical ecology can support land use and resource management provide on dominant disturbance agents and planning throughout North America were the influence these agents have on pattern examined to identify relevant ecosystem and process. They help us understand the components, data sources, and approaches in dominant processes influencing ecosystem our effort (Sierra Nevada Forest Plan 2001; dynamics, the resulting expected ranges in Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem ecosystem condition, and the biophysical Management Project 1997; SAMAB 1996). As capabilities of systems (Swanson et al. 1993; a result of the recognition of the need for Morgan et al. 1994; Holling and Meffe 1996; ecosystem assessments to improve land Landres et al. 1999; Swetnam et al. 1999). management planning, recent literature has Current Landscape Condition Assessments addressed assessment topics and methods describe the current status, probable (Jensen and Bourgeron 2001; Johnson et al. trajectories, and integrity or sustainability 1999). This information served as an concerns of ecological areas or systems of important reference in framing the approach interest. The HRV Assessments contribute to for the terrestrial ecosystem assessments in the CLC Assessments by providing a basis for Region 2. As a result of a review of the agency understanding the degree of departure in assessment documents, the recent assessment ecosystem composition, structure, and literature, and the input of team members function from the ranges expected under representing a variety of resource specialists, historic disturbances regimes to the current we identified the followng broad questions to condition which is influenced by alteration of be addressed by the terrestrial ecosystem disturbance regimes and land use practices assessments: since Euro-American settlement. This two- part approach of developing an understanding • What aspects of the social and economic of ecological context is well grounded in the environment are important in interpreting current ecosystem management and the current and future ecological conservation biology literature (Christensen et condition? al. 1996; Grumbine 1997; Aber et al. 2000; • What are the physical, biological, and Dale et al. 2000; Groves et al. 2002). ecological characteristics of the current environment? Historic Range of Variation • What are the natural disturbance regimes Assessments and ecosystem dynamics of these systems? • How have Euro-American settlement land The Species Conservation Project (SCP) is use practices and management activities developing an understanding of the state of affected these systems? ecological systems in the Rocky Mountain
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Region. With the current understanding of current conditions are anomalous and provide that systems are non-equilibrium or in an understanding of the frequency, intensity, dynamic equilibrium (Pickett et al., 1992; and interaction among dominant disturbance Fiedler et al. 1997), characterization of the processes that influence the ecosystems we ecological system to inform management manage. Specifically, Historic Range of cannot just present a static picture. It is Variation (HRV) Assessments are important important to understand the processes that in providing a reference for evaluating the create the observed patterns as well as spatial magnitude and significance of the changes in and temporal scales at which processes ecosystems that have resulted from 20th operate. Two major premises of ecosystem century fire exclusion, other alterations in ecology characterize the SCP: 1) sustainable disturbance regimes, and post-Euro-American resource conditions can only be achieved settlement resource use. Besides providing within the constraints of ecosystem dynamics the foundation for developing the ecological (Dale et al. 2000; Aber et al. 2000), and 2) the context and understanding of ecosystem key to describing ecological context in a function, the HRV Assessments will help us to simplified but meaningful way is to focus on identify the most urgent priorities for the dominant processes that structure the restoration and other treatments. ecosystem and to describe the relationship The SCP is producing HRV Assessments between these processes and the selected that are focused on questions relevant to the species (Risser 1995) or ecosystem attributes terrestrial vegetation for ten large geographic (Holling 1992; Urban et al. ). We are areas that roughly reflect eco-subregions (Fig. accomplishing the understanding of the 1.2). In addition, we envision four additional expected variation in terrestrial ecosystem HRV Assessments that are region-wide in dynamics, pattern, and process through the extent but focus on particular ecosystems that Historic Range of Variation Assessments. will be most effectively examined at a Region- Most or all of our Rocky Mountain and wide scale (e.g., riparian and wetland Great Plains ecosystems are maintained by ecosystems, aspen forests, shrublands and substantial variability in the frequency, grasslands, and alpine ecosystems) (Table intensity, and spatial pattern of major 1.1). The HRV Assessments focus on expected disturbance processes. The ecological insights ecosystem structure and function under developed from historical ecology (Swetnam et historic disturbance regimes and is primarily al. 1999) play an important role in developed by synthesizing information that understanding variability. Historical exists in the peer-reviewed literature or that reconstruction of past ecological structure and is readily available in unpublished data or disturbance regimes (e.g., assessment of reports. They generally address questions on historical range of variation) provides 1) spatial and temporal variation in information about what is possible within the disturbance regimes, 2) Spatial variation in context of certain locations and times, and human alteration of disturbance regimes, 3) places current landscape conditions into this effects of disturbance interactions on context (Swetnam et al. 1999). This knowledge vegetation responses as well as the occurrence provides insights into the potential causes of and spread of subsequent disturbances, and 4) change and the ecological pathways that the influence of climatic variability on brought ecosystems to their current condition. disturbance regimes and vegetation response Historical analysis can also suggest whether to disturbance.
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Figure 1.2. Map of the Historic Range of Variation Assessment Areas in Region 2.
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Due to the complexity and difficulty in process managed by the Ecological Society of developing the historic range of variation America and resulting publications will information, and because the assessments appear in their entirety as Forest Service require a comprehensive synthesis and research General Technical Reports (GTR). interpretation of current knowledge, we are These GTR will summarize a diverse array of collaborating with leading university or literature and other information into agency researchers in developing the accessible documents that will emphasize assessments. Our goal is to develop scientific information critical to managers and policy documents of the highest quality and rigor. makers. The products are peer reviewed through a
Table 1.1. Historic Range of Variation Assessments being produced for the Rocky Mountain Region’s Species Conservation Project. Principal Title Forests Investigator Historic Range of Variation of Dr. Dennis Knight MBNF (ARNF, Routt NF) the Medicine Bow Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of Dr. Dennis Knight Bighorn NF (Shoshone) the Bighorn Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of Dr. Dennis Knight Shoshone NF (Bighorn) the Shoshone Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of the Northern Front Range Dr. Tom Veblen ARNF (Routt, MBNF) Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of the Southern Front Range Dr. Tom Veblen PSINF (RGNF, GMUG) Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of the South-Central Highlands Dr. Bill Romme SJNF, RGNF (GMUG) Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of the North-Central Highlands Dr. Tom Veblen Routt, WRNF, GMUG Ecosystem, Grand Mesa Historic Range of Variation of the North-Central Highlands Dr. Tom Veblen Routt, WRNF, GMUG Ecosystem, Northern Portion Historic Range of Variation of Parrish et al. Black Hills NF the Black Hills Ecosystem Historic Range of Variation of Region-wide Aspen Ecosystems Historic Range of Variation of Grassland and Shrubland Dr. Jack Butler Region-wide Ecosystems Historic Range of Variation of Wetland and Riparian Dr. David Cooper Region-wide Ecosystems Historic Range of Variation of All grassland units Alpine Ecosystems
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Current Landscape Condition application of spatial or simulation models to Assessments identify areas of concern or to project probable system trajectories. They address the following broad topics for the assessment area: Current Landscape Condition
Assessments are also planned for the (1) Ecological and socio-economic context ecosubregions in Region 2. These reports (climate, physiography, vegetation, focus on a spatial characterization of current wildlife, demographic trends, land ecological condition and identify geographic ownership patterns, resource use, etc.) areas or ecosystem characteristics with (2) Current vegetation condition (existing sustainability concerns. The goal of theses composition, structure, function, and assessments is to describe the current spatial distribution of the vegetation of ecological condition and to provide an major vegetation types) ecological evaluation with particular (3) Influences on landscape condition consideration of the current condition in the (wildfire, insects, and disease; and the context of the historic range of variation. management of forest and woodland These assessments are not just simple ecosystems and grassland and shrubland descriptions of biophysical patterns, but will ecosystems; invasive plant species; roads attempt to offer a synthetic understanding of and trails; recreation and exurban dynamics, interactions, future trends, and development; and minerals, oil and gas implications across appropriate spatial scales. exploration and extraction) The CLC Assessments, along with the Historic (4) Landscape patterns for forest and Range of Variation Assessments, are intended woodland ecosystems and grassland and to provide an understanding of the ecological shrubland ecosystems. implications of terrestrial ecosystem (5) Areas of special biodiversity significance. conditions. They do not address the relevance of the current ecological condition to Current Landscape Condition (CLC) particular species, they are not the point Assessments will significantly improve the where information is integrated from the ability of Forest and District biologists aquatic, riparian, and wetland assessments developing programs to conserve species and and species assessments, and they are not evaluating the effects of activities by other intended to evaluate ecosystem effects of programs. Currently, biologists must management scenarios. Nor are they an effort independently evaluate a broad array of that is specifically focused on the design of a disparate information to develop an network of preserves (The Nature understanding of the terrestrial system, which Conservancy 2000) but rather to complement supports plants and animals on Forests and that reserve-based conservation approach. Districts. As a result, no synthetic resource is Figure 1.3 shows the implementation steps for available because biologists lack the time or the CLC Assessment process. background to accomplish the task. The CLC In addition to the approaches for assessments will provide an invaluable determining assessment content that were resource, increasing the efficiency and discussed earlier, the content and approaches effectiveness of species conservation planning of the CLC Assessment were further refined and implementation. by input from Planners in Region 2 and by Without the benefit of CLC Assessments, examining the ecosystem information needs biologists develop a portion of the resources indicated in the species assessments. The contained in these assessments haphazardly goal with the CLC Assessment is to ensure over time, as particular information is needed that most of the readily available broad for project planning and evaluation. For ecosystem information is in place when instance, maps of aspen forest distribution biologists consider particular species issues in may be developed for one project and maps of the context of ecosystem condition. mountain shrublands for another. The CLC The CLC Assessments rely on: 1) Assessments organize this information in a information mapping and summarization of product that puts this information into data from existing agency data sources, and 2)
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Figure 1.3. Flowchart of implementation steps for the CLC Assessment process.
3/21/2005 17 Working Version 1.0 context and includes a description of trend, (4) Illustrating the distribution of roads discussion of important characteristics of relative to the distribution of major certain ecological elements, and relates the vegetation elements on the forest. current patterns of terrestrial vegetation with (5) Discussion of the condition of major the dominant disturbance processes that are vegetation types in relation to disturbance responsible for those, and future, patterns. regimes – this information is critical to The synthetic nature of the product will predicting future conditions on the forest, increase the common understanding of with and without active management. resource specialists on the forest and lead to (6) Description (including maps) of risk for more informed project designs, built from the major disturbance factors such as forest foundation of credibility that will stem from insects and disease that have potential to the CLC Assessment. The broad nature of the change forest structure. assessments will aid in placing species (7) Distribution of invasive plant species and conservation on a particular forest in the current trends. context of regional conditions. The assessment will illustrate the unique Objectives of the Protocol ecological characteristics of the forest – doing so helps focus planning on the niche each This protocol establishes direction for the Forest can fill in forming regional and development of Terrestrial Current Landscape national conservation programs. Similarly, Condition Assessments for the Rocky the focus of the CLC Assessment on Forest- Mountain Region’s Species Conservation wide conditions will facilitate conservation Project. It contains information on the scope planning across the forest by revealing the of the assessments, topics covered by them, separate contributions that each district can and background on important concepts. It or cannot make to particular conservation provides guidance on analytical approaches efforts. and data interpretation, treatment of Examples of information from the CLC uncertainty, validating and testing Assessment that will be useful to biologists assumptions, and on identifying data gaps developing species conservation programs and information needs (Chapter 2). Specific include: topics, data sources, and details on GIS approaches or model application are identified (1) Documenting the distribution and for each of the chapters and modules abundance of unique vegetation types on comprising the assessment (Chapter 3 and the forest – information critical to Appendices). Guidelines for data evaluating the potential for species management, for selecting investigators, and management. for formatting and delivery of assessment (2) Document the distribution and cover of products are included (Chapter 4). A detailed major vegetation types on the forest. outline describing the content of the (3) Description of stand age distributions for assessments is provided (Appendix A). major forest types.
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Chapter 2 General Information on Assessment Approach
Conceptual Background in climate and soils influence patterns of vegetation cover and net primary productivity. Ecological Drivers The same gradients strongly influence where organisms are found. For example, habitats Ecosystem composition, structure, and high in net primary productivity and function and species diversity are controlled structural complexity are much higher in bird by numerous and complex factors that should abundance and species richness than less be considered in the CLC Assessments (Table productive or structurally complex habitats 2.1). Abiotic or physiographic factors not only (Hansen et al. 1998; Hansen and Rotella drive vegetation distribution and function but date). are also important to biodiversity. Gradients
Table 2.1. Factors driving ecosystem condition and species diversity. These drivers should be considered in developing the assessment of current landscape condition. Ecological Driver Category • Physiographic Climate (temperature, moisture, wind, etc.) Geology and soils Topography Geographic setting • Biotic Vegetation composition and structure Species interactions (competition, predation, parasitism, etc.) Primary Production Herbivory (livestock and wildlife) • Natural Disturbance Fire Insects Wind storms • Anthropogenic Activities Land allocation and roads Resource extraction (logging, grazing, mining, etc) Residential development Recreation Introduction of exotic species Alteration of natural disturbance regimes
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Effects of natural disturbance are imposed available science is employed in the on the physiographic and biotic template and assessments. may explain most of the natural variation that we see in ecosystem condition (Regan 1997; Scale Terminology and Concepts insert other references). In western ecosystems, fire may be viewed as the Scale of observation is perhaps the most keystone process or the process that entrains important consideration in developing an all other processes (Swetnam references). ecological assessment because it influences Species dependent on post-disturbance habitat the conclusions drawn from the observations will respond favorably to disturbance while and the application of the results to other species dependent on late seral habitat may be locations (Turner et al. 2002). Several negatively affected. In all cases, though, significant scale-related considerations will species in disturbance driven ecosystems have contribute to the value of assessments. With evolved with the dynamic mosaic of habitats increasing human influences, ecological created by natural disturbances operating concerns are manifested over larger areas so within frequencies, intensities, and patterns that assessment areas should be sufficiently expected under historic regimes. large to adequately provide the necessary Finally, patterns of land allocations and ecological context. In addition, the answers to land uses interact with and influence current any ecological question depend strongly on the ecosystem condition as well as create legacies scale of observation so that the multiple scales that will influence ecosystem trajectories and necessary to fully address the topics must be trends. These effects are central to consider addressed (Fig. 2.1). Finally, biological in developing the ecosystem context for processes occur at characteristic scales and ecologically sustainable, conservation-focused interactions in the environment occur at planning. multiple scales. Ecological and biological processes or attributes have characteristic Landscape Ecology spatial and temporal scales and interactions in the environment occur at multiple scales Landscape ecology offers the conceptual (Urban et al. 1987). Figure 2.2 illustrates foundation for framing ecosystem assessments these spatial and temporal relationships and the methodology for accomplishing them. among several potential processes or Two aspects of landscape ecology distinguish ecosystem attributes of interest. it from other ecology sub-disciplines: 1) the Theoretical and academic attention to the importance of spatial configuration for topic has focused on the hierarchical structure ecological processes (e.g. movement of in nature and positive correlations in spatial organisms, spread of disturbances, flow of and temporal scales of varying processes nutrients or energy, etc.) is explicitly (Allen and Starr 1982; Delcourt et al. 1983; addressed and 2) spatial extents that are O’Neill et al. 1986). In ecology, hierarchy much larger than those traditionally theory is concerned with understanding the examined are a focus (Turner 1989; Pickett relationships among levels of ecological and Cadenasso 1995; Turner et al. 2002). organization (e.g., organism, population, Other key features of the science center on the community, ecosystem) and among scales of study of temporal dynamics in landscape pattern and process. Turner et al. (2002) patterns (Forman 1983), factors contributing summarize important concepts from hierarchy to the development and dynamics of spatial theory that suggest: heterogeneity (Risser et al. 1984), and the role of disturbance in ecosystems (Urban et al. (1) The importance of considering at least 1987). Resource specialists involved in the three hierarchical levels in any study (Fig. development of the CLC Assessments should 2.3). become familiar with the landscape ecology (2) Shifts in the relative importance of the literature and skilled landscape ecology variables often occur with a change in expertise is needed for ensuring that the best scale although the variables may or may not change with scale.
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(3) Multiple scales of pattern will exist in The terminology used to discuss scale- landscapes because of the multiple scales related concepts is often misapplied. It is at which processes are acting. critically important to understand scale terminology and be consistent and correct in Hierarchy theory tells us that it is difficult its application in developing the assessment, to directly apply knowledge resulting from in interpreting the results and drawing fine-scaled studies to broad-scale ecological conclusions, and in communicating the problems and requires that an understanding assessment outcomes. Key terms are defined of landscape-level dynamics can only be and explained in Table 2.2. gained through examination of the landscape (Turner et al. 2002).
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Glacial Cycles Climatic Fluctuations Climate Change Geologic Regional Substrate Storms Biome Landforms Pathogens
Slope e e Formation Aspect Fire
m Wind
m Wind
i
i T T Fire Series Treefall Forest Community Canopy Tree
Plot/Stand Landscape Ecoregion Continent
Figure 2.1. Spatial and temporal scale relationships among several potential processes or ecosystem attributes of interest.
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Departure of Riparian Conditions Departure of Riparian Conditions Land Type Scale Land Type Association Scale Hundreds to Thousands of Acres Tens to Hundreds of Acres Hundreds to Thousands of Acres
PotentialPotential WillowWillow RiparianRiparian Potential Willow Riparian
ExistingExisting WillowWillow Riparian Existing Willow Riparian
Existing Riparian Conditions Rare Elements
x x
Subsection Scale Subsection Scale Tens to a Few Thousand Square Miles Tens to a Few Thousand Square Miles
Existing Willow Riparian Known Locations of X Willow Flycatcher
Potential and Existing Riparian Conditions Process and the Departure of Existing from Potential Conditions Section to Province Scale xx 50005000 acresacres potentialpotential Migration of Mexican 25002500 acresacres existingexisting Coastal Migrant Birds 1000010000 acresacres potentialpotential Associated with
Subsection Scale 15001500 acresacres existingexisting Riparian Willow Tens to a Few Thousand Communities Square Miles Known Locations of Willow X currentcurrent Flycatcher View at the Existing Willow Riparian potential LTA Scale Colorado Potential Willow Riparian
Figure 2.2. The importance of scale of observation in influencing information derived from ecological assessments. This illustrates how multiple scales of observation are required to adequately describe the ecological conditions influencing a riparian dependent migratory bird.
