ARS | Publication request: AN INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR MULTI-OBJECTIVE INVENTORY, ASSESSMENT, AND MONITORING

Submitted to: Chihuahuan Desert Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2004
Publication Date: October 15, 2004
Citation: Herrick, J.E., Alexander, R., Bash, D., Bestelmeyer, B.T., Biggam, P., Brown, J.R., Havstad, K.M., Laliberte, A.S., Toledo, D.N., Tugel, A.J. 2004. An Integrated Framework For Multi-Objective Inventory, Assessment, And Monitoring [abstract]. Sixth Symposium On The Natural Resources Of The Chihuahuan Desert Region, October 14-17, 2004, Alpine, Texas. P. 28.

Technical Abstract: Science-based land management requires quantification of ecosystem properties (inventory), the status of these properties relative to their potential (assessment), and changes in these properties over time (monitoring). Unique datasets are typically generated to address different management objectives, including livestock production, watershed conservation, wildlife habitat protection, military training, and other land uses and values. We describe an integrated framework for inventory, assessment, and monitoring. This framework is based on three components: (1) Ecological site descriptions (which are based on soil surveys) and the National Resource Inventory provide standardized, nationwide inventory data. These data, related information, and expert knowledge are used to generate a standardized, ecological site-specific reference for a qualitative assessment protocol, which is used to rapidly assess current status. (2) Selected measurements from a flexible, quantitative monitoring protocol are used to generate indicators that supplement the qualitative assessments. (3) These indicators are subsequently used to monitor changes in ecosystem function. More specific management objectives are addressed using additional indicators calculated from the basic measurements. Additional measurements included in the monitoring "toolbox" can also be included. In many cases, however, multiple management objectives can be addressed by monitoring a very few key properties, such as the amount and spatial distribution of bare ground and the cover of a few key species. This framework is designed to facilitate the integration of multi- and cross-scale approaches, including remote sensing, as they are developed.