Determining rangeland suitability for cattle grazing based on distance-to-water, terrain, and soils

1. 4/15/2012 1 Determining rangeland suitability for cattle grazing based on distance-to-water, terrain, and soils MGIS Capstone Project - Peer Review July 8, 2008 Dennis Oberlie, Wyoming Game & Fish Dept. Academic Advisor: Joseph A. Bishop, Ph.D., Penn State University, Department of Geography Hello, I�m Dennis Oberlie and I work for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as the Aquatic Habitat Biologist Supervisor. I supervise other habitat Biologists located all around Wyoming from my base here in Lander. My capstone project advisor is Doctor Joe Bishop with the Department of Geography there at Penn State University. First, I want to Thank you for taking your time this evening to listen to my presentation. And I look forward to your input. Click Hello, I�m Dennis Oberlie and I work for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as the Aquatic Habitat Biologist Supervisor. I supervise other habitat Biologists located all around Wyoming from my base here in Lander. My capstone project advisor is Doctor Joe Bishop with the Department of Geography there at Penn State University. First, I want to Thank you for taking your time this evening to listen to my presentation. And I look forward to your input. Click

2. Goal Develop a user-friendly GIS model using ESRI software to determine rangeland grazing suitability for cattle 4/15/2012 2 The goal of my project is to develop a model to determine rangeland grazing suitability for cattle using E S R I software. Click The goal of my project is to develop a model to determine rangeland grazing suitability for cattle using E S R I software. Click

3. Presentation Outline Where? Who? Why? What? How? 4/15/2012 3 The outline of my presentation this evening is: Click To explain, Where the pilot project is located, And Who would use this model. Why does this issue matter? What factors are used to determine rangeland grazing suitability, And How is this suitability currently determined. Click I have An example of calculating grazing suitability using the current methods. And, a couple of ideas on How to Improve these current methods. The goal and objectives for my project Some Issues with existing data. My procedure and schedule for accomplishing this project. I will discuss some possible future applications And questions I still have, and then I will answers questions you might have. Click The outline of my presentation this evening is: Click To explain, Where the pilot project is located, And Who would use this model. Why does this issue matter? What factors are used to determine rangeland grazing suitability, And How is this suitability currently determined. Click I have An example of calculating grazing suitability using the current methods. And, a couple of ideas on How to Improve these current methods. The goal and objectives for my project Some Issues with existing data. My procedure and schedule for accomplishing this project. I will discuss some possible future applications And questions I still have, and then I will answers questions you might have. Click

4. 4/15/2012 4 Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lander Field Office Where The pilot project area is located in the Lander Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management otherwise known as the BLM, which is in Central Wyoming . The BLM has 9 other Field offices located in Wyoming, as well as offices located throughout the western States. The Lander Field Office Planning Area is highlighted in yellow and outlined in red in the lower picture. It is approximately 6.6 million acres in size. The topography of the area is diverse, from rolling plains to steep canyons, to some of the highest mountains in Wyoming. ClickThe pilot project area is located in the Lander Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management otherwise known as the BLM, which is in Central Wyoming . The BLM has 9 other Field offices located in Wyoming, as well as offices located throughout the western States. The Lander Field Office Planning Area is highlighted in yellow and outlined in red in the lower picture. It is approximately 6.6 million acres in size. The topography of the area is diverse, from rolling plains to steep canyons, to some of the highest mountains in Wyoming. Click

5. 4/15/2012 5 Who Bureau of Land Management (BLM) This project is directed towards BLM lands, which are shown in yellow on the map. The Green represents Forest Service lands, the Blue represents State of Wyoming lands, and white are private lands. The Wind River Indian Reservation, shown is orange, is in the center of the Field Office and compromises approximately 2 million acres. Both the BLM and the Forest Service, as well as the Indian Reservation, could use this model to determine lands suitable for grazing for their respective management areas. ClickThis project is directed towards BLM lands, which are shown in yellow on the map. The Green represents Forest Service lands, the Blue represents State of Wyoming lands, and white are private lands. The Wind River Indian Reservation, shown is orange, is in the center of the Field Office and compromises approximately 2 million acres. Both the BLM and the Forest Service, as well as the Indian Reservation, could use this model to determine lands suitable for grazing for their respective management areas. Click