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Constraints (significance)
Level of Focus
Components (explanation)
Figure 2.3. Three hierarchical levels should be considered in any study, the level of focus plus the higher level and the lower level. The highest level encompasses those attributes or processes that constrain the level of focus and provides a context for understanding the significance of the focus. The lower level encompasses those attributes that are the components of the level of focus and provides information that explains the focal condition.
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Table 2.2. Definitions of scale-related terminology and concepts. Term Definition Explanation or Example The spatial or temporal dimension of an object or The size of an area or the length of time. In ecology, fine scale refers to minute resolution Scale process, characterized by both grain and extent. or small study area, and broad scale refers to coarse resolution or large study area. The place within a biotic hierarchy. Organism, population, community, ecosystem, landscapes. Scale and level of organization Level of are often confounded when “ecosystem” is equated with “large-scale.” Levels are organization distinctions about the kinds of interactions being considered while scale is a matter of the dimension of the analysis or study. The degree of spatial reduction indicating the Usually expressed in terms such as 1:10,000. In geography, large scale refers to small Cartographic length used to represent a larger unit of resolution. scale measure; ratio of distance on a map to distance on the earth surface represented by the map. Precision of measurement: grain size, if spatial. High resolution implies fine details; low or coarse resolution implies less detail. Usually, as Resolution we increase the scale of reference we typically sacrifice detail, so scale and resolution are inversely related. The finest level of spatial resolution possible with Pixel size for raster data. The size of an individual map cell determines the spatial grain of Grain a given data set. the map. One pixel of a TM image usually represents a 30 x 30-meter area on the ground. One pixel of CVU data represents area on the ground. The size of the study area or the duration of time For example, Section M331B, the extent of the Bighorn Current Landscape Condition Extent under consideration. Assessment, is 410 m2, roughly 11 miles by 67 miles in dimension, and is 262,378 acres. To infer from known values; to estimate a value Information may be transferred (a) from one scale to another (either grain size or extent) or Extrapolate from conditions of the argument not used in the (b) from one system (or data set) to another system at the same scale. process of estimation The point at which there is an abrupt change in a For example, landscape ecology theory suggests the existence of a threshold level of Critical quality, property, or phenomenon. habitat connectivity that influences the spread of disturbance and its effects on the threshold landscape. The actual distance, direction, shape, and Two points (a1 and a2) on the landscape may be closer to each other in absolution distance Absolute scale geometry. than two other points (b1 and b2). See relative scale A transformation of absolute scale to a scale that For example, the relative distance between two locations based on the effort required by an describes the relative distance, direction, or organism to move between them. Points a1 and a2, while closer than points b1 and b2 in Relative scale geometry based on some functional relationship. absolute distance, may be farther apart in relative scale. Points a1 and a2 may be separated by a large peak that would require much energy to traverse while points b1 and b2 are separated by easily traversed level ground or favorable habitat.
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Hierarchy of Ecological Units The National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Table 2.3), as described by The Current Landscape Condition ECOMAP (1993), provides a regionalization, Assessment approach relies heavily on classification, and mapping system for defining the spatial aspects of ecological stratifying the Earth into progressively context within the landscape stratification smaller areas of increasingly uniform offered by the National Hierarchy of ecological potentials. Ecological types are Ecological Units (ECOMAP 1993). This classified and ecological units are mapped framework provides a standardized method based on associations of those biotic and for classifying, mapping, and describing environmental factors that directly affect or ecological units at multiple geographic indirectly express energy, moisture, and planning and analysis scales. It is accepted nutrient gradients that regulate the structure agency wide and commonly used for and function of ecosystems. These factors organizing terrestrial assessment work. include: climate, physiography, water, soils, Further, the team of ecologists charged with air, hydrology, and potential natural preparing ecological sustainability directives communities. The units are areas of similar to support the revised planning rule strongly expected ecological response, at multiple endorsed the use of the hierarchy in framing scales, to predominant driving factors, ecological assessments and the concept identified in Table 2.4 as map unit design appears in the draft handbook (draft FSH criteria. 1909.12, chapter 40).
Table 2.3. National Hierarchy of Ecological Units (ECOMAP 1993).
Planning and Ecological Units Purpose, Objectives, General Size Analysis Scale and General Use Range Ecoregions Global Domain Broad applicability for modeling and 1,000,000's to Continental Division sampling RPA assessment. 10,000's of Regional Province International planning square miles RPA planning multi-forest, Statewide, 1,000's to Sections Subregions and multi-agency analysis and 10's of square miles Subsections assessment Forest or area-wide planning, and 1,000's to 100's Landscape Landtype Association watershed analysis of acres Landtype Project and management area 100's to Land Unit Landtype Phase planning and analysis less than 10 acres
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Table 2.4. Principal Map Unit Design Criteria of Ecological Units (ECOMAP 1993). Criteria used to differentiate each ecological unit in the national hierarchy are presented. Ecological Unit Principal Map Unit Design Criteria1 Domain • Broad climatic zones or groups (e.g., dry, humid, tropical). • Regional climatic types (Koppen 1931, Trewartha 1968) Division • Vegetational affinities (e.g., prairie or forest). • Soil order. • Dominant potential natural vegetation (Kuchler 1964) Province • Highland or mountains with complex vertical climate-vegetation-soil zonation. • Geomorphic province, geologic age, stratigraphy, lithology. • Regional climatic data. Section • Phases of soil orders, suborders, or great groups. • Potential natural vegetation. • Potential natural communities (PNC)2. • Geomorphic process, surficial geology, lithology. • Phases of soil orders, suborders, or great groups. Subsection • Subregional climatic data. • PNC-formation or series. • Geomorphic process, geologic formation, surficial geology, and elevation. • Phases of soil subgroups, families, or series. Landtype Association • Local climate. • PNC-series, subseries, plant associations. • Landform and topography (elevation, aspect, slope gradient, and position). • Rock type, geomorphic process. Landtype • Phases of soil subgroups, families, or series. • PNC-plant associations. • Phases of soil families or series. Landtype Phase • Landform and slope position. • PNC-plant associations or phases. 1 The criteria listed are broad categories of enfironmental and landscape components. The actual classes of components chosen for designing map units depend on the objectives for the map. 2 Potential Natural Community Vegetation that would develop if all successional sequences were complete under present site conditions.
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Domains This Domain is characterized by a relatively dry climate in which annual losses of water Domains are subcontinental areas of broad through evaporation at the earth's surface climate similarity. All of the Rocky Mountain exceed annual water gains from precipitation Region is within the Dry Domain (Figure 2.4). (Bailey 1995).
Figure 2.4. The Rocky Mountain Region Relative to the Dry Domain (map source: http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_domains.html)
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Divisions Division, the Temperate Desert Division, the Tropical/Subtropical Regime Mountains, and Domains are further partitioned into the Temperate Steppe Regime Mountains Divisions. Isolating areas of differing (Figure 2.5). Much of Region 2 is within the vegetation, broad soil categories and regional Temperate Steppe Regime Mountains and is climates delineate divisions. The ecologically characterized by a semi-arid continental diverse Rocky Mountain Region intersects climatic regime with the mountains displaying four Divisions, the Temperate Steppe altitudinal zonation (Bailey 1995).
Figure 2.5. The Rocky Mountain Region relative to ECOMAP Divisions (map source: (http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_divisions.html).
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Provinces Mountain Region intersects seven of the Provinces (Fig. 2.6) but is primarily influenced Divisions are further subdivided into by the Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe - Provinces. Broad vegetation regions that are Open Woodland - Coniferous Forest - Alpine primarily controlled by length and timing of Meadow Province (M331), the Great Plains- dry seasons and the duration of cold Palouse Dry Steppe Province (331), and the temperatures determine provinces. Provinces Black Hills Coniferous Forest Province are also characterized by similar soil orders (M334). Detailed descriptions of these and by similar potential natural communities Provinces are found in (Bailey 1995). as mapped by Kuchler (1964). The Rocky
Figure 2.6. The Rocky Mountain Region relative to the ECOMAP Provinces (map source: (http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecoreg1_provinces.html).
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Sections Subsections
Provinces are further subdivided into Sections are further subdivided into Sections. Sections are broad areas of similar Subsections. They are based upon geology, geologic origin, geomorphic process, geomorphic process, soils, regional climatic stratigraphy, drainage networks, topography data and vegetation. For example, the and regional climate. Sections are typically Bighorn Section is divided into three inferred by relating geologic maps to potential subsections as follows: 1) Bighorn Mountains, natural vegetation "series" groupings as Sedimentary Subsection (M331Ba), 2) Bighorn mapped by Kuchler (1964). The Forests and Mountains, Granitic/gneiss Subsection Grasslands of the Rocky Mountain Region (M331Bb), and 3) Owl Creek Mountains intersect 22 Sections, although six of the Subsection (M331Bc) (Figure 2.7). Detailed Sections are trivial in their representation in description of these Subsections can be found Region 2 lands. Many units in Region 2 in [subsection citation]. intersect with multiple Sections while others reside within one Section. For example, the Landtype Associations Bighorn National Forest resides within one Section, the Bighorn Mountains (M331B) Each Subsection is further divided into (McNab and Avers 1994). Figure 2.7 shows Landtype Associations (LTAs) based on the spatial relationship of the Bighorn similarities in geology, soils and plant National Forest and Section M331B in the associations. Repeatable patterns of soil broader geographic context. Detailed complexes and plant communities are useful descriptions of the Sections are found in in delineating map units at this level. McNab and Avers (1994). Landtype Association descriptions are in a tabular format and can be found [LTA citation]. Figure 2.8 shows an example of the distribution of LTAs within a Section.
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Figure 2.7. The Bighorn National Forest relative to the Bighorn Mountains Section (M331B) and its three associated Subsections.
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Figure 2.8. Landtype Associations for the Bighorn National Forest.
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Scope of the Assessment The CLCs are focused on current condition but require incorporating information about The first step for the assessment team is departures from historic disturbance regimes to define the scope of the assessment. This (from HRV assessments) and 20th century includes delineating the assessment area, land use practices. In addition, in identifying broad ecological issues relevant to synthesizing assessment results, projections the assessment area, defining appropriate about future trends in ecosystem or landscape spatial stratification units for data condition should be suggested if possible. summarization, and arriving at the content Resource practitioners often make the mistake topics. All of these tasks should be aided and of applying a relatively limited temporal guided by this protocol, but there likely will be perspective in evaluating ecological condition. need for modification tailored to local needs It is important to consider a historical and unique characteristics (local changes temporal extent that sufficiently incorporates should be conducted according to the SCP extreme anthropogenic influences and that Change Management Process). The concepts incorporates the frequencies of dominant presented here can also be used to guide more ecological processes. It is also important to finely scaled or focused assessments. recognize that ecosystem response to certain Assessment area delineation should follow influences may be slow so the future trends ecological rather than administrative for some attributes should be considered on boundaries. The area should be sufficiently similar temporal extents. large to provide an adequate ecological context Next, the assessment team should identify for wide-ranging terrestrial species and to broad ecological issues relevant to the incorporate the ecological processes known to assessment area. These should be known influence the administrative area of interest. issues related to either species conservation or We suggest the Section in the ECOMAP ecosystem sustainability and will drive the hierarchy as the appropriate ecological unit to specific content of each component of the define the spatial extent of the assessment assessment. Examples of probable issues are area (Fig. 2.9). The characteristics of the biological diversity, species viability, forest Section should be evaluated within the and rangeland health, risk associated with context of the broader ecological unit (the natural disturbances, vegetation management Province) and the variation within the Section influences, and roadless or other special areas. should be explained within the context of the These issues can be linked to forest plan finer ecological unit (the Land Type revision or amendment topics or other Association) (Fig. 2.10). The assessment planning topics. The assessment topics should should discuss the national and the regional be broadly enough defined to encompass the significance of both the ecological area and the known significant ecological issues in the National Forest. assessment area. They should also be substantive enough to reveal ecological issues or areas of concern previously unrecognized
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Figure 2.9. Ecomap Section M331B, which is an example of appropriate assessment area extent. The location of the assessment area within the broader geographic area of Region 2 is illustrated.
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Figure 2.10. Land Type Associations are ecological stratification units used to describe variation within the assessment area. The characteristics of the Section should be evaluated within the context of the broader ecological unit (the Province).
Data are summarized and analyzed at two for evaluating the mid-scale. At the broad major scales (Table 2.5). The broadest scale is scale, the following should be provided: the ecosubregion and is equivalent to the extent of the assessment area (e.g. ECOMAP (1) Narrative description of existing Section) or the National Forest. Broad scale conditions for key biophysical components. analyses should be completed for the entire (2) General trends and rates of change in Section to the extent possible. However, much resource condition. of the data are not available for the entire (3) Coarse information on the spatial pattern Section so many analyses can only be done for of resources. the National Forest. This broad scale (4) Coarse information on disturbance provides an overall perspective and a context regimes and their relationships to resource values.
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Table 2.5 Analysis scales required to accomplish the Current Landscape Condition Assessment. Assessment Unit Map Scale Range Average Polygon Size Section 1:500,000 – 1:100,000 Up to100s sq miles National Forest 1:500,000 – 1:100,000 Up to100s sq miles Ecological Landscapes 1:250,000 – 1:24,000 1000s acres or less Management Landscapes 1:250,000 – 1:24,000 1000s acres or less Stands 1:24,000 or larger 100s of acres or less
The mid-scale is the primary focus of the plot level may be summarized over the CLC Assessment and should be centered on broader scales. However, the CLC ecological landscapes (e.g., ECOMAP Land Assessment should not accomplish stand- Type Associations) and management specific descriptions or analyses. These finer- landscapes (e.g., mid-scale planning units scaled analyses should be done in project such as watersheds or geographic areas). The analysis work and those analyses should be mid-scale approach allows for a better aided by this protocol and the resulting representation of the variation with the assessment. assessment area for all planning applications. The landscape of the assessment area may The mid-scale provides more detail on the be stratified in a number of ways, depending variation in: on the specific questions or analysis objectives, to accomplish data summarization. (1) Temporal and spatial patterns of For example, if stand density data are vegetation composition and structure. summarized for all stands across an entire (2) Condition of other key ecosystem elements Forest, then the stratification unit is the and processes. Forest. If stand density data are summarized (3) Land management issues of specific for a vegetation type across the Forest, locations. however, the unit is the vegetation type. Suggested stratification units are illustrated Stand level data (the next finest scale) are in Figure 2.11. These serve as reporting units utilized in the mid- and broad-scale in the assessment. More detailed information summaries. While the assessment is more on the data reported for various stratification coarsely scaled than would be expected in a units is presented in Chapter 3 of the protocol. plot or stand level description, data on finely scaled attributes generally observed at the
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Figure 2.11. Stratification units for the CLC Assessment may range from the Section, the National Forest, mid-scale planning units, Land Type Associations, and vegetation cover types. Stand level data will be used but summaries are not presented for specific stands in the CLC Assessment.
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Rationale for Assessment major cover types identified within the Organization assessment area. This component is divided into two modules (3A. Forest and Woodland The assessment content is organized into and 3B. Grassland and Shrubland) to account the following seven major components: for differing author expertise, differing data availabilities, etc. Chapter III is unlike other I. Introduction chapters in that it is organized by major cover II. Ecological and Socio-economic Context type. This is to focus on the features of of the Assessment Area vegetation that can be considered one type at III. Existing Vegetation Condition a time (or stand level features). The features IV. Influences on Landscape Condition of the landscape that transcend individual V. Landscape Patterns vegetation types, such as wildfire, invasive VI. Areas of Special Biodiversity species, or landscape structure, are discussed Significance in Chapter IV and V – Influences on the VII. Synthesis Landscape and Landscape pattern. The Landscape Influences (Chapter IV) The Introduction (I) provides the component of the assessment evaluates framework for the CLC as part of the Region 2 current and potential influences on landscape Species Conservation Project and the link condition. It is divided into seven modules (A. between the CLC and other assessments that Wildfire, Insects, and Disease; B. Forest and are part of the Species Conservation Project. Woodland Vegetation Management; C. The Introduction also defines the objectives Grassland and Shrubland Vegetation and assessment area of the CLC. Management; D. Invasive Species; E. Roads In order to fully appreciate the current and Trails; F. Recreation and Exurban landscape condition of the BNF, ecological and Development; G. Minerals, Oil, and Gas). socio-economic contexts (Chapter II) are Although some of the influences may be provided. The ecological context of the associated within individual cover types, the assessment area addresses a combination of focus of the analysis is from a landscape the environmental, physiographic, and ecology perspective. This means that the biological drivers. An understanding of the influences are discussed in the context of current ecological condition is not complete multiple temporal (annual to decadal to without the knowledge of previous and centennial) and spatial (stand to ecosystem to current human interaction with the ecosystem landscape) scales. These various analysis as well as future demands. Therefore, the scales need to include at least one analysis socio-economic context of the assessment area following ecological boundaries as well as is provided to address the historic and current management defined boundaries to fully human influences in the area including land analyze the affects of these influences on the ownership allocations and resource uses. The landscape and discover impacts that may socio-economic portion of Chapter II is not focus on particular ecological land type designed to be a complete, independent socio- associations or on management defined economic assessment. Its purpose is to simply geographic areas. summarize and present socio-economic The Landscape Patterns (Chapter V) information relevant to the current ecological component combines the ecological and socio- condition. Without this portion, a complete economic context information with existing and holistic understanding of current vegetation condition and landscape influences landscape would not be possible. These to give a broad scale pattern of ecosystems on ecological and socio-economic components the landscape. The landscape patterns provide the foundation for comprehension and component has two modules –forested and assessment of the current landscape condition. woodland vegetation and grassland and The Existing Vegetation Condition shrubland vegetation. This is done to look at (Chapter III) component of the assessment is specific issues relating to how management an ecosystem-level analysis intended to practices and natural disturbance are provide detailed descriptions of individual affecting key features of the landscape pattern
3/21/2005 39 Working Version 1.0 that are relevant to the particular life form. the attribute of interest as long as appropriate Additionally, it will allow for the work on the qualifications are stated (e.g. when an old- landscape patterns component to capitalize on growth inventory is unavailable, other authors with the appropriate expertise to inventory data representing older forests work on the appropriate modules. should be used rather than just eliminating Areas of Special Biodiversity Significance any consideration of old-growth). Analysis (Chapter VI) focuses on vegetation or areas data will be developed through reduction of located within the assessment area that have foundational data or through modeling been identified as unique, at risk, or habitats approaches such as those described in the of special biodiversity significance. This is a appendices. Observational data will result landscape level analysis that is intended to from the synthesis and interpretation of the draw attention to specific details, thus adding findings of each module as well as the overall to the landscape pattern component. The synthesis that will result when considering all value of each area is discussed as it relates to module findings. the current vegetation condition, landscape The information from each foundational influences, and landscape pattern. data source as well as the analysis and The Synthesis (Chapter VII) component observational data will vary in quality. The evaluates the current landscape condition reliability of data and other information must from an ecological integrity and sustainability be clearly described and approaches or perspective by synthesizing key points from rationale used to arrive at analysis data each of the modules. should be clearly documented and included in The specific content of each module is the assessment product. Analyses should be detailed in chapter 3 of this protocol. appropriate for the level of data quality. Procedures for validating or testing the Data Sources and Analytical assumptions and results of modeling Considerations applications should also be documented in the assessment report. In addition, the Several sources of information will be used interpretations drawn from the information to build the assessments. Since these must be commensurate with the quality of the assessments are descriptions of the current data and the inferences developed must be condition of specific areas and have a appropriately qualified. The report should significant spatial component, the primary clearly state the difference between source of foundational data will be USFS and conclusions that are directly supported by the other agency inventory data sets (e.g., IRI and data and conclusions that are inferred from NRIS). Other likely sources of information the data. Explicitly stating the assumptions include the relevant historic range of variation made in drawing conclusions, the strength of assessments, peer-reviewed and published the conclusions, and the degree of uncertainty literature, gray literature, data from reference is a critical requirement. areas, and other unpublished data and reports Data interpretation should be substantive from agency files. A portion of the and relative to important management- foundational data required for each CLC related questions. The assessment should do Assessment has already been compiled by the more than just summarize data. It should Region’s SCP. We emphasize that the CLC synthesize the complex information into clear Assessments should rely on already available pictures of the ecological condition and should foundational data from a variety of entities draw conclusions about the ecological rather than on new development of implications of that condition. The foundational data. If foundational data do not assessments should generate new information exist to address a particular protocol through a new understanding of the ecology of component or assessment question, a data gap the analysis area. A comprehensive and should be identified in the assessment report. substantive assessment of ecological data will There is no expectation that new inventories reveal information gaps. These should be will be conducted to implement this protocol. clearly identified and critical information In some cases, surrogate data may be used for
3/21/2005 40 Working Version 1.0 needs should be prioritized in the assessment cases, the effects of management activities are reports. unknown so that the magnitude of When supportive information is available, management influence is all that can be the assessment reports should involve a addressed. And management approaches substantive discussion of the management known to have demonstrated positive implications of ecological conditions. For ecological effects should be identified. example, consequences of management However, management recommendations, activities to ecological integrity, ecosystem personal value judgments, and opinions about sustainability, and species conservation acceptable levels of risk must be avoided should be addressed if possible. In many (Appendix B).
