STM Development: A Systematic Approach Focused on Quality Control

Transcription

1 STM Development: A Systematic Approach Focused on Quality Control A Lofty Aspiration Tamzen K. Stringham University of Nevada, Reno

2 Multiple Approaches Dig lots of holes - I will figure this out! Hang out with the right people! Check with the dog!

3 The Nevada Approach Expert Team Focused Respect Long-term commitment

4 STM Development: A Systematic Approach Focused on Quality Control TEAM 1. STM Expert / Ecologist (GS-12)/ Team Lead a. disturbance ecology, plant / soils of region 2. Soil Scientist (GS-12) / Soil Lead on Team a. 10+ years in the region; field based 3. Range Management Specialist a. 10+ years in the region; ecological site team; herbivory response of plants

5 STM Development: A Systematic Approach Focused on Quality Control TEAM 4. Botanist a. Complete species list; plant/soil relationships 5. GIS Specialist a. Soil MU layers; fire layers; roads; DEMs; etc

6 Team Quality = Quality Control Commitment to project duration Respect for team knowledge

7 Nevada MLRA Approach Logical classification of landforms, climate, soils, plants Disturbance history = similar Expert Team i.e., soil scientist experience mapping Disturbance Response Groups

8 NV STM Quality Control Approach Disturbance Response Group MLRA million ac 69 eco sites (Range Sites) MLRA 28B 7.2+ million ac 106 eco sites (Range Sites) MLRA 24 7 million ac 54 eco sites (Range Sites)

9 Methodology for Quality Control 1. Expert Team 2. MLRA Scale 3. DISTURBANCE RESPONSE GROUP (MLRA) A. Larger group interaction: i. Expert team ii. Agency personnel iii. University scientists iv. Land managers knowledge of the MLRA and response of the region to various disturbances

10 Methodology for Quality Control 1. DISTURBANCE RESPONSE GROUP (MLRA) A. DRG creation: group of ES that respond similarly to disturbance i. Existing range site (ecological site) ii. Soils iii. Precipitation range iv. Landform and Aspect v. Dominate plants vi. Disturbance ecology

11 STM Development Process Disturbance Response Groups Assemble the core TEAM Invite others to participate in office / field events Teach the STM concepts to the core TEAM Multiple times; office & field

12 STM Quality Control Disturbance Response Groups MLRA or LRU scale Build understanding of the climate, soils, plants Soil scientist teach geology, soils, etc GIS specialist create data layers of soil map units; fire events; roads; public / private land; etc.

13 Range sites STM Quality Control Disturbance Response Groups Describe Reference Condition = State 1 Describes landscape, climate, soils, plants, production Describes response to disturbance Team / Lg Group analyzes each site & determines response to disturbance Group sites

14 STM Quality Control Disturbance Response Groups Grouping process leads to building blocks for STM Discussion involves Soils and soil differences within groups resilience Plant species response to numerous disturbances Response to repeated disturbance Modal site greatest amount of acres mapped or typical disturbance response of the group

15 STM Development Process NO range site Soil survey / ESD team Include a team member who specializes in STM development Beyond Soil Survey / Site Development STM Team will need to visit multiple locations of the same site to understand the potential states, transitions, community phases etc.

16 Draft STM Development Tier 1 STM expert develops the draft STM before field visits Team reviews

17 Experience is critical Plant / soil relationships Disturbance response STM Knowledge Range / Plant GIS Soils Range / Plant Teach the STM concepts to the core TEAM Multiple times; office & field

18 STM Development Quality Control Expert Team Field Level Focus on Modal ecological site multiple locations of the MODAL site to understand the potential states, transitions, community phases etc. All sites within a DRG

19 STM Development Quality Control Site verified Plant list Range Health Assessment Photos DISCUSSION DISCUSSION DISCUSSION Field Level

20 STM Development Quality Control Field Level Document Location: GPS Map Unit Soils Elevation Landform Range Health Production Fire History Farming, ground water Pumping, herbivory etc.

21 Draft STM Development Tier 2 STM Expert modifies model per DISCUSSION Drafts ecological dynamics section States Community Phases Community Pathways Thresholds or Transitions Literature Review Model and Dynamics reviewed by core TEAM

22 Review Larger group Field Office Workshop

23 Utility of Models Holloway Fire Million Acres STMs utilized for Rehab & Stabilization MLRA 28A & 28B BLM funds STMS MLRA 25 NDF requests DRG shape files MLRA ,333 MLRA 24 80,383 MLRA ,331

24 Quality Control Starts and Ends with Quality Team of EXPERTS Respect Among Team Members Commitment to the Project TEAM MEMBERS ADMINISTRATORS