6. 4/15/2012 6 Grazing major use of public rangelands Determine lands available for grazing Determine appropriate numbers of livestock Manage for uniform grazing to prevent land degradation Why This issue is important throughout the western states as grazing is a major use of public lands. Livestock grazing must be managed to be compatible with other uses. Some of these other uses are mining, oil and gas development, recreation, wildlife habitat, and transportation. As part of this compatibly issue, the BLM is to determine which lands are suitable for grazing. This is typically done during development of the Resource Management Plan. This document directs land management decisions for the area. Planning documents list factors to consider for determining grazing suitability, two of these are terrain and the availability of water. Determining suitability leads to determining the appropriate number of cattle and how long they should be allowed to graze. Cattle grazing is managed for uniform use to prevent land degradation. Too many cows, staying in one place for too long can over utilize and degrade an area. ClickThis issue is important throughout the western states as grazing is a major use of public lands. Livestock grazing must be managed to be compatible with other uses. Some of these other uses are mining, oil and gas development, recreation, wildlife habitat, and transportation. As part of this compatibly issue, the BLM is to determine which lands are suitable for grazing. This is typically done during development of the Resource Management Plan. This document directs land management decisions for the area. Planning documents list factors to consider for determining grazing suitability, two of these are terrain and the availability of water. Determining suitability leads to determining the appropriate number of cattle and how long they should be allowed to graze. Cattle grazing is managed for uniform use to prevent land degradation. Too many cows, staying in one place for too long can over utilize and degrade an area. Click

7. 4/15/2012 7 Factors used to determine grazing suitability Terrain and slope Distance-to-Water What Factors typically used to determine if an area is suitable for grazing are the terrain or the slope of the pasture, and the distance cattle must travel for water. Cattle tend to avoid areas with steep slopes as these areas take a lot of effort to graze. Also, Cattle will usually stay near water while grazing. ClickFactors typically used to determine if an area is suitable for grazing are the terrain or the slope of the pasture, and the distance cattle must travel for water. Cattle tend to avoid areas with steep slopes as these areas take a lot of effort to graze. Also, Cattle will usually stay near water while grazing. Click

8. What Terrain 0 to 10% Slope Suitable 30% Slope 50% Suitable Over 60% Slope Unsuitable 4/15/2012 8 Terrain is characterized by slope. If the slope is less then 10% the area is considered 100 % suitable for cattle grazing If the slope is over 60 % the area is considered unsuitable for grazing A slope of 30% is the mid-point, and the area is considered 50 % suitable. This is illustrated in the picture with the cows grazing on the gentler sloped areas. ClickTerrain is characterized by slope. If the slope is less then 10% the area is considered 100 % suitable for cattle grazing If the slope is over 60 % the area is considered unsuitable for grazing A slope of 30% is the mid-point, and the area is considered 50 % suitable. This is illustrated in the picture with the cows grazing on the gentler sloped areas. Click

9. 4/15/2012 9 Distance-to-Water 0 � 1 mile 100% use 1 - 2 miles 50% use Over 2 miles No use What A second factor is how far cattle have to travel back and forth for water. Cattle will hardly ever travel more then 2 miles to reach water. So those areas greater then 2 miles receive no use, and are deemed unsuitable for grazing. Cattle will typically only use 50% of the grazing forage if they have to travel 1 to 2 miles for water. There is fairly good agreement on these categories, which is why so much time and effort has been spent developing water sources for livestock. The top picture shows cattle grazing near a stock pond, and the lower picture illustrates what can happen if there is a concentrated livestock use near water. Click A second factor is how far cattle have to travel back and forth for water. Cattle will hardly ever travel more then 2 miles to reach water. So those areas greater then 2 miles receive no use, and are deemed unsuitable for grazing. Cattle will typically only use 50% of the grazing forage if they have to travel 1 to 2 miles for water. There is fairly good agreement on these categories, which is why so much time and effort has been spent developing water sources for livestock. The top picture shows cattle grazing near a stock pond, and the lower picture illustrates what can happen if there is a concentrated livestock use near water. Click