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Chapter 3 Assessment Content
Ecological and Socio-economic (3) Physiography and ecogeography. Context of the Assessment Area (4) Potential natural vegetation and historic disturbance regime summary. The objective of the Ecological and Socio- (5) Wildlife influences. economic Context module is to describe the (6) Socio-economic and anthropogenic ecological context of the assessment area by influences. identifying the predominant physical or (7) Summary of significant information gaps biological factors that create ecological patterns. This description is linked to the Details on the content of each topic are companion Historic Range of Variation (HRV) reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix Assessment by including a brief summary of A). the nature of important natural disturbances Data and Analytical Requirements and anthropogenic influences. This module also describes the social and The data required to develop this module economic context of the assessment area so are largely available in the Rocky Mountain that known socioeconomic factors that Region’s Integrated Resource Inventory (IRI) influence ecological condition in significant data or other resource data sets, from other ways are identified. In this description, agencies or entities, from published literature, general spatial and temporal human and from the HRV Assessment(s) relevant to geographic patterns are presented as well as the assessment area. Developing maps of important broad scale patterns of resource Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV) may management and land uses that influence require additional analytical work (Appendix vegetation condition, landscape pattern, and C). Table 3.1 details descriptions of these ecosystem function. The social and economic data and sources of the information. components of this module should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive Potential Natural Vegetation socio-economic assessment. Rather, the Classification presentation should draw upon information from existing socio-economic assessments and Classifications of potential natural should just identify the predominant socio- vegetation (PNV), and maps representing the economic components relevant to interpreting classifications, should reflect the most current current and future ecological condition. The knowledge of relationships between vegetation HRV Assessment for the area should provide a and land units. They should be based on historical context for land use patterns. appropriate research and the current This module along with the HRV literature, and should be presented at a scale Assessment describes physical and biological most appropriate to the assessment. templates along with the disturbance Kuchler’s Potential Vegetation Classification processes and socio-economic factors acting on of the United States (1964) and the Bighorn these templates, which are pertinent to National Forest are represented by very understanding and interpreting the current coarse resolution maps in Figures 3.1a-b. ecological conditions. More appropriate to the scale of analysis The following topics are addressed in the in the assessment are the Forest-wide PNV Ecological and Socio-economic Context classifications and associated maps. Forest Module: Service research, universities, The Nature Conservancy, State Heritage programs, and (1) Biogeographic significance of the efforts by individual Forests have developed assessment area. (2) Climatic influences and important patterns of climate change.
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Table 3.1. Data required for describing the ecological and socio-economic context of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module II). Spatial Ecological Extent of Data Ecosystem Context Descriptio Resolutio Stratificatio Data Source5 Attribute1 n or n n Unit4 Analysis2 Climate Influences Locally relevant published literature: 1) Hoffman Ecosubregio (macro- 1:500,000 Section and Alexander (1976), 2) Despain (1973), 3) n topographic) Girard et al. (1997), and 4) Nesser (1986) Locally relevant published literature: 1) Hoffman and Alexander (1976), 2) Despain (1973), 3) Girard et al. (1997), and 4) Nesser (1986). Ecosubregio Locally relevant web data: Precipitation 1:500,000 Section n http://www.ocs.orst.edu/prism/prism_new.html and http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmwy.htm l. Locally relevant published literature: 1) Hoffman and Alexander (1976), 2) Despain (1973), 3) Girard et al. (1997), and 4) Nesser (1986). Ecosubregio Locally relevant web data: Temperature 1:500,000 Section n http://www.ocs.orst.edu/prism/prism_new.html and http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmwy.htm l. Section to Ecosubregio Locally relevant web data: Wind No map Sub-province n http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/summary/lcd.html level Section to Historic Climate Ecosubregio Locally relevant published literature: Meyer and No map Sub-province Changes n Knight (2001). level Geology Formation State 1:500,000 Section State Geological Survey National Subsection; Forest IRI data – Common Land Unit (CLU) Parent Material 1:24,000 Forest LTA data Soils Suborder/Great State 1:500,000 Section State Surgo Soils Map Group Suborder/Great National Ecological Hierarchy (TEUI), Forest IRI Section 1:500,000 Section Group Common Land Unit (CLU) data Great National Ecological Hierarchy (TEUI), Forest IRI Group/Subgrou Section 1:500,000 Subsection Common Land Unit (CLU) data p National Subsection; National Ecological Hierarchy (TEUI); Family/Series 1:62,000 Forest LTA Forest IRI CLU data National 3-4 order soil Family/Series 1:24,000 NRCS / USFS Soil Map and Forest CLU data Forest map unit
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Table 3.1 (continued). Data required for describing the ecological and socio-economic context of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module II). Spatial Ecological Extent of Ecosystem Data 5 Context Description Stratification Data Source Resolution Attribute1 or Unit4 Analysis2 Geography (Eco-hierarchy) Bailey (1995); Domain Ecoregion Subcontinental Domain http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecore g1_domains.html Bailey (1995); Division Ecoregion Regional Division http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecore g1_divisions.html Bailey (1995); Province Ecoregion Regional Province http://www.fs.fed.us/colorimagemap/ecore g1_provinces.html Section Ecosubregion Regional Section McNab and Avers (1994). Locally relevant published literature: Subsection Ecosubregion Subregional Subsection Reiners et al. (1999). Landtype Landscape Local LTA Forest IRI-CLU data. Association Landtype Land Unit Local LTA Forest IRI-CLU data. Association Potential Natural Vegetation Model Components
Existing Dominant National Vegetation National Ecological Hierarchy (TEUI), 1:24,000 Vegetation Series Forest Type Forest IRI CVU data Existing Soil National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Forest IRI CLU data Conditions Elevation Statewide 30m Section 30m DEM Land Type Subsection or National Forest 1:24,000 Forest IRI data Association LTA Wildlife Wildlife species composition Literature, websites, old FS files, State Ecosubregion Section changes game and fish data (historical/present) Population Literature, websites, old FS files, State Ecosubregion Section changes game and fish data
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Table 3.1 (continued). Data required for describing the ecological and socio-economic context of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module II). Spatial Extent of Temporal Scale Ecosystem Social / Economic Data Description or of Description Stratification Data Source6 Context Attribute1 Resolution4 Analysis2 or Analysis3 Unit5 Historical Context Historical records, Subregion, Section, Forest Plan Logging 20th century 1:24,000 Landscape LTA monitoring data and activities databases Historical records; Forest Allotment Subregion, Section, Boundaries and Grazing 20th century 1:24,000 Landscape LTA range inventory data in 2210 allotment folders Current Resource Uses Forest Plan Current Forest Logging National Forest 1:24,000 LTA, Cover Type monitoring data and Plan Period activities databases Forest Allotment Boundaries and Current Forest Grazing National Forest 1:24,000 LTA, Cover Type range inventory data Plan Period in 2210 allotment folders Forest Plan monitoring data and Current Forest Recreation National Forest 1:24,000 LTA, Cover Type activities databases. Plan Period Forest Travel Routes data Social and Economic Trends US Census Bureau, State Economic Information Agencies Past decade, Social and Economic (http://eadiv.state.wy. State, County Current, Next 1:500,000 County Data7 us/index.html decade http://ceic.commerce. state.mt.us/Census20 00.html) Recent past and http://www.centerwest Population Trends Regional 10-50 years into 1:500,000 State .org/futures/developm future ent GAP Land Ownership data- State GAP Subregion, Section,LTA, Programs – Land Ownership Landscape, Current time 1:500,000 County www.gap.uidaho.edu, National Forest State and local ownership data 1Social / Economic Context Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Temporal Scale of Description or Analysis is the time period used in the assessment. 4Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 5Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 6Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment. 7Social and Economic Data includes population, age, employment, income, education, poverty, ethnicity, etc.
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PNV classifications under various inventory information at a scale suitable for the efforts. The consistency among classifications assessment. An example is shown in Figure and understanding of the PNV concept vary 3.1c for the Bighorn National Forest. within Region 2. Johnson (19__) provides a literature review of Region 2 classifications Relevance to Management Applications but was not based on an analysis of data sets. The Nature Conservancy has defined a An important objective of the Current classification framework and defined the first Landscape Condition Assessment is the iteration of U.S. plant communities within identification, location, and description of the Region 2 and continues to work with agency ecological features of the landscape. Module and other partners to refine the classification II provides the basis for meeting this (Anderson et al. 1998; Grossman et al. 1998; objective. In addition, to developing the Maybury et al. 1999). The Ecological Society analytical and synthetic portions of the of America has an ongoing program to assessment, it is critical to have a standardize vegetation classification and fundamental understanding of underlying coordinate vegetation classification activities factors that drive ecosystem pattern and that (http:// www.esa.org/vegweb). USFS guidance define the ecological capabilities of systems. on developing existing vegetation Several analytical aspects of the assessment classification and mapping is also being rely on knowledge built into this module. For developed (Brewer et al. 2002). example, the development of the PNV map is Recent national Terrestrial Ecological dependent on an understanding of several Unit Inventory (TEUI) criteria identify the factors including soil patterns and need for developing adequate PNV maps but, productivity. The development of a map of until recently, they have neglected the much historic fire regimes is based on a spatial needed updating of classifications. The representation of PNV. Further, it is approach now emphasizes the value of impossible to make determinations about the developing vegetation classifications before ecological integrity of existing systems developing maps of ecological units (Winthers without a basic understanding of ecological et al. 2001). potential. And, it is difficult to develop In most cases, Forests in Region 2 will sustainable designs for future landscapes currently have available PNV maps of varying without this understanding at all of the quality. In some cases, classifications and relevant scales (Bailey 2002). other literature sources are not available and The 270 million citizens of the United in other cases available information has not States own the National Forest System lands. been incorporated into PNV layers in Forest These lands have been used by humans for Service resource data sets. Therefore, an thousands of years as a source of food and adequate representation of PNV will not be fiber, and continue to be prized today for wood readily available for many assessment areas. products, outdoor recreation opportunities, In developing a Current Landscape clean water and many other “multiple uses.” Condition Assessment, the assessment team The variety of historical and contemporary should assess the suitability of existing PNV uses have created legacies in ecosystem layers. If existing maps are inadequate in composition, structure, and function that are reflecting available classifications and other important to consider in evaluating the literature, they can be strengthened with a current and expected future ecological simple GIS modeling approach described in condition (Romme et al. 2000). In addition, Appendix C. The suggested approach depends expected future trends in human demographic on local expert knowledge, couples IRI patterns and resource uses should be factored Common Land Unit (CLU) and IRI Common into developing an understanding of realistic Vegetation Unit (CVU) and other appropriate expectations regarding future ecological data (e.g., including knowledge of successional condition (Riebsame 1997). Management stages), and develops a “series” level PNV map decisions for National Forest System lands that can be cross-walked to available existing today must be made with the knowledge of vegetation coverages, and presents people’s previous and current interactions
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Figure 3.1a. Kuchler's Potential Natural Vegetation Map of the United States.
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Figure 3.1b. Kuchler's Potential Natural Vegetation Map of the Bighorn National Forest.
Figure 3.1c. Potential Natural Vegetation Map of the Bighorn National Forest generated by the Bighorn Ecosystem Assessment Team.
3/21/2005 48 Working Version 1.0 with the resource, and some idea of future attributes that may transcend a particular societal demands. The variables and uses vegetation type and specific analyses of explored in this module provide a context in natural disturbance or management which to consider human interactions within influences are addressed in later assessment our National Forests. components. The following topics are addressed for each vegetation type described Existing Vegetation Condition in the Existing Vegetation Condition Module:
(1) Composition - spatial distribution in the Module 3A: Forests and Woodlands assessment area, characteristic dominant Module 3B: Grasslands and species and associates in each type, known Shrublands plant associations, and successional characteristics. This section provides an evaluation of the (2) Structure – spatial distribution of habitat current vegetation condition within the structural stages, stand ages, and old- assessment area and is divided into two growth (or old) forests and patterns of modules: (A) Forests and Woodlands and (B) variation within stand structural Grasslands and Shrublands. The objectives of components such as snags, coarse woody these modules are to describe the current debris, and canopy cover. composition, structure, spatial distribution, (3) Function – general patterns of functional and key functional aspects. This component characteristics such as ecosystem should also include an evaluation of the productivity, carbon storage, and habitat. current condition in the context of what is (4) Ecological integrity – degree of presence or known about ecosystem capability and the absence of expected elements of the historic range of variation except in those vegetation. cases where this was already accomplished by (5) Summary of key findings and significant the Historic Range of Variation (HRV) information gaps. Assessment. Modules 3A and 3B are organized by Details on the content of each topic are major vegetation types so that the assessment described in the assessment outline (Appendix contains an existing vegetation description for A). Table 3.2 defines the analysis components each major type. Existing vegetation needed to provide a comprehensive description condition is primarily focused on a of the current forest and woodland, and consideration of those features of the grassland and shrubland vegetation condition. vegetation that are typically considered as stand-level attributes or can be considered one vegetation type at a time. Landscape-level
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Table 3.2. Analysis components required to describe the existing vegetation condition of each major vegetation type in an assessment area (Modules 3A and3B). Scale Analysis Components • Map reflecting current distribution of the vegetation type in the section. Ecosubregion: • Brief narrative description of the vegetation type (composition, physiognomy, etc). Section • Summary of importance or extent of the vegetation type within the section. • Narrative description of habitats occupied by the vegetation type. • Map reflecting current distribution on the Forest. • Summary of importance or extent of the vegetation type within the Forest. • Comparison of current distribution with potential distribution across the Forest. • Broad compositional characteristics of the vegetation type. Described plant associations known to occur on the Forest. • Expected successional trajectories of each major vegetation type under various Ecosubregion: disturbance influences. National Forest • Important functional attributes of each major vegetation type (e.g., carbon storage, net primary production NPP), and natural disturbance processes). • Broad structural characteristics of the vegetation type. For Forest and Woodland module, maps reflecting habitat structural stage distribution stand age distributions, and old-growth (or old) forest distributions for each cover type. For Grassland and Shrubland Module, maps reflecting age or height classes of shrublands, if known. • Land uses or management practices influencing the vegetation type. Summary of spatial and temporal variation in these influences. • Compositional characteristics of the vegetation type within each LTA. Relative proportions of major species in each vegetation type. • Important functional attributes of each major vegetation type (e.g., NPP). Ecological • For Forest and Woodland Module, summary of variation in structural condition, Landscape: Land developmental stage (e.g., old-growth or older forest). Type Association • Seral stage distribution between LTAs. • For Forest and Woodland Module, summary of patterns of and variation of within stand structures (e.g., snag density, coarse woody debris, age, diameter distributions, etc.) between LTAs. • Compositional characteristics of the vegetation type within each mid-scale planning unit. Relative proportions of major species in each vegetation type. Management • For Forest and Woodland Module, summary of variation in structural condition, Landscape: developmental stage (e.g., old-growth or older forest). Mid-scale Planning • Seral stage distribution among mid-scale planning units. Units • For Forest and Woodland Module, summary of patterns of and variation in within stand structures (e.g., snag density, coarse woody debris, age, diameter distributions, etc.) among mid-scale planning units. • Species composition measured in density, cover, or some measure of abundance. • Within stand measures of structural complexity (e.g., snags, coarse woody debris, Stand canopy layers, canopy cover, etc.). • For Forest and Woodland Module, within stand age-class and diameter distributions.
