stm development: a systematic approach focused on quality

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


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


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


• MLRA 24 – ≈7 million ac


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.


• 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


• 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


Document Location: GPS Map Unit Soils Elevation Landform Range Health Production Fire History Farming, ground water Pumping, herbivory etc.


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

stm development: a systematic approach focused on quality

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