10. 4/15/2012 10 How Two Current Methodologies Holechek (1988, 1998) developed during the �infancy� of GIS 4 reduction categories determine percent reduction of area available for grazing most existing determinations use this method Click There are currently two methods used to determine grazing suitability. Both methods use slope and distance-to-water within the pasture boundary. The �older method� was developed by Holechek and was done during the infancy of GIS, before most rangeland specialists in Federal or State agencies had much access to E S R I software. The method outlines slope changes, and then determines the distance-to-water. This is typically done using paper maps. Holechek created four suitability categories to allow for easier reduction calculations. The method determines a percent reduction in acres available for grazing. Holechek�s term for this was percent reduction in grazing capacity. The technique, while well accepted, has a negative connotation due to the percent reduction terminology. This limits its acceptance by the ranching community. This is a time consuming process and depends on the experience and expertise of the rangeland experts to calculate slope quickly. Since it takes so much time to determine grazing suitability, the results are hardly ever checked for accuracy or repeated. ClickClick There are currently two methods used to determine grazing suitability. Both methods use slope and distance-to-water within the pasture boundary. The �older method� was developed by Holechek and was done during the infancy of GIS, before most rangeland specialists in Federal or State agencies had much access to E S R I software. The method outlines slope changes, and then determines the distance-to-water. This is typically done using paper maps. Holechek created four suitability categories to allow for easier reduction calculations. The method determines a percent reduction in acres available for grazing. Holechek�s term for this was percent reduction in grazing capacity. The technique, while well accepted, has a negative connotation due to the percent reduction terminology. This limits its acceptance by the ranching community. This is a time consuming process and depends on the experience and expertise of the rangeland experts to calculate slope quickly. Since it takes so much time to determine grazing suitability, the results are hardly ever checked for accuracy or repeated. Click

11. 4/15/2012 11 How Guenther et al. (2000) Uses GIS (IDRISI software from Clark Labs) 5 suitability categories determine % of area suitable for grazing (Inverse of Holechek) Click Guenther in 2000 presented a method that uses software from Clark Labs. His method refined the Holechek methodology to use GIS software. While the final results are categorized into 5 groups, the suitability calculations are on a continuous gradient of 0 to 100%. Calculations are made using slope, and distance-to-water sources within the pasture. Most government agencies do not have the access to this software, so they do not use of this method. Although, You can always contract with Guenther to do the calculations for you. It is important to point out that Holechek calculated a percent reduction, while Guenther calculated a percent suitable, which are really inverses of each other. Percent suitable has a more positive perception by the ranching community. Percent reduction sounds like big government is coming out to take something away from the rancher. If nothing else, Guenther has helped to change the terminology to a more positive message. Click Click Guenther in 2000 presented a method that uses software from Clark Labs. His method refined the Holechek methodology to use GIS software. While the final results are categorized into 5 groups, the suitability calculations are on a continuous gradient of 0 to 100%. Calculations are made using slope, and distance-to-water sources within the pasture. Most government agencies do not have the access to this software, so they do not use of this method. Although, You can always contract with Guenther to do the calculations for you. It is important to point out that Holechek calculated a percent reduction, while Guenther calculated a percent suitable, which are really inverses of each other. Percent suitable has a more positive perception by the ranching community. Percent reduction sounds like big government is coming out to take something away from the rancher. If nothing else, Guenther has helped to change the terminology to a more positive message. Click