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Data and Analytical Requirements resulting patterns of composition and structure can suggest system-based strategies The data required in the Existing for maintaining appropriate ecological Vegetation Condition Module are largely conditions that contribute to species viability available in the Rocky Mountain Region’s (Bisson et al. 1997; Hunter et al. 1989; (Region 2) IRI data or other resource data Samson 2002). Many species are at risk due sets, from other agencies or entities, from to changes in ecological processes that have published literature, and from any Historic affected vegetation composition and structure Range of Variation Assessment(s) done in the and altered species interactions (Knopf and assessment area. Where data do not exist to Samson 1997; Wilcove 1999). The Existing address a component, the information gap Vegetation Condition component of this should be identified as an inventory or assessment intends to generate the detailed research need. Table 3.3 defines the data and understanding of current structural and sources of the information required for this compositional conditions of the forest component. vegetation that is required to evaluate the habitat quality of each vegetation type within Relevance to Management Applications the assessment area. To the extent that structural and compositional data are When land management decisions are available for the assessment, habitat intended to meet multiple resource objectives, requirement information from the species approaches designed to sustain system assessments can be considered in the context function and processes over appropriate of the Existing Vegetation Condition product temporal and spatial scales play a critical role to make determinations about the adequacy of in providing for ecosystem and species the current condition in providing for conservation (Groves et al. 2002). particular species or groups of species. Understanding of ecosystem processes and the
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Table 3.3. Data required for the Existing Vegetation Condition Modules of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Modules 3A and 3B). Spatial Ecosystem Current Vegetation Extent of Data Data Source5 Stratification Condition Attribute1 Description Resolution3 Unit4 or Analysis2 Composition Locally relevant published data: {Wyoming GAP (Merrill et al. 1996) GAP land cover of Vegetation Section 1:500,000 and Montana GAP (Fisher et al. each type Type 1998)}. State GAP Programs – www.gap.uidaho.edu CVU cover of each National Vegetation Forest IRI Data – Common 1:24,000 type Forest Type Vegetation Unit (CVU) Locally relevant published data: Welp et al. (2000); USDA Forest Described plant Vegetation Service (1986); Mueggler and LTA associations Type Stewart (1980); Tweit and Houston (1980). Locally relevant web data: http://svinet2.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ Locally relevant published data: Welp et al. (2000); USDA Forest Dominant/important Vegetation LTA Service (1986). Locally relevant species Type web data: http://svinet2.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ Structure Habitat structural National Forest FIA, FSVEG, and IRI-CVU 1:24,000 LTA stage Forest data Stand age National 1:24,000 LTA Forest FIA and FSVEG data distributions Forest Diameter-class National Forest FIA, FSVEG, and IRI-CVU 1:24,000 LTA distributions Forest data National Stand Density 1:24,000 LTA Forest FIA and FSVEG data Forest National Snag Density 1:24,000 LTA Forest FIA and FSVEG data Forest National Coarse Woody Debris 1:24,000 LTA Forest FIA and FSVEG data Forest National Canopy Complexity 1:24,000 LTA Forest FIA and FSVEG data Forest Function Carbon Storage Published literature Forest IRI CLU and locally relevant published data: USDA Forest Service (1986); local range National inventory data in 2210 allotment Productivity 1:24,000 LTA Forest folders; Mueggler and Stewart (1980; 1981), USDA NRCS (1988). Locally relevant web data: http://svinet2.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ Disturbance LTA 1:24,000 Section Locally relevant published data: processes Welp et al. (2000). Locally relevant web data: http://svinet2.fs.fed.us/database/feis/
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Table 3.3 (continued) Management
Influences Forest Allotment Boundaries and range inventory data in 2210 Grazing National Subsection 1:24,000 allotment folders; locally relevant Forest LTA published data: Meyer and Knight (2001) Forest Activities and Forest Plan National Subsection; monitoring databases; published Silviculture 1:24,000 Forest LTA literature; soil survey Timber Activities Database
1Current Vegetation Condition Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Influences on Landscape occurring. Maps reflecting current fire hazard Condition conditions under different climate scenarios should be evaluated. Areas of ecological risks The existing vegetation condition and associated with wildfire hazard are landscape pattern of a forest is a culmination determined based on intersections of high of historic natural disturbance, anthropogenic HRV departure, high fire hazard, and high management, and anthropogenic uses, fire probability and specific resource values of therefore this section provides a detailed interest. Maps of areas of recent insect description of these influences on the activity as well as maps of areas of high risk of landscape. These influences are addressed at insect activity are presented and the the landscape level rather than by vegetation intersection of wildlife hazard and insect risk type to reveal a clearer picture of landscape is displayed. The following topics are pattern and assessment area condition than addressed: would be possible with a focus on a particular vegetation type. This component is a (1) Spatial distribution of historic fire compilation of seven modules: regimes. (2) Spatial patterns of departure from historic A. Wildfire, Insects, and Disease; fire regime. B. Management of Forest and Woodland (3) Spatial patterns of fire hazard conditions. Ecosystems; (4) Spatial patterns of ecological risks C. Management of Grassland and Shrubland associated with fire. Ecosystems; (5) Spatial patterns of insect activity and D. Invasive Plant Species; insect risk. E. Roads and Trails; (6) Identify and discuss risks associated with F. Recreation and Exurban Development; the interaction of fire with old growth or G. Minerals, Oil, and Gas Exploration and older forests. Extraction. (7) Spatial patterns of interaction between risks associated with insects and fire. Each module has its own separate objective, analysis components, and data Details on the content of each topic are sources as described below. reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix A). Table 3.4 illustrates the analysis needed to provide a comprehensive description of the Module 4A: Wildfire, Insects, and current landscape condition with respect to Disease natural disturbance processes and an evaluation of the ecological risks associated The objective of this module is to provide a with that condition. The ecological risks spatial representation of the current associated with fire and soil erosion, landscape condition associated with fire, sedimentation, and other measures of insects, and disease. A map of expected watershed sensitivity are addressed in the historic fire regimes is developed. The current Conceptual Framework and Protocols for condition of the landscape with respect to fire Conducting Multiple Scale Aquatic, Riparian, is then displayed as a measure of the and Wetland Ecological Assessments (Winters departure from historic conditions, as a et al. 2003). measure of the probable hazard of severe fire, and as a measure of the probability of wildfire
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Table 3.4. Analysis components required to address the spatial patterns of wildfire, insects, and disease on the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4A). SCALE Analysis Components • Narrative description of important natural disturbance agents currently acting on Ecosubregion: ecosystems of the assessment area. Section • Narrative summary of expected disturbance effects on landscape pattern. • Map reflecting fire regimes (frequency and severity) based on expected patterns under historic range of variation. Narrative description of spatial variation of historic fire regimes. • Narrative description and map of current condition as measured by departure from historic fire regime (e.g., the degree of effect of fire exclusion on the current vegetation condition). Ecosubregion: • Narrative description and map of the current condition of probable wildfire hazard National Forest under contrasting climate scenarios. • Table showing the probability of wildfire occurring in short and in long interval fire regimes within the next 10 years. • Narrative description and maps of areas of recent insect activity and levels of risk of disturbance from insects. • Narrative description and maps of areas of recent disease occurrences and levels of risk. • Summaries of variation in departure from historic fire regime and of probable Ecological wildfire hazard, organized by major vegetation type. Landscape: Land • Summaries of variation in insect activity and risk. Type Association • Summaries of intersection of areas of high fire regime departure, high hazard of severe wildfire, and insect activity or risk, by major vegetation type. • Map of intersection of areas of high fire regime departure, high hazard of severe wildfire, and insect activity or risk. • Summaries of variation, by vegetation type, in departure from historic fire regime, probable wildfire hazard, and risk associated with insect activity. • Map depicting the last 100 years of large fire history. Management • Maps and summaries reflecting ecological risk associated with natural disturbance Landscape: and vulnerability to invasive species. Mid-scale Planning Units • Maps and summaries reflecting ecological risk associated with natural disturbance and old growth or older forests. • Maps and summaries reflecting ecological risk associated with natural disturbance and conservation sites. • Maps and summaries reflecting ecological risk associated with natural disturbance and existing or potential Research Natural Areas. • Measures of historic fire regimes (e.g., frequency, extent, and patterns of severity). • Stand age structures and successional status. Stand • Timber harvest or grazing activities that may influence natural disturbance processes. • Historic and contemporary occurrences of natural disturbance events.
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Data and Analytical Requirements our Current Landscape Condition Assessments (Figs. 3.2a-d). The fire ecology The data required to develop Module 4A modeling results in an identification of where are largely available in the Rocky Mountain we might have ecological restoration concerns Region’s IRI data or other resource data sets, associated with departure from historic fire from other agencies or entities, from published regimes. However, there may be many places literature, and from the Historic Range of on the landscape where disturbance processes Variation Assessment(s) relevant to the are operating well within what would be assessment area. Where data specific to the expected under historic fire regimes but that assessment area do not exist to address a may be at high risk of severe fire. These high component, data from similar ecosystems can fire hazard areas must also be identified to be used for purposes of the assessment but the adequately evaluate the ecological resource information gap should be identified as an concerns associated with fire. inventory or research need. Maps of historic fire regimes, departure from historic fire Relevance to Management Applications regimes, wildfire hazard, and insect risk require additional analytical work based on Results of this module will have three simple GIS-based modeling and/or available major management applications that will simulation models that are described in detail assist in developing vegetation management in Appendix E. Table 3.5 details descriptions priorities and in creating landscape of the data and sources of the information. management prescriptions. First, the module Our approach to incorporating fire ecology will identify areas in need of ecological and fire hazard information into the restoration due to a significant departure of assessment is intended to improve locally the current disturbance regimes from those national effort being done at a coarse scale expected under historic patterns. This will and recognizes that ecological restoration assist in prioritizing ecological restoration concerns are not always congruent with fire activities across the landscape. Second, the hazard concerns. The fire ecology modeling to module will identify areas that are at high support Module 4A is conceptually similar to risk of ecological degradation associated with approaches taken to produce national maps of high hazards for natural disturbance. This historic fire regime and current ecosystem information will further refine our condition in support of the National Fire Plan understanding of management needs for (Hardy et al. ; other Fire Plan related mitigating disturbance hazard. Finally, the citations). These national or broad regional analysis will aid in an understanding of the maps are very coarse in resolution, however, spatial interactions among the dominant and do not sufficiently account for the natural disturbance agents, fire, and insects. variation in fire regimes to be applicable in
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Table 3.5. Data required for the Wildfire, Insects, and Disease Module for the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4A). Current Natural Spatial Extent of Ecosystem Disturbance Condition Data 5 Description or 3 Stratification Data Source Attribute or Risk Model Resolution Analysis2 Unit4 Component1 Pre-European Fire Regime Map PNV Vegetation National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type PNV Model Appendix C Elevation Section 30 meters Vegetation Type DEM Departure Class Map PNV Model and DEM; Pre-European Fire published literature; expert National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Regime Map input
Fire Records from the Forest Map depicting the last 100 Section 1:24,000 LTA and Surrounding Area; years of large fire history. Forest Fire Atlas Timber Activities National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest Activities Database Wildfire Hazard Map Fuel Model National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type RIS/FSVEG Data Elevation Section 30 meters Vegetation Type DEM Behave Plus: Fire Modeling BEHAVE National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type System (Andrews et al. 2001) Historic Fires, Probacre – Wildfire Probability Table National Forest Vegetation Type version 1.1 Witala, USFS Insect Risk and Activity Forest Health and Current Insect Activity National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Monitoring Data Insect Risk National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI –CVU data
1Current Natural Disturbance Condition Attribute or Risk Model Component is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Figure 3.2a. National Fire Regime Map.
Figure 3.2b. Bighorn National Forest Fire Regime Map.
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Figure 3.2c. Bighorn National Forest Condition Class Map.
Figure 3.2d. National Condition Class Map.
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Module 4B: Management of Forest to provide a comprehensive description of the and Woodland Ecosystems management influences on the forest and woodland landscape condition and evaluation The objective of Module 4B is to describe of the ecological integrity of that condition. the magnitude and pattern of influences of management practices on forest and woodland Data and Analytical Requirements ecosystems within the assessment area. The Module 4B narrative should include a The data required for Module 4B are discussion of current and historic silvicultural largely available in the Rocky Mountain practices. To the extent that information on Region’s IRI and Activities databases or other historic silvicultural information is available, resource data sets, from other agencies or the companion HRV Assessment should entities, from published literature, and from address them and can be used as a context for the Historic Range of Variation Assessment(s) evaluating the effects of these practices on the relevant to the assessment area. Where data assessment area. It is beyond the scope of the do not exist to address a component, the Current Landscape Condition (CLC) information gap should be identified as an Assessment to evaluate the functional effects inventory or research need. Table 3.7 details of these vegetation management patterns on descriptions of the data and sources of the individual species. The species-specific information. information contained in the species assessments must be considered against the Relevance to Management Application knowledge of current condition generated by the CLC Assessment to evaluate habitat Module 4B is focused on identifying areas quality for a particular species. The following with probable or potential impacts from forest topics should be covered in Module 4B: and woodland vegetation management activity. The information, when used in (1) Spatial and temporal patterns of current conjunction with information produced by and historical timber harvest activities species assessments, may aid in identifying and various silvicultural influences. areas of concern from a species conservation (2) Identify and discuss dynamic interaction perspective or may aid in evaluating a species between risks associated with silviculture conservation status. This information may and wildfire, insects and disease. aid in prioritizing areas in need of ecological (3) Magnitude of influences of forest and restoration and it may assist in designing woodland vegetation management on management approaches that are most major vegetation types. consistent with ecological constraints. The results may have particularly important Details on the content of each topic are applications in identifying opportunities for reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix compatibility among ecological restoration and A). Table 3.6 illustrates the analysis needed resource utilization goals.
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Table 3.6. Analysis components required to address the spatial patterns and magnitude of the influences of management practices on forest and woodland ecosystems (Module 4B). Scale Analysis Components Ecosubregion: • Brief narrative description of management activities on the forested and Section woodland landscapes of the ecosubregion and the role of the forest. • Summaries of acres harvested, by silvicultural system applied, for each forest type. These summaries should reflect the overall importance of treatments Ecosubregion: (e.g., acres treated compared to total acres) in terms of acres harvested. National Forest Display maps of clearcut harvests. • Summaries reflecting temporal pattern of silvicultural treatments. • Summaries reflecting the relative importance of influence of silvicultural practices on major vegetation types (e.g., are there disproportionate Ecological Landscape: influences?). Land Type Association • Map and narrative describing the dynamic interaction between risks associated with silvicultural practices and wildfire. • Summaries reflecting the relative importance of influence of silvicultural Management practices on major vegetation types (e.g., are there disproportionate Landscape: Mid-scale influences?). Planning Units • Maps and summaries, including relative proportions, of each vegetation type and habitat structural stage permanently excluded from logging. • N/A for an assessment of landscape condition. Relevant for analyses to Stand support project planning.
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Table 3.7. Data required for the Forest and Woodland Vegetation Management Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4B). Spatial Extent of Data Ecosystem Forest and Woodland Attribute1 Description or Resolution3 Stratification Unit4 Data Source5 Analysis2 Timber Harvesting Influences Maps reflecting spatial and National Forest 1:24,000 LTA; Vegetation Type Timber Activities database temporal pattern of clearcuts Temporal patterns in silvicultural National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Timber Activities database practices by vegetation type Maps reflecting the interaction National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data, Timber Activities database, between risks associated with fire hazard model (Module IV A), current condition silvicultural practices and wildfire class (Module IV A), and fire regimes (Module IV A) Proportion of each vegetation type National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data, Timber Activities database permanently excluded from logging Summary of forest and woodland National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data, Timber Activities database vegetation management impacts on major vegetation types
1Forest and Woodland Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Module 4C: Management of grassland and shrubland vegetation Grassland and Shrubland Ecosystems management focusing on the influence of livestock grazing. The objective of Module 4C is to describe how management practices, with a focus on Data and Analytical Requirements livestock grazing, influence grassland and shrubland ecosystems. The Module 4C The data required to develop Module 4C narrative should include a discussion of are largely available in the Rocky Mountain current and historic livestock grazing Region’s IRI data or other resource data sets, practices. To the extent that information on from other agencies or entities, from published historic livestock grazing information is literature, and from the Historic Range of available, the companion HRV Assessment Variation Assessment(s) relevant to the should address them and can be used as a assessment area. Table 3.9 details context for evaluating the effects of livestock descriptions of the data and sources of the grazing in the assessment area. Details on information. the specific content of Module 4C are below. The complete assessment outline is in Relevance to Management Application Appendix A. Module 4C is focused on identifying areas (1) Spatial and temporal patterns of current with probable or potential impacts from and historic management activities, with a livestock grazing activity. This information focus on livestock grazing. may aid in prioritizing areas in need of (2) Relevant summary information from HRV ecological restoration and it may assist in Assessment. designing management approaches that are (3) Summary of key findings and significant most consistent with ecological constraints. information gaps. The results may have particularly important applications in identifying opportunities for Table 3.8 illustrates the analysis needed compatibility among ecological restoration and to provide a comprehensive description of resource utilization goals.
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Table 3.8. Analysis components required to describe the influences of grassland and shrubland vegetation management in the assessment area (Module 4C). Scale Analysis Components Ecoregion: • Brief narrative description of grassland and shrubland management within the Province Province and the role of the forest. • Narrative summary of livestock grazing practices for the section. Relate these Ecosubregion: practices to the livestock grazing practices conducted on the forest and discuss Section significance. Ecosubregion: • Describe historical livestock grazing conditions and contrast them with current National Forest conditions. • Map of range allotments and narrative describing domestic livestock stocking rates. Describe the geographic areas that are heavily stocked and the affected Ecological Landscape: vegetation (if detailed vegetation data are available). Land Type Association • Describe the changes in the pattern of seral conditions over time. Summarize the significance of changes. • Map of range allotments and narrative describing domestic livestock stocking rates. Describe the geographic areas that are heavily stocked and the affected vegetation (if detailed vegetation data are available). Management Landscape: • Map showing the proportion of major vegetation types permanently excluded Mid-scale Planning Units from domestic livestock use. Describe the changes in the pattern of seral conditions over time. Summarize the significance of changes. • Map (if available) and brief summary of the vegetation type conversions that have been documented or are strongly suspected. Stand • N/A for landscape patterns.
