Location: Range Management Research
Project Number: 3050-21600-001-007-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2022
End Date: Dec 31, 2024
Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to build on earlier research to apply assessment and monitoring tools to assist adaptive management in large ranch landscapes. Specifically, we aim to integrate soil and ecological state mapping with remote sensing, field-based monitoring, and local knowledge to interpret ecological change, identify intervention options, and communicate this information via Malpai Borderlands Group (MBG) collaborative activities to landowners. In doing so, we will learn how these tools can be applied, integrated, and improved for use in ranch decision-making via individual ranchers and collaborative groups throughout the western U.S.
Approach:
ARS will collaborate with MBG staff on the following activities: 1) analyze and interpret existing long-term monitoring data, 2) establish and test new sensor systems on ranches (automated weather stations, water level sensors), 3) use remote-sensing based approaches coupled to field surveys to detect spatial and temporal change in the MBG planning area, and 4) integrate information from maps, sensors, field monitoring, and remote sensing to develop management interpretations and interactive improvements to our tools with MBG staff. In addition, we will collaborate on presentations for the annual science and written materials as a means of disseminating information, and ARS will receive feedback on tools and approaches from MBG staff.