12. 4/15/2012 12 The following slides are an example that I have developed using Holechek�s methodology using E S R I software. The Sweetwater Canyon is located in the southwestern part of the Lander Field Office. There are some questions as to the actual number of acres suitable for cattle grazing within this 5500 acre pasture, considering the other high-valued resources found here such as blue ribbon trout fishery and wilderness characteristics. The pasture is outlined in red and the water sources, which are the rivers and streams, are in blue. The Sweetwater River is the main water source and runs through the middle of the pasture. It flows all year long, but many of the adjoining tributaries provide only seasonal water. The inserted pictures are included to give a general idea about the terrain and water sources. Click The following slides are an example that I have developed using Holechek�s methodology using E S R I software. The Sweetwater Canyon is located in the southwestern part of the Lander Field Office. There are some questions as to the actual number of acres suitable for cattle grazing within this 5500 acre pasture, considering the other high-valued resources found here such as blue ribbon trout fishery and wilderness characteristics. The pasture is outlined in red and the water sources, which are the rivers and streams, are in blue. The Sweetwater River is the main water source and runs through the middle of the pasture. It flows all year long, but many of the adjoining tributaries provide only seasonal water. The inserted pictures are included to give a general idea about the terrain and water sources. Click

13. 4/15/2012 13 This picture shows the majority of the pasture would have no reduction in grazing capacity due to distance-to-water classifications. It illustrates that only one small area is over one mile from water, and would have a 50 % reduction in grazing capacity. The person in the inset picture is standing on a trail that cattle use to get back and forth to water. ClickThis picture shows the majority of the pasture would have no reduction in grazing capacity due to distance-to-water classifications. It illustrates that only one small area is over one mile from water, and would have a 50 % reduction in grazing capacity. The person in the inset picture is standing on a trail that cattle use to get back and forth to water. Click

14. 4/15/2012 14 The slope within the pasture was classified into 4 categories. The green area would have no reduction in grazing due to slope, and the areas in red would have 100 percent reduction. These areas in red, which a slope over 60 percent, are definitely barriers to cattle movement as they need to walk around these areas to reach water. ClickThe slope within the pasture was classified into 4 categories. The green area would have no reduction in grazing due to slope, and the areas in red would have 100 percent reduction. These areas in red, which a slope over 60 percent, are definitely barriers to cattle movement as they need to walk around these areas to reach water. Click

15. 4/15/2012 15 This map shows the total reduction in grazing capacity, which is the sum of the percent reduction for both slope and the distance-to-water categories. To reach the grazing areas above the canyon, cattle must travel further from water than the current model predicts. The white stars are located in areas where range specialists do not see much grazing use. This is due to the actual distance cattle must travel to reach the water. Also, there are many areas in the canyon that have bedrock exposed, and have no soil, thus no vegetation. Making these areas unsuitable for grazing. This is what leads me to want to included additional factors into the current methods. ClickThis map shows the total reduction in grazing capacity, which is the sum of the percent reduction for both slope and the distance-to-water categories. To reach the grazing areas above the canyon, cattle must travel further from water than the current model predicts. The white stars are located in areas where range specialists do not see much grazing use. This is due to the actual distance cattle must travel to reach the water. Also, there are many areas in the canyon that have bedrock exposed, and have no soil, thus no vegetation. Making these areas unsuitable for grazing. This is what leads me to want to included additional factors into the current methods. Click

16. 4/15/2012 16 How to Improve Current Methods Develop systematic computer-based methodology Create a barrier-to-movement layer Consider vegetation capability of soils Since neither method is consistently used now, developing a systematic computer based model using E S R I software would be an improvement over the current methods. The software is currently available to local resource specialists. One improvement factor would be to add a barrier-to-movement layer based on slope. A second improvement factor would be to consider the soils� ability to produce vegetation. Click Since neither method is consistently used now, developing a systematic computer based model using E S R I software would be an improvement over the current methods. The software is currently available to local resource specialists. One improvement factor would be to add a barrier-to-movement layer based on slope. A second improvement factor would be to consider the soils� ability to produce vegetation. Click