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Table 3.9. Data required for the Management of Grassland and Shrubland Ecosystems Module for the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4C). Spatial Extent of Ecosystem Grassland/Shrubland Data Description or Stratification Data Source5 Pattern Attribute1 Resolution3 Analysis2 Unit4 Forest range allotment data; IRI-CVU data, PNV Type conversions National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Model (CVU, DEM, GAP) Forest range permit data, actual use data, and Allotment data National Forest 1:24,000 LTA allotment/inventory data 1Grassland / Shrubland Pattern Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Module 4D: Invasive Plant Species far from complete for most places. Therefore, we developed an approach to model ecosystem The objective of Module 4D is to identify invasibility and to identify areas of concern areas of concern regarding the distribution of due to invasibility and the presence of factors exotic or invasive plant species. Current known to contribute to weed concerns. The distributions of invasive plant species are weed vulnerability assessment and maps of identified based on known occurrences. Then, areas of critical concern are developed from a the degree of vulnerability to invasion by GIS-based modeling approach described in weedy plant species, determined by Appendix D. Examples of model output are physiographic characteristics, is modeled. shown in Figures 3.3a-d. The data required to Existing conditions or land use factors known develop the models are largely available in the to contribute to invasibility are incorporated Rocky Mountain Region’s IRI database and into the model to identify critical concern from the published literature. Table 3.11 areas. The ecological consequences of the details descriptions of the data and sources of current condition and probable trends in information. invasive species distributions are described in a narrative summary. The following topics Relevance to Management Applications are addressed in the Invasive Plant Species Module: Invasive species have the potential to cause serious ecological degradation and may (1) Map of known occurrences and current have serious consequences on already distributions. imperiled species (Wilcove et al. 1998). Exotic (2) Identification of biophysical and and weedy species can change the composition anthropogenic influences contributing to of natural communities, threaten native invasibility. biodiversity, and alter ecosystem functions (3) Geographic areas of probable vulnerability such as nutrient cycling and disturbance to invasion. regimes (Vitousek et al. 1997; Mack et al. (4) Identification of the invasive species 2000). Weedy plants are known to alter the critical concern areas. natural fire regime in some ecosystems (5) Identification of the interaction between (D’Antonio and Vitousek 1992). Weedy plants risks associated with invasive plant may be especially problematic in rangelands species and fire and grazing. where they out compete native species and (6) Discussion of ecological consequences. reduce forage for wildlife and livestock. The impact of non-native species introductions on Details on the content of each topic are our ability to conserve native species is reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix illustrated by almost half of the threatened A). Table 3.10 illustrates the analysis needed and endangered species listed under the to provide a comprehensive description of the endangered Species Act being listed due to current landscape condition and evaluation of competition with or predation by non-native the ecological integrity of that condition. species (Pimentel et al. 2000). Human activities that disturb native plant Data and Analytical Requirements communities and that alter natural disturbance regimes may promote the spread Weed occurrence data are generally of weedy species. Many of the other elements available from USFS resource data sets, the of global change, such as climate change and Forest Health Monitoring Program data, and habitat fragmentation, interact with the state or county inventories. However, weed spread of invasive species to exacerbate the distribution maps and inventory data may be problems (Mooney and Hobbs 2000). completely unavailable for some areas and are
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Table 3.10. Analysis components required to address the influence of invasive species on the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4D). Scale Analysis Components • Narrative description of invasive plants occurrence, distribution, and trends over time. Ecosubregion: • General description of ecological effects of invasive species including an Section evaluation of the extent of detrimental effects. • General discussion of effects of management practices and treatments on invasive species responses. • Maps of known occurrence of invasive plants. • Acres of invasive plants, spatial distribution, and trends over time. Ecosubregion: • Risk assessment that identifies areas vulnerable to invasion and spread, National Forest modeled using physiographic attributes and disturbances known to contribute to ecosystem invasibility. • General narrative describing occurrence, risk, and potential impacts. • Summary of acres by risk category for each land type association and major Ecological Landscape: vegetation type. Discussion of physiographic variation in risk. Land Type Association • Map and narrative describing the dynamic interaction between risks associated with domestic livestock grazing and invasive plant species. • Summaries of invasive plant inventory data (known occurrences and trends). Management • Summary of acres by risk category for each major vegetation type. Identification Landscape: of geographic areas of invasive species concern. Mid-scale Planning • Map of areas of critical concern and summary of acres of contributing factors. Units • Narrative discussion of relationship between land use or management practices and areas of risk. • Invasive plant occurrence and abundance data. • Trend data on invasive species response to management activities. Stand • Measures of changes in native or desirable vegetation communities and changes in effective ground cover/bare soil due to invasive species.
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Figure 3.3a. Map showing the modeled patterns of vulnerability to invasive plant species on the Bighorn National Forest.
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Figure 3.3b. Map showing the risk of weed invasion associated with campgrounds and trails in the Bighorn National Forest.
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Figure 3.3c. Map showing the risk of weed invasion due to recent timber activities in the Bighorn National Forest
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Figure 3.3d. Map of the risk of weed invasion associated with recent large fires in the Bighorn National Forest.
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Table 3.11. Data required for the Invasive Plant Species Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4D). Spatial Extent of Current Invasive Species Condition Data Ecosystem 5 1 Description or 3 4 Data Source Attribute or Risk Model Component Resolution Stratification Unit Analysis2 Occurrence Data Forest weed inventory – point National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Forest Health Monitoring Data; FIA data; or other occurrences local agencies Other weed occurrences data Section 1:24,000 LTA Other Local, State or Federal Agencies Trend Data Section 1:24,000 LTA Forest Health Monitoring Data; FIA data; or other Local, State, or Federal Agencies Model Components Elevation Statewide 30m Section 30m statewide DEM Canopy cover National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Forest IRI data – CVU coverage Topographic position -Aspect Statewide 30m Section 30m statewide DEM
Roads and Trails National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Forest Travel Routes Data Valley bottom National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Valley Bottom Model Burns National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Large Fire History Coverage –from Forest Livestock concentration National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Use areas of high concentration from Livestock Preference Model Intensive recreation National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Trails from Forest Travel Routes Data, Campground, picnic area locations, ski area boundaries from Forest Timber harvests National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Forest Activities Database Private inholdings National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Forest boundary data, summer home location from Forest 1Current Invasive Species Condition Attribute or Risk Model Component is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Module 4E: Roads and Trails and from the Historic Range of Variation Assessment(s) relevant to the assessment The objective of Module 4E is to describe area. Table 3.13 details descriptions of the the current patterns of distribution of roads data and sources of the information. and trails in the assessment area. Module 4E displays and summarizes the relationship Relevance to Management Applications between these patterns and distribution of major vegetation types and should identify the Extensive road networks may be interaction between the risks associated with predominant features in some portions of the roads, trails, and invasive plant species. The assessment areas. There are several potential product should discuss the ecological negative ecological implications of roads, significance of these patterns, display their including serving as conduits for invasive or spatial distributions, and evaluate the undesirable species (Tysor and Worley 1992), ecological implications of the current serving as barriers to mobility of some native condition. species (Fahrig et al. 1995; Foster and Details on the content of each topic are Humphrey 1995), fragmenting interior habitat reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix (citations), increasing human access to levels A). Table 3.12 illustrates the analysis needed that may have negative species effects (Lyon to provide a comprehensive description of the 1983; Van Dyke et al. 1986; Mech 1989; Bordy current patterns of road and trail distribution and Pelton 1989; McClellan and Shackleton and an evaluation of the magnitude of 1988), and increasing the sedimentation influence to each vegetation type in the effects of surface erosion and landsliding assessment area. (citations). Assessing ecological condition for biodiversity or ecosystem sustainability Data and Analytical Requirements concerns must include a description and evaluation of the current status of road miles, Data to complete Module 4E are largely density, and road-edge effects. Other human available in the Rocky Mountain Region’s IRI developments may have consequences similar data or other resource data sets, from other to the effects of roads and must also be agencies or entities, from published literature, considered in the assessment.
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Table 3.12. Analysis components required to address the relationship between roads and trails and the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4E). Scale Analysis Components • Map of roads in the assessment area. Ecosubregion: Section • Summary of proportional impact of roads and development on GAP landcover vegetation types. • Map of forest roads and trails, by class of use. • Map of buffered roads to reflect a gradient of road impact. Ecosubregion: Summary of proportional impact of roads and trails on CVU vegetation types. National Forest • • Proportion of major vegetation types at a given distance from roads and trails and buffered roads. • Road and trail densities, summarized over all vegetation types and within Ecological vegetation types. Landscape: Land Type Association • Proportion of major vegetation types at a given distance from roads and trails and buffered roads. Management • Road and trail densities, summarized over all vegetation types and within Landscape: vegetation types. Mid-scale Planning • Proportion of major vegetation types at a given distance from roads and buffered Units roads. Stand • N/A at the landscape level.
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Table 3.13. Data required for the Roads and Trails Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4E).
Spatial Extent of 5 1 Data Ecosystem Data Source Roads and Trails Description or 3 4 Resolution Stratification Unit Analysis2 Roads of the assessment area Section 1:100,000 National Forest TIGER Roads Database Roads and trails of the Forest National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Travel Routes Database Forest/Watersheds Interface with Vegetation GAP land cover Section 1:500,000 Vegetation Type GAP land cover data – State GAP Programs – www.gap.uidaho.edu Forest-wide vegetation cover National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI-CVU data
1Roads is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Module 4F: Recreation and Exurban and from the Historic Range of Variation Development Patterns Assessment(s) relevant to the assessment area. Table 3.15 details descriptions of the The objective of Module 4F is to describe data and sources of the information. the current patterns of distribution of recreation and exurban development features Relevance to Management Applications in the assessment area. Module 4F summarizes the relationship between these Recreation and exurban development may patterns and distribution of major vegetation be the predominant features in some portions types. Identification of the interaction of the assessment areas. There are several between risks associated with recreation, potential negative ecological implications of exurban development and invasive plant recreation and exurban development that are species should be evaluated. The product similar to roads and include: serving as should also discuss the ecological significance conduits for invasive or undesirable species of these patterns, display their spatial (Tysor and Worley 1992), serving as barriers distributions, and evaluate the ecological to mobility of some native species (Fahrig et implications of the current condition. al. 1995; Foster and Humphrey 1995), Details on the content of each topic are fragmenting interior habitat (citations), reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix increasing human access to levels that may A). Table 3.14 illustrates the analysis needed have negative species effects (Lyon 1983; Van to provide a comprehensive description of the Dyke et al. 1986; Mech 1989; Bordy and current landscape condition and evaluation of Pelton 1989; McClellan and Shackleton 1988), the ecological integrity of that condition. and increasing the sedimentation effects of surface erosion and landsliding (citations). Data and Analytical Requirements Assessing ecological condition for biodiversity or ecosystem sustainability concerns must Data to complete Module 4F are largely include a description and evaluation of the available in the Rocky Mountain Region’s IRI current status of recreation and exurban data or other resource data sets, from other development areal coverage, density, and edge agencies or entities, from published literature, effects.
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Table 3.14. Analysis components required to address the relationship between recreation and exurban development patterns and the ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 4F). Scale Analysis Components • Map(s) of recreation and exurban development features (including residential and commercial development, developed recreation sites such as ski areas, utility Ecosubregion: corridors, and other infrastructure) in the assessment area. Section • Summary of proportional impact of recreation and development on GAP landcover vegetation types. • Map of forest recreation and exurban development. Ecosubregion: National Forest • Summary of proportional impact of recreation and development on CVU vegetation types. Ecological • Summary of proportional impact of recreation and exurban development on major Landscape: Land vegetation types. Type Association Management • Summary of proportional impact of recreation and exurban development on major Landscape: vegetation types. Mid-scale Planning Units Stand • N/A at the landscape level.
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Table 3.15. Data required for the Recreation and Exurban Development Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 4F).
Spatial Extent of 5 1 Data Ecosystem Data Source Development Attribute Description or 3 4 Resolution Stratification Unit Analysis2 Housing or commercial developments Section 1:24,000 National Forest datasets or data from other local Forest/Watersheds agencies Ski areas National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest datasets or data from other local Forest/Watersheds agencies Developed recreation sites Section 1:24,000 National Forest datasets or data from other local Forest/Watersheds agencies Utility corridors Section 1:24,000 National Forest datasets or data from other local Forest/Watersheds agencies Interface with Vegetation GAP land cover Section 1:500,000 Vegetation Type GAP land cover data – State GAP Programs – www.gap.uidaho.edu Forest-wide vegetation cover National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI-CVU data
1Development Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Module 4G: Minerals, Oil, and Gas Module 5A: Forest and Woodland Exploration and Extraction Data and tools are available for The objective of Module 4G is to describe quantitative descriptions of forested landscape the current patterns of the distribution of pattern. The following topics should be mineral, oil, and gas extraction in the covered in Module 5A: assessment area. Evaluation of the relative impacts of these patterns to each of the (1) Current ecoregional and eco-subregional vegetation types in the assessment area is patterns of forest and woodland discussed. Both historic and current locations distribution. and the key industrials and ecological (2) The relative abundance or rarity of forests integrity concerns are evaluated. Details on and woodlands at different scales and the the content of each topic are in the assessment importance of the National Forest lands in outline (Appendix A). providing for these habitats. (3) Patterns of distribution of forest and Landscape Patterns woodland cover types and habitat structural stages among various land ownerships and land use allocations. The objective of this component is to (4) Expected ranges in variability of the describe key features of the spatial pattern of amount of each habitat structural stage of landscapes of the assessment area. The dominant cover types under historic narrative associated with this section should disturbance regimes. include a discussion of the dynamic nature of (5) Current descriptions of landscape pattern and the probable ecological structure patterns (of cover types and implications of varying patterns. To the stand development stage) and expected extent that information on historic landscape variation in these patterns under historic patterns is available, the companion HRV disturbance regimes and varying Assessment may address them and can be silviculture scenarios. used as a context for evaluating the departure from conditions expected under historic Details on the content of each topic are disturbance regimes. In most cases, reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix information on historic landscape patterns is A). Table 3.16 illustrates the analysis needed not available but can be developed. Due to to provide a comprehensive description of the differing availability of data for landscape current forest and woodland landscape pattern analyses this component of the condition and evaluation of the ecological assessment is divided into two modules: integrity of that condition.
A. Forest and Woodland B. Grassland and Shrubland
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Table 3.16. Analysis components required to address the influence of forested landscape patterns on ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 5A). Scale Analysis Components • Narrative description and tabular summaries reflecting the abundance (or rareness) of the dominant forest and woodland vegetation types of the Section Ecosubregion: relative to the rest of the Province. Section • Summaries of the importance of the dominant forest and woodland vegetation types by ownership and land use allocation within the Section. • Narrative description and tabular summaries reflecting the abundance (or rareness) of the dominant forest and woodland vegetation types of the Forest relative to the rest of the Section. • Brief narrative description of the role the forest appears to play within the ecoregion and ecosubregion in providing woodland and forest vegetation types. • Map reflecting habitat structural stage distribution over all forest types within the National Forest. • Summaries of total acres within each habitat structural stage over all forest types Ecosubregion: within the National Forest. National Forest • Summaries of relative proportions of each habitat structural stage over all forest types within the National Forest. • Summaries reflecting relative importance of each habitat structural stage by each dominant forest type within the National Forest. • Estimated expected range of variability in forest and woodland landscape structure, measured as ranges in amount of each structural or successional stage, under historic disturbance regimes. • Summaries reflecting distribution of habitat structural stages, for each dominant forest and woodland type, among land use allocations. • Map and narrative description reflecting known distributions of existing and recruitment old-growth or older forests. Summary of relative proportions of old- growth (or old) acres and total acres for each forest type. Ecological Landscape: • Current descriptions of landscape structure patterns1 with and without the Land Type Association influence of roads. • Expected ranges of variation in landscape structure and wildlife habitat patterns under varying natural disturbance regimes and logging scenarios (RMLANDS model output). • Map and narrative description reflecting known distributions of existing and recruitment old-growth or older forests. Summary of relative proportions of old- growth (or old) acres and total acres for each forest type. Management • Current descriptions of landscape structure patterns1 with and without the Landscape: Mid-scale influence of roads. Planning Units • Expected ranges of variation in landscape structure and wildlife habitat patterns under varying natural disturbance regimes and logging scenarios (RMLANDS model output). Stand • N/A for landscape patterns. 1 There are five major spatial components to habitat loss and fragmentation: (1) habitat extent, (2) habitat subdivision, (3) patch geometry, (4) habitat isolation, and (5) habitat connectedness. Landscape structure patterns should be measured to reflect these components and can be quantified using a variety of metrics and tools. Recommendations are discussed in the appendix.
