Initial conceptual models were developed to organize and document current knowledge about key ecosystems in Southwest Wyoming. The goal of this work was to provide a scientific means for identifying potential indicators of ecosystem change to be used in a long-term monitoring program. Models pertain to the atmospheric systems and human systems, and the focal ecosystems identified by WLCI partners: aspen foothill woodlands, mixed mountain shrubs, sagebrush steppe, riparian, and aquatic. Additional models were developed to illustrate the effects of disturbances on wildlife habitat and populations. A hierarchy of models was used to illustrate key components and processes of native systems and how systems respond to human-mediated stressors. Models were developed based on literature reviews, or were extracted from the literature and enhanced to accommodate the drivers and stressors of the WLCI study area. Individual system models were organized into an integrative model that additionally considers the interactions among systems and across scales.
In 2008, preliminary conceptual models for terrestrial systems were developed and then reviewed by USGS Science Team members during a Conceptual Model Workshop. In 2009, these models were refined and additional models were developed and reviewed. A draft conceptual model and indicator report was developed in 2009 and a final report will be published in 2010 along with a report on indicators for use in monitoring ecosystem change. The workshop and a subsequent report documenting prioritized indicators were drafted to provide direction in planning monitoring efforts for FY2010.
Products Completed in FY2010
- Garman, S.L., Diffendorfer, J.E., Foster, K., Germaine, S., Manier, D., Sweat, M.J., McDougal, R.R., Assal, T.J., Bowen, Z.H., Aldridge, C.L., Anderson, P.J., Biewick, L.R.H., Blecker, S.W., Boughton, G.K., Bristol, S., Carr, N.B., Chalfoun, A.D., Chong, G.W., Clark, M.L., Fedy, B.C., Holloway, J., Homer, C., Kauffman, M.J., Keinath, D., Latysh, N., Miller, K.A., Montag, J., Potter, C.J., Shafer, S.L., Smith, D.B., Stillings, L.L., Tuttle, M., and Wilson, A.B., in press, WLCI conceptual models & indicator selection for long-term monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report
Products Completed in 2009
- WLCI Indicator Selection Workshop, April, 2009, Ft. Collins, Colorado.
- Garman, S.L., and Diffendorfer, J., Instructional White Paper. Overview of Procedures for Selecting and Prioritizing Indicators for Monitoring: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative. U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center, Denver, Colorado.
Products Completed in 2008
- A conceptual model workshop was held August 19-20, 2008.
- A working draft of the conceptual model report was made available in October 2008.
- A draft of the procedures for selecting ecosystem and species indicators was made available in February 2009.