17. 4/15/2012 17 Barrier-to-Movement Use slope > 60% to create barrier layer Calculate shortest distance to water around barrier The barrier-to-movement layer will be created by selecting areas with slope greater than 60%. It has been suggested that this could be a variable that is determined by the rangeland expert. A slope greater than 45% is the most commonly mentioned value, besides the 60 % value, that would be to used to create the barrier layer. Then the distance-to-water would be calculated to be the shortest distance around the barrier to reach the water source. This would be accomplished by using a least-cost-path analysis. The barrier layer would be the resistance layer to movement. As an example Cattle have to walk all the way around the red bluff, to get above the cliff to graze, so the red bluff should be considered a barrier-to-movement. In the picture on the right, Cattle do not walk all the way up the slope to reach the forage above the canyon. Click The barrier-to-movement layer will be created by selecting areas with slope greater than 60%. It has been suggested that this could be a variable that is determined by the rangeland expert. A slope greater than 45% is the most commonly mentioned value, besides the 60 % value, that would be to used to create the barrier layer. Then the distance-to-water would be calculated to be the shortest distance around the barrier to reach the water source. This would be accomplished by using a least-cost-path analysis. The barrier layer would be the resistance layer to movement. As an example Cattle have to walk all the way around the red bluff, to get above the cliff to graze, so the red bluff should be considered a barrier-to-movement. In the picture on the right, Cattle do not walk all the way up the slope to reach the forage above the canyon. Click

18. 4/15/2012 18 Soils Suitable for vegetation Rock outcrops First, I want to point out that soil suitability is not a problem in most areas as shown in the upper right picture. A site would be determined to be either suitable or unsuitable for vegetation production for this model. If the site has bedrock exposed it will commonly not produce vegetation and therefore should be deemed unsuitable. An issue I have thought about, is that slope and unsuitable soils are closely linked together in many places. The rock outcrop shown in the lower left picture is an example of this relationship. Some soils or geological formations are just unsuitable for vegetation, As shown in the gray shale layers in the lower right picture. This may be a reason to use geological data versus soils information in this model. The model will probably ultimately involve combining both soil and geologic data to determine the soil�s ability to produce vegetation. Click First, I want to point out that soil suitability is not a problem in most areas as shown in the upper right picture. A site would be determined to be either suitable or unsuitable for vegetation production for this model. If the site has bedrock exposed it will commonly not produce vegetation and therefore should be deemed unsuitable. An issue I have thought about, is that slope and unsuitable soils are closely linked together in many places. The rock outcrop shown in the lower left picture is an example of this relationship. Some soils or geological formations are just unsuitable for vegetation, As shown in the gray shale layers in the lower right picture. This may be a reason to use geological data versus soils information in this model. The model will probably ultimately involve combining both soil and geologic data to determine the soil�s ability to produce vegetation. Click

19. 4/15/2012 19 Project Goal Develop a user-friendly GIS model using ESRI software to determine rangeland grazing suitability in the Lander Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management The goal of my project is to Read slide, I think is important to use E S R I software due its availability for most agency personnel. They often having some experience using this software, now. In addition, they usually have support personnel trained in this software, if problems should arise. This model is being built in the hopes of expanding its use by other BLM Field offices. ClickThe goal of my project is to Read slide, I think is important to use E S R I software due its availability for most agency personnel. They often having some experience using this software, now. In addition, they usually have support personnel trained in this software, if problems should arise. This model is being built in the hopes of expanding its use by other BLM Field offices. Click

20. 4/15/2012 20 Project Objectives Develop a GIS Grazing Suitability Model using ESRI Tools to create an automatic process with minimal user inputs My first project objective is to Read slide step one from slide To meet this objective there will need to be a step-by-step process developed, similar to what is used in Arc Hydro and other Decision Support Systems. The model will have the current data already available, so all that the resource specialists will need to do is correct the water source layer or modify the pasture boundary. ClickMy first project objective is to Read slide step one from slide To meet this objective there will need to be a step-by-step process developed, similar to what is used in Arc Hydro and other Decision Support Systems. The model will have the current data already available, so all that the resource specialists will need to do is correct the water source layer or modify the pasture boundary. Click