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Data and Analytical Requirements in Appendix G. Current conditions of landscape structure can be quantified using The data required for Module 5A are Fragstats (McGarigal citation). Suggested largely available in the Rocky Mountain approaches and metrics are addressed in a Region’s IRI database or other resource data draft manuscript under development and sets, from other agencies or entities, from available for internal use (McGarigal et al. published literature, and from the Historic date). Range of Variation Assessment(s) relevant to the assessment area. Table 3.17 details Relevance to Management Application descriptions of the data and sources of the information. Landscape ecological studies have A qualitative estimate of expected ranges revealed several insights into the of variability in forest and woodland relationships among organisms, ecosystem landscape structure, measured as ranges in processes, and spatial pattern (Turner et al. amount of each structural or successional 2002). The results of Module 5A will assist in stage under historic disturbance regimes, can understanding expected ranges of landscape be developed using published literature and pattern and will identify elements of local knowledge (Table 3.18). Assumptions landscape pattern that indicate ecological about the influences of climatic scenarios on integrity, sustainability, or conservation fire should be incorporated into these concerns. For example, the analysis may estimates. A detailed description of the reveal specific concerns about the amounts approach applied in the Bighorn National and spatial distributions of important Forest Assessment is in Appendix F. habitats. Forest fragmentation concerns may Expected ranges of variation in landscape be highlighted or the analyses may reveal no structure and wildlife habitat patterns under concerns due to fragmentation. Results may varying natural disturbance regimes and indicate the influence of landscape condition logging scenarios can be modeled using on the potential spread of disturbance or the RMLANDS, a tool being developed for movement of materials that might be of application in Region 2 using IRI data (Fig. ecological concern. The results may be useful 3.4). More information on RMLANDS in designing landscape prescription templates. application and status of model availability is
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Table 3.17. Data required for the Forested and Woodland Landscape Pattern Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 5A). Spatial Extent of Forest and Woodland Landscape Data Ecosystem Description or Pattern Attribute1 Resolution3 Stratification Unit4 Data Source5 Analysis2 Ecoregional and subregional patterns Map of dominant forest and Section 1:500,000 Vegetation Type GAP Vegetation Data – State GAP Programs – woodland types - ecoregion www.gap.uidaho.edu Map of dominant forest and Section 1:500,000 Vegetation Type GAP Vegetation Data – State GAP Programs – woodland types – ecosubregion www.gap.uidaho.edu Map of dominant forest and National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data woodland types – Forest Vegetation type by land ownership Section 1:500,000 Vegetation Type; GAP Vegetation Data Watershed GAP Land Ownership Data; State GAP Programs – www.gap.uidaho.edu Vegetation type by land use National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type; Forest IRI – CVU data allocation Watershed Forest Management Area data HSS distribution, by vegetation type National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type; Forest IRI – CVU data and over all vegetation types Watershed Timber harvesting influences Maps reflecting spatial and temporal National Forest 1:24,000 LTA; Vegetation Type Timber Activities database pattern of clearcuts Temporal patterns in silvicultural National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Timber Activities database practices by vegetation type Proportion of each vegetation type National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data, Timber Activities database permanently excluded from logging Landscape structure patterns
Existing old-growth or older forest National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data, Old Growth Inventories, Old distributions Growth Score Cards Recruitment old-growth or older National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data forest distributions Existing landscape structure patterns National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data Variation in landscape structure National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest IRI – CVU data, Timber Activities database, patterns due to natural disturbance and logging
1Forest and Woodland Landscape Pattern Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Table 3.18. Estimated range of natural variability in landscape structure on the Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming, prior to 1900. Estimates are for a 100,000 ha subalpine landscape on granitic substrates dominated by lodgepole pine and spruce-fir forests. Structural Stage on the Percentage of the Bighorn National Forest Maximum/minimum % of Maximum/minimum % of the subalpine (note the suggested the landscape for several landscape towards the ends landscape during cross-classification and decades after “extreme” of very long fire-free periods “ordinary” climatic apparent overlaps in fire events 2 3 conditions 1 structural stages) Grass/Forb 5 – 15% 50% maximum 3% minimum Shrub/Seedling 5 – 15% 50% maximum 3% minimum Sapling/Pole 5 – 45% 50% maximum 3% minimum (<40% crown cover) Sapling/Pole 15 – 45% 50% maximum 5% minimum (40-70% crown cover) Sapling/Pole 15 – 45% 50% maximum 5% minimum (>40% crown cover) Trees >9” DBH (<40% N/A N/A N/A crown cover) 4 Trees >9” DBH 15 – 50% 15% minimum 50% maximum (40-70% crown cover) Trees >9” DBH (>40% 15 – 50% 15% minimum 50% maximum crown cover) Old Growth/older forests 15 – 30% 15% minimum 40% maximum 1“Ordinary” climatic conditions are those that prevail most of the time. In Yellowstone National Park (YNP), “ordinary” conditions prevailed throughout the twentieth century -- except in 1988. 2“Extreme” fire events are exemplified by the 1988 Yellowstone fires or by the extensive fires that occurred in YNP in the early 1700s and 1860s). 3Very long fire-free periods occur naturally high-elevation Rocky Mountain forest systems, e.g., from the late 1700s – mid 1800s in YNP, and from the late 1700s – early 1800s in Colorado. “Fire-free” in this context refers only to the absence of large fires. Fires still are ignited every year, but never grow to large size, probably because of wet weather conditions. 4This type probably is controlled by edaphic conditions rather than disturbance, and occupies a more or less constant proportion of the landscape over time.
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Figure 3.4. Landscape Dynamics Simulation Model showing the preliminary results of the fire module for landscape structure dynamics.
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Module 5B: Grassland and Data and Analytical Requirements Shrubland The data required to develop Module 5B The objective of Module 5B is to describe are largely available in the Rocky Mountain key features of grassland and shrubland Region’s IRI data or other resource data sets, spatial patterns on the landscapes. This from other agencies or entities, from published module should also identify the effects of land literature, and from the Historic Range of uses and management activities on landscape Variation Assessment(s) relevant to the pattern. Due to lack of data availability, assessment area. Table 3.20 details Livestock Preference and Rangeland descriptions of the data and sources of the Resilience Models were developed to describe information. existing rangeland pattern and condition. The Patterns of livestock use are approximated dynamic nature of pattern and the probable by considering allotment-stocking rates ecological implications of varying patterns coupled with the application of the Livestock should be discussed in this module. Preference Model described in Appendix H Identification and mapping the ecological (Fig. 3.5). This model results in maps and risks associated with disturbance risk (e.g., summary descriptions of areas where vulnerability to invasive plant species, areas livestock are expected to concentrate based on of special significance, etc.) should also be preference patterns and is specific to either done. Details on the specific content of cattle or sheep. Spatial variation in Module 5B are listed below. The complete susceptibility to negative impacts of livestock assessment outline is in Appendix A. grazing is approximated using the Rangeland Resilience Model (Appendix H) (Fig. 3.6). (1) Current patterns of grassland and Output from this model reflects a gradient of shrubland distribution at different scales. resilience to livestock grazing impacts based (2) Current grassland and shrubland on physiographic attributes. A combination of landscape condition. output from the two models delineates areas (3) Proportion of major grassland and of potential concern due to livestock grazing. shrubland vegetation types permanently protected from livestock grazing. Relevance to Management Application (4) Dynamics of the forest and woodland/grassland and shrubland Module 5B is focused on identifying areas ecotone. with probable or potential ecological integrity or sustainability concerns. This information Table 3.19 illustrates the analysis needed may aid in prioritizing areas in need of to provide a comprehensive description of the ecological restoration and it may assist in current grassland and shrubland landscape designing management approaches that are condition and evaluation of the ecological most consistent with ecological constraints. integrity of that condition. The results may have particularly important applications in identifying opportunities for compatibility among ecological restoration and resource utilization goals.
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Table 3.19. Analysis components required to describe the grassland and shrubland landscape condition in the assessment area (Module 5B). Scale Analysis Components • Map reflecting the geographic position of the forest within the larger Province area. Ecoregion: Province • Describe the abundance (or rareness) of the dominant vegetation types on the forest relative to the rest of the Province. • Map reflecting the geographic position of the forest within the larger Section area. Show broad elevation bands within the Section for a relief context. • Brief narrative description of the role the forest appears to play within the Section (is it isolated or part of contiguous habitat?) Describe whether the forest contains a Ecosubregion: disproportionate amount of higher elevational vegetation communities. Section • Provide a summary of land ownership and land-use allocation for the Section. Describe the patterns that emerge and their significance (if any). • Describe the GAP vegetation type pattern for the Section. Relate this pattern to the land ownership pattern and discuss significance. • Describe the major cultural and biological influences on the forest’s landscapes. Ecosubregion: • Describe historical conditions and contrast them with current conditions (e.g., National Forest human influences on: a) fire regime, b) domestic livestock numbers, and c) wildlife numbers and any species extirpations). • Map and describe domestic livestock preference (e.g., areas where livestock tend to concentrate). • Map and describe rangeland resilience in order to understand which areas are more Ecological Landscape: likely to be susceptible to domestic livestock impacts. Land Type Association • Map showing the proportion of major vegetation types permanently excluded from domestic livestock use. • Map (if available) and describe the degree of woodland and shrubland expansion or decline. • Map and narrative describing domestic livestock preference (e.g., areas where Management livestock tend to concentrate). Landscape: • Map and narrative describing rangeland resilience in order to understand which Mid-scale Planning areas are more likely to be susceptible to domestic livestock impacts. Units • Map showing the proportion of major vegetation types permanently excluded from domestic livestock use. Stand • N/A for landscape patterns.
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Table 3.20. Data required for the Grassland and Shrubland Landscape Pattern Module for the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 5B). Spatial Extent of Grassland/Shrubland Pattern Description or Data Ecosystem Attribute1 Analysis2 Resolution3 Stratification Unit4 Data Source5 Current grassland and shrubland upland landscape condition Bailey’s Ecoregion publication; State GAP Importance of the Forest in the larger Ecoregion 1:500,000 Vegetation Type Programs – www.gap.uidaho.edu; State Heritage ecoregional landscape. Program data – www.natureserve.org Land ownership and land-use State GAP Programs – www.gap.uidaho.edu Section 1:500,000 Vegetation Type allocation summary for the Section. Cultural and biological influences on these landscapes with an emphasis on livestock grazing 1:500,000 Published literature; Forest records; State wildlife Historical to present day perspective Section and Section through records; IRI-CVU data, allotment data, fire model, (e.g., fire, grazing, wildlife). Subsection 1:24,000 fire data Forest range allotment data; IRI-CVU data, PNV Changes in pattern of seral conditions National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Model (CVU, DEM, GAP) Livestock Preference and Rangeland Resilience – A Modeling Approach Published literature; Forest range Livestock Preference Model National Forest 1:24,000 LTA allotment/inventory data; IRI-CVU data; soil survey. Valley bottom model Published literature; Forest range Rangeland Resilience Model National Forest 1:24,000 LTA allotment/inventory data; IRI-CVU data; soil survey. Proportion of major vegetation types Current Forest Land and Resource Management National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type permanently excluded from livestock Plan; IRI-CVU data; Forest allotment map. Ecotones National Forest 1:24,000 Vegetation Type Forest range allotment data; IRI-CVU data 1Grassland / Shrubland Pattern Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Figure 3.5. Map of the Livestock Preference Ratings for cattle on the Bighorn National Forest (source BNF resource data).
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Figure 3.6. Map of the Rangeland Resilience on the Bighorn National Forest (source: BNF resource data).
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Areas of Special Biodiversity Conservancy Ecoregional Plans [insert Significance citation]. Table 3.22 details descriptions of the data and sources of the information. The objective of this module is to describe plant communities of special concern or other Relevance to Management Applications unique or imperiled features or habitats of biodiversity significance within the The identification of areas of special assessment area. In addition, Module 6 biodiversity significance may contribute to a identifies high quality areas or examples of total, whole-landscape approach to ecological more commonly occurring vegetation types. and species conservation planning (TNC Module 6 products discuss the ecological citation, Groves et al. citation). A place-based significance of these special places, display approach is consistent with island their spatial distributions, identify biogeography theory, once the prevailing anthropogenic influences or risk factors, and paradigm guiding the design of conservation evaluate the ecological implications of the reserves (McArthur references). With current condition. The following topics are contemporary ecological theory (e.g., addressed: metapopulation theory, Levins references), we are aware of the need for more complex (1) Plant communities of special concern. approaches to ensure conservation. However, (2) Unique habitat features (e.g., caves, cliffs, these early ideas remain important in talus). conservation planning. More recently, Hunter (3) Conservation sites (citations) has proposed that the protection of (4) Existing and potential Research Natural areas representing characteristic ecosystems Areas. and processes may ensure the protection of (5) Other areas as relevant within the biodiversity (e.g., Hunter’s coarse-filter assessment area (e.g., roadless areas, approach). These areas might be similar to wilderness, wildlife corridors, etc.). reference landscapes. The Module 6 analysis may be helpful in contributing to an Details on the content of each topic are understanding of what components should be reflected in the assessment outline (Appendix encompassed in reference landscapes or they A). Table 3.21 illustrates the analysis needed may actually serve as reference landscapes. to provide a comprehensive description of the Potential Research Natural Areas or Special current landscape condition with respect to Interest Areas may be evaluated through this these areas of special significance. analysis. Module 6 should contribute to information needed to meet two specific Data and Analytical Requirements principles of land use planning for conservation (Duerksen et al. 1997): 1) it may Data to complete Module 6 are largely contribute to an identification of habitats available from USFS resource data sets, other known to constrain the distribution and agency resource data sets, Research Natural abundance of species, and 2) it may provide Area Ecological Evaluations, State Heritage information necessary to contribute to the Program data inventory and abstract data regional persistence of rare species by (Welp et al. 2000), and The Nature protecting some of their habitat locally.
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Table 3.21. Analysis components required to address the relationship between special or unique areas and ecological condition of the terrestrial ecosystem (Module 6). Scale Analysis Components • Narrative description of unique or rarely occurring vegetation types or Ecosubregion: landscape features expected in the assessment area. Section • Narrative description of vegetation types, landscape features, or other ecological components that may highly imperiled. • Narrative descriptions and distribution maps of plant communities of Ecosubregion: special concern. National Forest • Narrative descriptions and maps of existing and potential Research Natural Areas. • Narrative descriptions and maps of caves, cliffs, and talus features. • Narrative descriptions and maps of existing and potential Research Ecological Landscape: Natural Areas. Land Type Association • Narrative descriptions and maps of high quality examples of representative, commonly occurring vegetation types. • Narrative descriptions and maps of Heritage program Biological Management Landscape: Areas or Conservation Sites or TNC Ecoregional Planning Portfolio Mid-scale Planning Units sites. • Occurrences of species of concern. • Occurrences and community composition of unique or imperiled plant Stand communities. • Occurrences and community composition, structure of high quality representative plant communities.
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Table 3.22. Data required for the Special Areas Module of the Current Landscape Condition Assessment (Module 6). Spatial Extent of 1 Data Ecosystem 5 Unique or Special Areas Attribute Description or 3 4 Data Source Resolution Stratification Unit Analysis2 Plant Communities List and description of plant National Forest 1:100,00 LTA Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, communities of special concern Colorado Natural Diversity Database Program, other State Heritage Programs – www.natureserve.org Map of plant communities of special National Forest 1:100,000 LTA Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, concern Colorado Natural Diversity Database Program, other State Heritage Programs – www.natureserve.org Unique Landscape Features Caves, cliffs, talus Section 1:24,000 LTA Forest data; Cliffs can be estimated using DEM – Slope data Research Natural Areas Existing RNAs National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Forest management areas coverage Potential RNAs National Forest 1:24,000 National Forest Forest potential RNA coverage; Potential RNA ecological evaluations Conservation Sites Heritage Program Biological Areas National Forest 1:100,000 LTA Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Colorado Natural Diversity Database Program, other State Heritage Programs – www.natureserve.org
1Unique or Special Areas Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Synthesis Defining Ecological Integrity (file to be inserted) The objective of Chapter VII is to develop a synthetic understanding of the ecological Mapping Ecological Integrity condition of the assessment area and to summarize critical information gaps and data Areas of High Ecological Integrity needs. First, the key findings of the assessment are summarized and, where Details for generating ecological integrity applicable and possible given available maps are described in Appendix I. We information, the ecological implications are consider a particular location on the discussed. Second, the assessment area assessment area to have high ecological landscape is characterized by rankings of integrity if it is characterized by six or seven “ecological integrity” by mapping areas of the nine high-integrity indicators listed considered to have high ecological integrity as above. Similarly, we consider a particular well as areas of concern. Third, areas where location on the assessment area to have current conditions or activities or the intensity moderately high ecological integrity if it is of activities may threaten future ecological characterized by four or five of the nine high- integrity are noted. Fourth, places that may integrity indicators. This is a conservative serve as reference areas for developing approach in terms of allowing for the absence ecological restoration approaches and of as many as three of the high integrity monitoring are identified. Finally, key indicators while still being mapped as high information gaps and data needs that might integrity (e.g., as many as three activities or contribute to better addressing the original characteristics that suggest ecological assessment questions and assist managers in integrity concerns can be present in an area decision-making are identified. mapped as high integrity). An example of The analytical components required to ecological integrity mapping is shown for the accomplish the synthesis are highlighted in Bighorn Nation Forest (Fig. 3.7). To evaluate Table 3.23. how the landscape is patterned with respect to Key assessment findings are summarized the ecological integrity rankings, summaries in narrative form by major management should be prepared by mid-scale analysis issues or land use categories of the units. By using mid-scale planning units (e.g., assessment area such as: Forest Plan Watershed Units on the Bighorn National Forest), variation among broad • Forest and Woodland Vegetation management units is described (Fig. 3.8) and Management the proportion of these areas in high integrity • Grassland and Shrubland Vegetation condition can be highlighted (Table 3.24). In Management addition, overlays of high integrity with • Recreation, Exurban Development, and features of interest such as Heritage Program Roads/Trails Conservation Sites (Fig. 3.9) or potential • Minerals, Oil, and Gas Development RNAs (Table 3.25) should be developed.
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Table 3.23. Analysis components required for the development of a synthetic understanding of ecological integrity and ecological sustainability concerns of the assessment area (Chapter VII). Scale Analysis Components Ecosubregion: • Summary of key findings for the section and the role of the Forest Section • Summary of ecological integrity and sustainability issues within the section • Summarize key findings from Chapters 1 - 6 • Identify and summarize key issues of ecological integrity and sustainability on the Forest Ecosubregion: National Forest • Identify spatially areas of ecological integrity concerns on the forest and summarize findings • Identify spatially areas of high ecological integrity on the forest and summarize findings Ecological Landscape: • Maps and summaries of ecological concerns within the Forest Land Type Association • Maps and summaries of high ecological integrity areas within the Forest Management • Maps and summaries of ecological concerns within the Forest Landscape: Mid-scale • Maps and summaries of high ecological integrity areas within the Forest Planning Units Stand • N/A for synthesis
Table 3.24. Area of each forest plan watershed unit having high- and moderately high ecological integrity. Proportion of each unit is shown in parentheses.
