STM Development: A Systematic Approach Focused on Quality Control
“A Lofty Aspiration”
Tamzen K. Stringham
University of Nevada, Reno
Multiple Approaches Dig lots of holes - I will figure this out!
Hang out with the right people!
Check with the dog!
The Nevada Approach Expert Team Focused
• Respect
• Long-term commitment
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
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
Team Quality = Quality Control
• Commitment to project duration • Respect for team knowledge
Nevada MLRA Approach
• Logical classification of
landforms, climate, soils, plants
• Disturbance history = similar
• Expert Team i.e., soil
scientist experience mapping
• Disturbance Response
Groups
NV STM Quality Control Approach Disturbance Response Group
• MLRA 25 – 7+ 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)
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
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
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
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.
STM Quality Control Disturbance Response Groups
• Range sites
– 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
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
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.
Draft STM Development – Tier 1
• STM expert develops the draft STM before field visits
• Team reviews
Experience is critical
Plant / soil relationships ≠ Disturbance response
Range / Plant GIS Soils Range / Plant
STM Knowledge
Teach the STM concepts to the core TEAM Multiple times; office & field
STM Development Quality Control Field Level
• Expert Team – 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
• Site verified • Plant list • Range Health
Assessment • Photos • DISCUSSION • DISCUSSION • DISCUSSION
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.
STM Development Quality Control Field Level
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
Review
• Larger group
• Field
• Office
• Workshop
MLRA 23 793,333 MLRA 24 80,383 MLRA 25 145,331
Utility of Models
Holloway Fire 2012 1 Million Acres STMs utilized
for Rehab & Stabilization
MLRA 28A & 28B • BLM funds
STMS MLRA 25 • NDF requests
DRG shape files
Quality Control Starts and Ends with Quality Team of EXPERTS
• Respect Among Team Members
• Commitment to the Project – TEAM MEMBERS
– ADMINISTRATORS
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