21. 4/15/2012 21 Project Objectives Develop a GIS Grazing Suitability Model using ESRI Tools to create automatic process with minimal user inputs Compare GIS based analysis with existing (paper map) calculations and to verify modifications with local rangeland experts My second project objective is to Read second objective from slide I am struggling, with how to compare this model to the original technique and calculations. In three test runs using GIS tools, the acreages are within 5 % percent of the original calculations, which is well within the error range of the data used. But, there is value in a method that will systematically and consistently calculate grazing suitability. The three items currently on my verification check list are: to First: Validate that the GIS calculated results are comparable to the current acres determined suitable for grazing. Second item on the check list is to Determine if this method is faster than using the paper map methodology by surveying the rangeland experts. Third item on the check list is to Make sure the results of the model are repeatable Click My second project objective is to Read second objective from slide I am struggling, with how to compare this model to the original technique and calculations. In three test runs using GIS tools, the acreages are within 5 % percent of the original calculations, which is well within the error range of the data used. But, there is value in a method that will systematically and consistently calculate grazing suitability. The three items currently on my verification check list are: to First: Validate that the GIS calculated results are comparable to the current acres determined suitable for grazing. Second item on the check list is to Determine if this method is faster than using the paper map methodology by surveying the rangeland experts. Third item on the check list is to Make sure the results of the model are repeatable Click

22. 4/15/2012 22 Project Objectives Develop a GIS Grazing Suitability Model using ESRI Tools to create automatic process with minimal user inputs Compare GIS based analysis with existing (paper map) calculations to verify modifications with local rangeland experts Develop summary to explain methodology and data My final project objective is to: Read final objective from slide: It will be important to create documentation of the model, so it can be used by other BLM field offices and modified in the future. This could be done with a detailed user manual, but more likely I will develop a short user guide describing the data needed and processes used. Click My final project objective is to: Read final objective from slide: It will be important to create documentation of the model, so it can be used by other BLM field offices and modified in the future. This could be done with a detailed user manual, but more likely I will develop a short user guide describing the data needed and processes used. Click

23. 4/15/2012 23 Data Availability Issues Water sources layer Seasonal water sources Man-made sources not consistently mapped Fences Incomplete and out-of-date Soil mapping Detail of mapping units There are some data availability issues, as there often is. Click Problems arise that some water sources are seasonal in nature, such as stock ponds and streams. These water sources can dry up by mid-summer thereby being unavailable to cattle later in the year. No one has been keeping records about this type data making it difficult to determine which water sources are available during the year. Fences are the boundaries of pastures and the data is incomplete and often out-of-date for most areas. It may require that the resource specialist will have to map the boundary of the pastures ,when they run the model. The detail of soil mapping in this area may not catch all the unsuitable soils. Unsuitable soils are often mapped as inclusions inside larger mapping units. Remember this is not the rich farmlands of the Midwest, so the detail of the soil mapping is often less. Click There are some data availability issues, as there often is. Click Problems arise that some water sources are seasonal in nature, such as stock ponds and streams. These water sources can dry up by mid-summer thereby being unavailable to cattle later in the year. No one has been keeping records about this type data making it difficult to determine which water sources are available during the year. Fences are the boundaries of pastures and the data is incomplete and often out-of-date for most areas. It may require that the resource specialist will have to map the boundary of the pastures ,when they run the model. The detail of soil mapping in this area may not catch all the unsuitable soils. Unsuitable soils are often mapped as inclusions inside larger mapping units. Remember this is not the rich farmlands of the Midwest, so the detail of the soil mapping is often less. Click