Acres having 6-7 Acres having 4-5 FPWS Total components components
Clear/Crazy Woman Creek 57,947 (37.2) 88,992 (57.1) 146,940 (94.3) Devil’s Canyon 18,073 (29.6) 39,898 (65.3) 59,771 (94.9) Goose Creek 66,194 (56.6) 46,768 (40.0) 112,962 (96.6) Little Bighorn 30,476 (21.5) 101,627 (71.8) 132,103 (93.3) Paintrock Creek 48,828 (45.2) 55,453 (51.4) 104,281 (96.6) Piney/Rock Creek 69,659 (63.2) 40,579 (36.8) 110,238 (100.0) Shell Creek 57,571 (41.1) 77,033 (55.0) 134,604 (96.1) Tensleep Creek 48,058 (47.5) 40,635 (40.2) 88,693 (87.9) Tongue River 51,585 (29.1) 108,931 (61.5) 160,515 (90.6)
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Figure 3.7. Areas of high ecological integrity on the Bighorn National Forest. Cooler colors represent areas having more components of high ecological integrity.
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Figure 3.8. Areas of high ecological integrity by Forest Plan Watershed Units (e.g., a mid-scale planning unit) on the Bighorn National Forest. Cooler colors represent areas having more components of high ecological integrity.
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Figure 3.9. Areas of high ecological integrity by Wyoming Natural Diversity Database conservation sites on the Bighorn National Forest. Cooler colors represent areas having more components of high ecological integrity.
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Table 3.25. Area of each potential natural research area on the Bighorn National Forest having high- and moderately high ecological integrity. Proportion of each site is shown in parentheses.
Acres having 6-7 Acres having 4-5 Potential RNA Total components components
Crazy Woman Creek 374 (23.5) 1,214 (76.4) 1,588 (99.9) Devil’s Canyon 4,249 (51.3) 4,037 (48.7) 8,287 (100) Dry Creek 1,355 (11.9) 8,605 (75.3) 9,960 (87.2) Elephant Head 5,161 (54.0) 4,390 (46.0) 9,551 (100) Lake McClain 9,274 (97.3) 259 (2.7) 9,533 (100) Mann Creek 5,929 (51.9) 5,294 (46.4) 11,223 (98.3) Petes Hole 1,682 (59.2) 1,160 (40.8) 2,842 (100) Pheasant Creek 7,460 (79.3) 1,944 (20.7) 9,403 (100) Poison Creek 1,684 (72.3) 645 (27.7) 2329 (100) Tensleep Canyon 319 (10.2) 2,007 (64.2) 2,326 (74.4) Tongue River 446 (7.5) 4,940 (83.6) 5,386 (91.1)
Areas of Ecological Concern Mapping Reference Landscapes
Similar to our criteria for identifying high- Using the definitions of ecological integrity areas, we consider a particular integrity described above, identify reference location on the assessment area to have low landscapes on the assessment area having ecological integrity (and thus to be a potential high ecological integrity (Appendix I). These “area of concern”) if it was characterized by six large reference landscapes may be useful as a or seven of the following: high road density, baseline for management where ecological extensive silvicultural activity, a coincidence integrity is an issue. of low rangeland resilience, high preference, Reference landscapes (RLs) are chosen and high livestock stocking, high invasibility using a minimum size requirement that or occurrence of invasive species, high reflects the natural disturbance regime for departure from historical disturbance that landscape. For example, since subalpine regimes, high-impact recreation, the presence areas are dominated by large (> 100,000 of utility corridors, high levels of exurban acres/40,500 ha), infrequent disturbances development, or high levels of mineral (Romme and Despain 1989; Bessie and extraction activities. As before, we consider a Johnson 1995; Agee 1997) and montane areas particular location on the assessment area to are characterized by smaller (< 10,000 have moderately low ecological integrity if it is acres/4,050 ha), more frequent disturbances characterized by four or five of the nine low- (Cooper 1960; Veblen et al. 2000; Meyer and integrity indicators (Fig. 3.10). Maps of low Knight 2001), we define high-integrity ecological integrity rankings intersected with reference landscapes as having at least six mid-scale analysis units and particular components of high ecological integrity and as landscape features of interest should be being > 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) in area. developed as with the high-integrity analysis. Reference landscapes should be delineated to encompass the major vegetation types of the assessment area if possible (Fig. 3.11 and Table 3.26). The GIS procedures for creating reference area maps are outlined in Appendix I.
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.
Figure 3.10. Areas of concern (low ecological integrity) on the Bighorn National Forest. Warmer colors represent areas having more components of low ecological integrity.
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Figure 3.11. Vegetation cover types included within Reference Landscapes for high ecological integrity on the Bighorn National Forest.
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Table 3.26. Area (acres/ha) of major vegetation types (CVU) within reference landscapes on the Bighorn National Forest. Proportion of each vegetation type for each landscape is in parentheses. CVU Cover Type Reference Reference Reference Reference Reference Landscape 1 Landscape 2 Landscape 3 Landscape 4 Landscape 5 Bare 79,865/32,320 1,039/420 631/255 101/41 470/190 rock/soil/wood (35.9) (6.8) (6.8) (1.3) (7.2) Forb 9,666/3,912 17.7/7 538/218 101/41 0 (4.4) (< 1) (5.8) (1.3) Grass 14,551/5,889 1,361/551 476193 129/52 598/242 (6.5) (8.9) (5.1) (1.6) (9.1) Big sagebrush 0 573 570/231 174/70 28/11 (3.7) (6.1) (2.2) (< 1) Curl-leaf mtn. 0 0 656/266 2/1 0 mahogany (7.0) (< 1) Juniper 0 0 187/76 0 0 (2.0) Limber pine 0 0 265/107 142/57 9/4 (2.9) (1.8) (< 1) Douglas-fir 0 0 3,526/1427 1,714/694 1,604/649 (37.9) (21.5) (24.5) Lodgepole pine 53,748/21,751 247/100 0 112/45 0 (24.2) (1.7) (1.4) Spruce-fir 60,542/25,500 12,099/29,897 2,402/972 5,489/2,221 3,606/1,459 (27.2) (78.8) (25.8) (68.8) (55.1) Other 4,047/1,638 40.5/16 48/19 22/9 229/93 (2.2) (< 1) (1.0) (< 1) (3.5) Total Area 222,419/9,073 15,349/6,212 9,297/3,762 7,984/3,231 6,544/2,648
Identifying Information Needs gaps. The synthesis chapter presents an From the inception of the Species opportunity to highlight the highest priority Conservation Project and the early discussions information needs considering the assessment about assessment content, it was agreed that as a whole. These information needs should the identification of information gaps is one of be presented by the following categories: the most important jobs of an assessment. This is not intended to highlight shortcomings • Inventory and Assessment Needs of the Forest’s inventory programs or to • Monitoring Needs suggest that the USFS has responsibility for • Research Needs filling all of the information needs. There is no intent to place an unrealistic inventory Data and Analytical Requirements burden on the unit producing an assessment. Understanding information gaps is necessary, The data required to prepare the though, to provide a context for the quality of Synthesis (Chapter VII of the assessment) are the assessment and the strength of generally available from USFS resource data assessment interpretations. It is also sets and the analytical products of the earlier necessary for highlighting information CLC Assessment components. The data priorities for progressing in meeting species required are detailed in Table 3.27 and in conservation and ecological sustainability Appendix A. objectives. . With each chapter or module report, there should be an identification of information
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Table 3.27. Data required for the synthesis chapter of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Assessment (Chapter VII) Spatial Extent of Description or Data Ecosystem Landscape Attribute1 Analysis2 Resolution3 Stratification Unit4 Data Source5 Areas of Ecological Concern Road density National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4E Timber harvesting National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4B Campgrounds, ski areas, summer National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4F homes, resorts, cow camps High stocking, high preference, and National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4C low resilience High invasibility, high stocking, and National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4D high preference High hazard, low resilience, high National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4C preference, high stocking Condition class 3 National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4A Areas of High Ecological Integrity Road Density National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4E Campgrounds, ski areas, summer National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4F homes, resorts, cow camps Weed point and polygon coverages National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4D Bighorn allotments National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4C Condition classes 0 and 1 National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4A Utility coverage National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4F Timber harvesting National Forest 1:24,000 LTA Chapter 4, Module 4B
1Landscape Attribute is the specific map layer or piece of data required to assess the different topics. 2Spatial Extent of Description or Analysis is the geographic extent used in the assessment, which defines the overall area encompassed in the assessment. 3Data Resolution is the “grain” of the data. Grain refers to the size of the individual units of observation that are necessary to observe the process or characteristics of interest (Wien 1989). Grain is often reflected in the mapping scale, the minimum mapping unit, or some descriptive feature of the system. 4Ecosystem Stratification Unit defines the geographic units used for data summarization in the assessment. 5Data Source gives suggestions or references that can be used to find more information related to the assessment.
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Chapter 4 Criteria for Project Management and Product Delivery
Selecting Cooperators and • Bureau of Land Management Partners • US Geological Survey – Biological Resources Division The Species Conservation Project is • US Fish and Wildlife Service producing state-of-the-art and current • National Park Service scientific documents intended to provide a • The Nature Conservancy foundation for increasing the quality, • State Agencies efficiency, and consistency of resource • Local Agencies management in Region 2. Meeting these goals requires collaboration with scientists who are Document and Product Format demonstrated experts in the ecology of the ecosystems under investigation. Selection of Review documents should be in text font cooperators should heavily emphasize the Century Schoolbook, 12 cpi and should be experience the ecologist has and the degree to double spaced, full page, and left justified. All which peers recognize the ecologist as a margins should be 1 inch. leading expert. The following are factors to The standardized final document format consider in selecting cooperators: to be used in the assessments is the following:
(1) Demonstrated expertise with the relevant (1) The document text should be in Century ecosystems and topics (based on the record Schoolbook font size 10. of publication or some other form of formal (2) All margins should be 1 inch. communication). (3) The page layout should consist of two (2) Demonstrated credentials as an ecologist equal columns of text that are fully or other scientist from a relevant justified. discipline (based on academic degree, (4) Chapter headings should be Century record of communicating in the science, Schoolbook font size 14 bold, Section professional rank, and current headings should be Century Schoolbook professional involvement in the font size 12 and 11 bold. discipline). (5) The assessment should include a table of (3) Demonstrated knowledge of the ecology of contents that includes entries for the first the Rocky Mountain Region. two heading levels. (4) Demonstrated ability to cooperate with land management agencies. Documents should be sent to the (5) Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. writer/editor complete with associated tables (6) Demonstrated ability to provide an and maps. The role of the writer/editor is to unbiased perspective. compile the documents, merge writing styles, (7) Demonstrated ability to provide an ensure consistent formatting, etc. In addition, objective synthesis of data and literature, the writer/editor is responsible for improving and to identify information gaps and the writing style, ensuring technically correct uncertainty. writing, and enhancing the readability of the documents. The writing/editing tasks may In addition to scientific partners, the require more than one individual to assessment team may engage other agencies accomplish the spectrum of work. All that may have a management interest in the products must be compatible with Microsoft assessment area or that may have data or Office 2000 software. All geospatial datasets other information relevant to the assessment. must be compatible with ArcView 3.xx. This Key partners may include: is to ensure compatibility between users. When complete, assessments should be
3/21/2005 103 Working Version 1.0 converted to Adobe PDF format. PDF documents are very user-friendly and much (1) Show only the layers needed to express easier to search through than Microsoft Word the purpose of the map. For example, do documents. not show subsection lines unless The final assessment should be produced specifically needed. in hard copy and electronic copy. Electronic (2) Do not include titles on the figures. Put copies allow for easy and fast distribution. this information into a figure caption. If Supporting data, such as geospatial data, needed, create a text file with the same should be distributed along with the electronic name as the figure that can then be easily copies of the assessment, if feasible. inserted as a caption into any document. (3) Always shade background layers in the Data Selection and Management same color. For example, for section M331B we suggest pale yellow and for the The best (e.g., highest quality, appropriate Forest, pale green. resolution, accuracy assessed, etc.) spatial (4) Keep colors consistent for the same data available to produce a continuous attributes or concepts. For example, areas coverage of the assessment area should be of high fire hazard, high insect risk, or selected. While all data formats accepted by high weed risk should all be the same ArcGIS and ArcView are suitable, coverages, color, e.g., red. shape files, and GRIDS are the preferred (5) Create consistent and clean legends. Do geospatial data formats to ensure not include ***.shp extensions and use the compatibility between ArcGIS and ArcView same terms and abbreviations. Keep users. legends in same position in all figures. All data sources used in ecological (6) Do not include data tables in figures. assessments must be cited and the citation (7) Keep scale and compass rose in a must be sufficient to obtain the data. If this is consistent format and in the same not possible, the dataset itself must be position. delivered with the assessment. All efforts (8) Keep all fonts in the figure consistent with should be made to meet FGDC metadata the font in the document. standards. (9) One hard copy and an electronic copy If a spatial data product is not a (both CD and ftp access) of the products straightforward mapped result of an inventory should be made available at the time of or occurrence activity, then the analytical assessment completion. procedures used should be documented and delivered, or cited, with the dataset. Modeled Peer Review and Publication datasets need to be fully documented in the assessment via written descriptions. The All assessments prepared to meet model’s internal dynamics need to be requirements of the Species Conservation captured, even if not spatially explicit. The Project should be peer reviewed. These CLC description needs to be put into a spatial assessments will be peer reviewed by a team context or refer to a parameter that can be of scientists and resource specialists managed located within areas of concern in order to by the SCP. The assessments will be web- make the model useful to other applications. published to allow for easy access and Assessments should also include specifics on revision. the model’s parameter dependencies. Data should be stored on corporate servers for security and reliable backup. Data can be copied onto personal PC hard drives or CDs for faster access during analysis. Map layouts should comply with a predetermined layout as closely as possible to ensure consistent and concise maps. The following figure standards should be met:
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Glossary abiotic: ARWA: The nonliving factors in the Aquatic, riparian, and wetland environment including climactic, geological, assessment. and geographical features that may influence AUM: ecological systems. See animal unit month. adaptive management: austral limits A type of natural resource management that The southern or southerly extent. implies making decisions as part of an on-going autochthonous: process. Monitoring the results of actions will Any indigenous animal or plant. provide a flow of information that may indicate autotrophism: the need to change a course of action. Literally, self-feeding, a method of obtaining Scientific finding and the needs of society may nutrients in which the principle carbon source also indicate the need to adapt resource is inorganic, usually carbon dioxide. Organic management to new information. materials are then synthesized using light aggradation: energy or chemical energy. In the case of The process by which a stream’s gradient chemical energy, it is derived from the steepens due to increased deposition of oxidation of an inorganic compound. sediment. Autotrophs are important ecologically as the algivorous: primary producers of organic carbon for all Feeding on algae. heterotrophic organisms. allochthonous: avulsion: Derived from outside a system, such as A separation by force. The sudden removal of a leaves of terrestrial plants that fall into a person’s land by the action of water, as by flood stream. or change in the course of a stream, without a allotment (range allotment): resulting loss of ownership. The area designated for use by a prescribed bedform: number of livestock for a prescribed period of The shape of the surface of a bed of granular time. Though an entire Ranger District may sediment produced by the flow of air or water be divided into allotments, all land will not be over the sediment. The nature of the bedform grazed, because other uses, such as recreation depends upon the flow strength and depth, and or tree plantings, may be more important at a upon sediment grain size. For fine to medium given time. sand, the typical sequence of bedforms anadromous: produced under conditions of constant depth Ascending, especially of fish that ascend rivers and increasing strength of unidirectional flow to spawn. is: no movement; ripples; sand; waves; dunes; animal unit month (AUM): and an upper-flow-regime plane bed. In coarse The quantity of dry forage required by one sand a lower-flow-regime plane bed develops mature cow (1,000 pounds or the first, then ripples, followed by sand waves, equivalent) for one month based on a forage then dunes, and an upper-flow-regime plane allowance of 26 pounds per day. bed. At higher-strength flows, the upper flow anthropogenic: regime plane bed is replaced by antidunes. An action by humans that influences species or bedload: ecosystem form, function or population Material moving on or near the stream bed by dynamics. rolling, sliding, and sometimes making brief antidunes: excursions into the flow a few diameters above Bedforms that form in fast shallow flows. the bed. aquatic ecosystem: benthos: Waters of the United States, including Animals and plants living on or within the wetlands, that serve as habitat for interrelated substrate of a water body (freshwater, and interacting communities and populations estuarine, or marine). of plants and animals. The stream channel, lake or estuary bed, water, biotic communities, and the habitat features that occur therein. areas of ecological concern: Equivalent to areas of low ecological integrity.
3/21/2005 105 Working Version 1.0 biodiversity or biological diversity: common vegetation unit (CVU): The number and abundance of species found Existing vegetation is mapped and attributed within a common environment. This includes in IRI as the Common Vegetation Unit (CVU). the variety of genes, species, ecosystems, and Individual CVU polygons are generally single the ecological processes that connect species in dominant lifeform, species everything in a common environment. composition, percent crown cover, size, vertical biogeography: structure, and crown condition. Existing Study of geographical distribution of plants vegetation is what currently exists on a site. and animals. The CVU product is a single GIS map layer biota: with associated tabular attribute data. Source: All living things existing within a given area or Bighorn National Forest Integrated Resources on the Earth. Inventory, User's Guide; May 1999. buffer: common land unit (CLU): A land area that is designated to block or An ecological unit based on the integration of absorb unwanted impacts to the area beyond geology, landform, soil, and potential natural the buffer. Buffer strips along a trail could vegetation. The CLU product is a single GIS block views that may be undesirable. Buffers map layer with associated tables, map unit may be set a side next to wildlife habitat to descriptions, taxonomic unit descriptions, and reduce abrupt change to the habitat. interpretative tables. Source: Bighorn canopy cover: National Forest Integrated Resources The percentage of ground cover by a vertical Inventory, User's Guide; May 1999. projection of the outermost perimeter of the communities of concern: natural spread of foliage of plants. Small Vegetation communities within the forest that openings within the canopy are included. The are critically imperiled (G1) or imperiled (G2) additive cover of multiple strata or species may due to extreme rarity (known from ≤5 extant exceed 100%. Source: Society of Range occurrences) or rarity (known from 6-20 Management 1989, Natural Resources occurrences) or because some factor of a Conservation Service 1997. In CVU, the cover species’ life history makes it vulnerable to percent of each lifeform (e.g., tree, shrub, forb, extinction, as identified by The Nature grass) or ground surface class (e.g., barren, Conservancy’s Natural Heritage Network. water) is weighted and summed across all the condition class: components recorded for a polygon. Source: Condition classes are a function of the degree Bighorn National Forest Integrated Resources of departure from historical fire regimes Inventory, User's Guide; May 1999 resulting in alterations of key ecosystem cascade: components such as species composition, Habitat type characterized by swift current, structural stage, stand age, and canopy exposed rocks and boulders, high gradient, and closure. One or more of the following activities considerable turbulence and surface agitation, may have caused this departure: fire exclusion, and consisting of a stepped series of drops. timber harvesting, grazing, introduction and clasts: establishment of exotic plant species, insects A rock particle or fragment. and disease (introduced or native), or other clear cut: past management activities. A timber harvest method in which all trees are conservation site: removed in a single entry from a designated Areas within the forest that contain high area, with the exception of wildlife trees or concentrations of important taxa or snags, to create an even-aged stand. representative vegetation communities CLC: identified by the Wyoming Natural Diversity Current landscape condition. Database. CLU: conservation strategies: See common land unit. Documented strategies developed to provide for coarse woody debris: the long-term sustainability of taxa and The residue left on the ground after a fire, ecosystems. Typically taxa or ecosystems that storm, timber cutting, or other event. Woody are rare of at-risk of becoming extinct in the debris includes unused logs, uprooted stumps, foreseeable future. broken or uprooted stems, branches, bark, etc.
