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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #399400
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: The gap intercept method: History and remaining questions

Author
item McCord, Sarah
item NAFUS, ALETA - Bureau Of Land Management
item KACHERGIS, EMILY - Bureau Of Land Management

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/12/2023
Publication Date: 2/16/2023
Citation: McCord, S.E., Nafus, A., Kachergis, E. 2023. The gap intercept method: History and remaining questions. Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts. Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Gap intercept is a widely used monitoring method that is included as core method in the BLM AIM and the NRCS NRI programs and utilized in many other research and monitoring projects. Canopy gap with all vegetation, perennials-only canopy gap, and basal gap are the dominant implementations of this method. We will discuss the history of the gap intercept method, how it is commonly implemented, and the big questions that remain when managers seek to use gap information to inform management decisions. This talk will lay the groundwork for the following talks in the session and set the stage for a robust conversation between managers and scientists.