3/21/2005 106 Working Version 1.0 cover type (forest cover type): dispersed recreation: Stands or a particular vegetation type that are Outdoor recreation in which visitors are composed of similar species. The aspen cover diffused over relatively large areas. Where type plants distinct from the pinyon-juniper facilities or developments are provided, they cover type. In CVU, the classification for trees are primarily for access and protection of the is based on the SAF (Society of American environment rather than comfort or Foresters) classification as interpreted using convenience of the user. the CVU calculations. The calculations for ecological drivers: shrublands, grasslands, and forblands are Environmental factors that exert a major based on the SRM (Society of Range influence on the fitness of individuals and Management) classification. The resulting species population size. These drivers can be classifications are broad. As much as possible, considered as comprising the physico-chemical cover type calculations are consistent with logic template of an ecosystem and the dominant used for past Forest plans in Region 2 and with expression of these drivers at a particular National standards. Calculations for cover spatial scale influences the relative success of type are based on first the lifeform and second species and thus community composition at on the species mix fields in CVU. Source: that scale. Bighorn National Forest Integrated Resources ecological integrity: Inventory, User's Guide; May 1999. Refers to an ecosystem that will function CVU: successfully and optimally under conditions See common vegetation unit. characteristic of the locale. In addition to DCA: including optimal levels of energy flow, an Detrended correspondence analysis. ecosystem of high integrity should maintain a dendrogram: balanced, adaptive community having species A diagram, similar to a family tree, that composition, biodiversity, and functional indicates some type of similarity between processes naturally characteristic of the area. different organisms. Ecological integrity also assumes an detrital: ecosystem’s ability to withstand stress or Loose natural material that results from the exhibit resilience in the face of unexpected direct disintegration of rocks or organisms, future perturbations to environmental often a mixture of the two. conditions. It is also simply the maintenance detritivorous: of the community structure and function Feeding on detritus. characteristics deemed satisfactory to society. developed recreation: The attributes of an ecosystem with integrity Recreation that requires facilities that, in turn, are inherently qualitative rather than result in concentrated use of the area. For absolute, but generally include ecosystem example, skiing requires ski lifts, parking lots, health, biodiversity, stability, sustainability, buildings, and roads. Campgrounds require naturalness, wildness, and beauty. roads, picnic tables, and toilet facilities ECOMAP: diameter class: A USDA Forest Service initiative to map Any of the intervals into which a range of tree ecological units and encourage their use in diameters may be divided for classification. ecosystem-based approaches to forestland For this assessment we used: conservation, and management; a collaborative Tree size classes - measured at dbh, woodland with many partners. It is coordinated at the species are measured at the root collar: national and regional levels by USDA Forest Established seedlings - Mostly comprised of Service staff. It is implemented in cooperation individuals 0.0 – 0.9 inches in diameter at ground with state forestry agencies and others; and level or root collar the actual maps developed under this Small - Individuals 1.0 – 4.9 inches initiative. Medium - Individuals are 5.0 – 8.9 inches Large - Individuals are 9.0 – 15.9 inches ecoregions: Very Large - Individuals are 16.0 inches and larger A general description of the ecosystem Shrub size classes: geography of the nation with areas designated Small – Shrubs are less than 2.5 feet tall as domains, divisions, and provinces. Medium – Shrubs are 2.5 – 6.4 feet tall Large – Shrubs are greater than 6.4 feet tall Unknown – Size class cannot be determined
3/21/2005 107 Working Version 1.0 ectothermic: GAP: Animals that lack an internal system for body Gap Analysis Project (GAP) integrates remote temperature regulation thus tend toward the sensing and geological information system temperature of their environment. They have (GIS) data to provide broad geographic evolved a wide array of behavioral mechanisms information on the status of ordinary species that enable them to control their temperature (those not threatened with extinction or by using environmental cooling and heating. naturally rare) and their habitats at a This situation is found in most animals other cartographic scale of 1:100,000. One product of than birds and mammals. They have been the GAP analysis used by the TEA is the land called “cold-blooded” because their body cover vegetation map, which provides temperature is often, though not always, cool consistent broad scale vegetation data on a relative to endotherms. state-wide level. endemic: geochemistry: Species restricted to a particular geographic Chemical composition of the Earth's crust. area; for aquatic species, usually limited to one geomorphic: or a few small streams or a single drainage. Pertaining to or like the form or figure of the eutrophic: earth. Geomorphology is the study of form, Condition of a lake or pond where deleterious nature, and evolution on earth’s surface. effects are caused by increased nutrients GIS: (nitrogen and phosphorous) and a decrease in Geographic Information System. oxygen. Eutrophication is a process whereby grassland and shrubland: fresh water becomes enriched in nutrients, For the Terrestrial Ecological Assessment it thus beginning the cycle of ecological includes grassland, cropland, forbland, succession. When this happens as a result of shrubland and areas dominated by rock or bare sewage or fertilizer runoff, the concentrated soil. over stimulation of algal growth results in a groundwater: bloom. When the excess dead algae are Generally all subsurface water as distinct from decomposed by aerobic bacteria at an surface water; specifically, that part of the abnormally high rate, oxygen is depleted from subsurface water in the saturated zone (a zone the water, causing aquatic animals such as fish in which all voids are filled with water) where to die of suffocation. the water is under pressure greater than evapotranspiration: atmospheric. The rate of liquid water transformation to habitat structural stage (HSS): vapor from open water, bare soil, or Habitat structural stage provides a coarse vegetation with soil beneath. filter look at habitats provided by forests. It extirpation: gives an indication of forest size and density, Extinction of a species from all or part of its which can be interpreted for wildlife habitat range. suitability. Source: Bighorn Plan Revision: exurban development: Final EIS. Dispersed, low-density areas of human heterotrophic: development and associated infrastructure; for A method of obtaining nutrients by feeding on example, campgrounds, cow camps, homes, other organisms. Heterotrophic organisms are resorts, ski areas, and utility corridors. chemotrophic, obtaining both their energy and fragmentation: carbon atoms by degrading ingested organic The splitting or isolating of patches of similar compounds. At least 95% of the organisms on habitat but including other types of habitat. earth (all animals, all fungi, and most bacteria Habitat can be fragmented naturally or from and protests) live by feeding on the chemical management activities, such as road culvert energy fixed into carbon compounds by construction. photosynthesis. fire hazard: hierarchical classification: A fuel complex defined by kind, arrangement, A classification technique in which each, more volume, condition, and location that forms a detailed level, falls within the delineation of special threat of ignition or suppression the next higher level class. Predictable and difficulty. repeatable properties of a given level in the fire regime: classification are defined by the next higher A summary description of the salient level. characteristics of fire occurrence and effects within a specified area, such as fire frequency, extent, interval season, severity and intensity.
3/21/2005 108 Working Version 1.0 historical fire regime: landtype association: Characteristic fire regime prior to significant An ecologically driven classification of land impacts of Euro-American settlers. area based on similarities in soil, climate, and historical range of variability (HRV): elevation. Spatial and temporal variation in various lentic: ecosystem characteristics when the influences An environment created by standing water for of Euro-Americans were minimal (1600-1890). instance lakes, ponds, and permanent or HUB: temporary pools. Hydrologic unit boundaries as part of the lithology: development of a National Watershed Description or study of the outermost solid Boundary Dataset that will replace HUCs. layers of the earth. HUC: livestock preference: Hydrologic unit codes. Code cataloguing the Predicts where livestock are likely to be found watershed, developed by USGS. on the landscape in relation to allotment hydroclimatology: status, slope, distance to water, and vegetation The geology of groundwater, with particular characteristics. emphasis on the chemistry and movement of lotic: water. Environments formed by running water, such hydrogeology:: as streams and rivers. The geology of groundwater, with particular LTA: emphasis on the chemistry and movement of See landtype association. water. management area: hyporheic zone: Areas within the National Forest that have The layer of stream channel substrate been allocated by the Forest Plan. Each area extending as deep as there is interstitial flow. has different resource goals and activity hypsometry: according to the Forest Service Standards and The measurement of elevation relative to sea Guidelines. level. mesotrophic: in-situ: This term is applied to clear water lakes and Literally, “in place” or in original position. ponds with beds of submerged aquatic plants integrated resource inventory (IRI): and medium levels of nutrients. IRI is a system to spatially locate, integrate, montane: and describe water, land, and vegetation data. A cool, moist ecological zone usually located The finally result is three distinct themes near the timberline and usually dominated by called the Common Water Unit (CWU), evergreen trees. Common Land Unit (CLU), and Common multiple scale assessment: Vegetation Unit (CVU). These themes are Assessments that evaluate the appropriate related to each other as the principal species and/or ecological characteristics and components of a natural landscape, and they influences at more than one appropriate scale. are a manageable project at a forest level Typically, the scales are hierarchical so Source: Bighorn National Forest Integrated reference can be made between scales. Resources Inventory, User's Guide; May 1999. natural disturbance: invasibility: Any natural event that alters the structure, The ability of invasive plants to establish and composition, or function of an ecosystem. persist in an ecosystem. NEPA: invasive plant: National Environmental Policy Act. (1) Any non-native (to ecosystem of interest) NFMA: species whose introduction does or is likely to National Forest Management Act. cause economic or environmental harm or NHD: harm to human health. (2) Plant species that National Hydrography Dataset. exhibit a tendency to spread out of control, NRIS: once introduced, often thereby producing a National Resource Information System. monoculture that discourages the growth of NWI: other plant varieties, including indigenous National Wetland Inventory. plants. IRI: See Integrated Resources Inventory.
3/21/2005 109 Working Version 1.0 old growth: sediment gives rise to an internal sedimentary A forest stand with moderate to high canopy structure of horizontal lamination. closure, a multi-layered, multi-species canopy plankton: dominated by large overstory trees, a high The assemblage of microscopic organisms, incidence of large trees with broken tops and (zooplankton), that drift passively in the other indications of dead or dying trees, surface waters of seas and fresh water. Their numerous large snags, logs, and other downed location is mainly dependent on currents and woody material on the forest floor. water clarity, as the plants require sunlight for oligotrophic: photosynthesis. The diatoms, tiny algae, and Lakes that are deficient in nutrients and small animals drift freely; larger animals swim consequently low in productivity. independently. Plankton is the basis of all overbank deposit: aquatic food-chains. Sediments (usually clay, silt, and fine sand) PNV: deposited on flood plain by river overflowing See potential natural vegetation. banks. pool: peatlands: A portion of the stream with reduced current Contain partially reduced plant or wood velocity, often with water deeper than the material, containing approximately 60 percent surrounding areas; frequently usable by fish carbon and 30 percent oxygen. An intermediate for resting and cover. Or a small body of material in process of coal formation. standing water, e.g., in a marsh or on the flood physiography: plain. Physical geography; topography description of pool-riffle: natural phenomena. The alternating sequence of deep pools and plankton: shallow riffles along the relatively straight An ecological designation for various course of a river. The distance between the microscopic aquatic organisms that drift more pools is 5-7 times the channel width. or less freely in the upper regions of a water potential natural vegetation (PNV): body. The vegetation that would become established, palustrine: if all successional sequences were completed Comes from the Latin word "palus" or marsh. without interference by man under the present Wetlands within this category include inland climatic and edaphic conditions (adapted from marshes and swamps as well as bogs, fens, Tuxen 1956 as cited in Mueller-Dombois and tundra and floodplains. Palustrine systems Ellenberg 1974). Concepts such as succession, include any inland wetland which lacks flowing site, and environmental factors are all part of water and contains ocean derived salts in potential natural vegetation. Existing concentrations of less than .05%. vegetation is simply what is there at the time patch: of sampling. PNV classifications are based on A relatively homogenous nonlinear area that existing vegetation, succession and differs from its surroundings. The term patch environmental factors (e.g., climate, geology, can specifically describe forested patches, non- soil, etc.) considered together. forest vegetation patches, rock/barren patches, pRNA: or water patches. Potential Research Natural Area (RNA). An physico-chemical: area being considered for RNA designation. Pertaining to both physical and chemical rangeland resilience: properties, changes, and reactions. The ability of the ecosystem to tolerate and plane bed: recover from livestock grazing effects. A near-horizontal surface of sand or gravel. refugia: Upper-stage plane beds are produced by the Small isolated areas where extensive changes, intense transport of sediment by high-velocity, most typically due to changing climate, have shallow flows (upper-flow-regime conditions), not occurred. Plants and animals formerly and characterized by primary current lineation characteristic of the region in general now find on the sediment surface. Lower-stage plane a refuge from the new unfavorable conditions beds are produced only in coarse sands and in these areas. An example might be a gravels by flow conditions broadly similar to mountain summit projecting above a glaciated those which generate current ripples in finer lowland region. sand. The lower-stage plane bed exhibits a regolith: series of shallow scours on the sediment The irregular blanket of loose, noncemented surface. The accumulation of plane-bedded rock particles that cover the Earth.
3/21/2005 110 Working Version 1.0 research natural area (RNA): sensitive species: A Forest Plan designated management area Plant or animal species, which are susceptible designated for the preservation of a naturally to habitat changes or impact from activities. occurring physical and biological unit where The official designation is made by the USDA natural conditions are maintained for the Forest Service at the Regional level and is not purposes of: (1) comparison with those lands part of the designation of Threatened or influenced by man; (2) provision of educational Endangered Species made by the US Fish and and research areas for ecological and Wildlife Service. environmental studies; and (3) preservation of seral: gene pools, typically rare and endangered The stage of succession of a plant or animal plants and animals. community that is transitional. If left alone, resilience: the seral stage will give way to another plant The ability of an ecosystem to maintain or animal community that represents a further diversity, integrity, and ecological processes stage of succession. following a disturbance. silivicultural system: riffle: The cultivation of forests; the result is a forest A shallow rapid where the water flows swiftly of a distinct form. Silivicultural systems are over completely or partly submerged classified according to harvest and obstructions to produce surface agitation, but regeneration methods and the type of forest standing waves are absent. that results. riparian: siliviculture: Pertaining to anything connected with or The art and science that promotes that growth immediately adjacent to the banks of a stream of single trees and the forest as a biological or other body of water. unit. riparian ecosystem: snag: The ecosystems around or next to water areas A standing dead tree. Snags are important as that support unique vegetation and animal habitat for a variety of wildlife species and communities as a result of the influence of their prey. water. socioeconomic: river continuum: Pertaining to, or signifying the combination or Gradual changes in the biological community interaction or social and economic factors. of a river as energy sources and physical species conservation project (SCP): conditions change from headwaters to Designed to incorporate terrestrial and aquatic lowlands. ecosystem assessments, species assessments, riverine system: reference models, and species conservation All wetlands and deepwater habitats contained strategies into an overall framework that will within a channel, with two exceptions: (1) ensure a thorough evaluation of species wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, viability. The assessments will serve planning persistent emergents, emergent mosses, or by providing a strong science base from which lichens; and (2) habitats with water containing to build plant alternatives without directing ocean derived salts in excess of 0.5 percent. management. The SCP is designed to provide RNA: a regionally consistent set of information to See research natural area. identify species at risk and to provide for their scale: viability. In ecosystem management, it refers to the stand: degree of resolution at which ecosystems are A group of trees that occupies a specific area observed and measured. and is similar in species composition, age, and salmonids: condition. Fish of the family Salmonidae, the chars, stand density: trouts, salmons, and whitefishes. The measure of the amount of tree vegetation section: on a unit of land area. It can be the number of A subdivision of province and part of the trees or the amount of basal area, wood National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological volume, leaf cover, or a variety of less common Units. Defined by broad areas of similar parameters. geologic origin, geomorphic process, suitable timber: stratigraphy, drainage networks, topography, Refers to areas where timber harvesting is and regional climate. allowed on a regulated and sustained basis.
3/21/2005 111 Working Version 1.0 sustainability: viable population: The ability to sustain ecological integrity over The number of individuals of a species the long term, and leave the task of evaluating sufficient to ensure the long-term existence of sustainability to the forest managers, who the species in natural, self-sustaining must do so within the context of their actions. populations that are adequately distributed sustainable: throughout their range. The yield of a natural resource that can be watershed: produced continually at a given intensity of The total area above a given point on a stream management is said to be sustainable. that contributes water to the flow at that point. taxon: Drainage basin, catchment basin, or river The members of a particular taxonomic group basin. such as a class, family, or genus. The members WBD: of the class Mammalia form a taxon. taxa (pl). National Watershed Boundary Dataset trophic level: wetlands: One of a succession of steps in the movement of The biome consisting of freshwater swamps, energy and matter through a food chain in an marshes, bogs, ephemeral ponds, and saltwater ecosystem. Organisms are considered to occupy marshes. They are characterized by continual the same trophic level when the matter and or seasonal standing water, which creates a energy they contain have passes through the specialized soil environment with very little same number of steps since their entrance by oxygen, retarding decay. Although wetlands way of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. occupy only a small portion of Earth’s land USFS: area, the organisms that have adapted to this United States Forest Service. environment are very specialized and perform important functions in the environment. zoogeography: Study of geographic distribution of animals.
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