24. 4/15/2012 24 Procedures This is my current diagram of the steps needed for this project, First everything needs to be clipped to the boundary of pasture. In reality, the boundary of the pasture may need to be mapped by the resource specialist , first. Then Using the elevation layer, I will calculate the slope, and then classify the slope into suitability categories. Then I will create a boundary layer by selecting those areas with slope greater then 60% or 45%. After clipping all water sources layers to the pasture boundary, I will need to merge all the water sources into one layer, and then modify water source layer based on local knowledge. Next, I will classify by distance-to-water around the slope barriers to determine a distance-to-water classification. The next step is to Clip the soils layer to the boundary of the pasture and then Classify soils by their ability to produce vegetation. Next ,I will need to Sum the values of the slope suitability classification, and the Distance-to-water classification to create a total suitability layer. Finally, I perform a union of the total suitability layer with the soil classification layer . And, lastly I will then be able to calculate acres suitable for grazing. Click This is my current diagram of the steps needed for this project, First everything needs to be clipped to the boundary of pasture. In reality, the boundary of the pasture may need to be mapped by the resource specialist , first. Then Using the elevation layer, I will calculate the slope, and then classify the slope into suitability categories. Then I will create a boundary layer by selecting those areas with slope greater then 60% or 45%. After clipping all water sources layers to the pasture boundary, I will need to merge all the water sources into one layer, and then modify water source layer based on local knowledge. Next, I will classify by distance-to-water around the slope barriers to determine a distance-to-water classification. The next step is to Clip the soils layer to the boundary of the pasture and then Classify soils by their ability to produce vegetation. Next ,I will need to Sum the values of the slope suitability classification, and the Distance-to-water classification to create a total suitability layer. Finally, I perform a union of the total suitability layer with the soil classification layer . And, lastly I will then be able to calculate acres suitable for grazing. Click

25. 4/15/2012 25 Schedule My tentative schedule is to take GIS Application Development course this summer. I plan on working on my project this summer through with winter. I am targeting presenting this project at the Wyoming Society for Range Management annual meeting, which is normally held in February. Or, at the Colorado / Wyoming American Fisheries Society meeting in March. One commonly argued issue between fisheries biologists and rangeland experts is the deterioration of fisheries habitat caused by overgrazing along streams and riparian areas. So, the American Fisheries Society meeting would be an appropriate forum to present this project. Click My tentative schedule is to take GIS Application Development course this summer. I plan on working on my project this summer through with winter. I am targeting presenting this project at the Wyoming Society for Range Management annual meeting, which is normally held in February. Or, at the Colorado / Wyoming American Fisheries Society meeting in March. One commonly argued issue between fisheries biologists and rangeland experts is the deterioration of fisheries habitat caused by overgrazing along streams and riparian areas. So, the American Fisheries Society meeting would be an appropriate forum to present this project. Click

26. Future Applications Use model for a Decision Support System New water sources Additional fencing Monitoring plans 4/15/2012 26 I realize I am starting to run out of time, but I would like to discuss some possible future applications for this project. Click One application could be to determine where new water sources could be located, to maximize cattle distribution within a pasture. Or to Determine what would happen to cattle distribution, If additional fences are constructed. The model could also be used to help develop grazing monitoring plans. It is recommended that monitoring should occur in areas of moderate use and this model would identify those areas. Click I realize I am starting to run out of time, but I would like to discuss some possible future applications for this project. Click One application could be to determine where new water sources could be located, to maximize cattle distribution within a pasture. Or to Determine what would happen to cattle distribution, If additional fences are constructed. The model could also be used to help develop grazing monitoring plans. It is recommended that monitoring should occur in areas of moderate use and this model would identify those areas. Click

27. Future Applications Use model for a Decision Support System New water sources Additional fencing Monitoring plans Other factors to include in model Vegetation Conflicting land uses 4/15/2012 27 Two other factors that could be added to the model are a more detailed vegetation layer and a layer mapping conflicting land uses. The current vegetation layers are too gross to be of much use. There is an effort through RE-GAP and other vegetation mapping efforts to improve this information. The impact of conflicting uses such as oil and gas wells, coal and uranium mines and roads should be included in determining the number of acres available for grazing. BUT, There is almost no agreement on the extent these impacts have on grazing suitability. Click Two other factors that could be added to the model are a more detailed vegetation layer and a layer mapping conflicting land uses. The current vegetation layers are too gross to be of much use. There is an effort through RE-GAP and other vegetation mapping efforts to improve this information. The impact of conflicting uses such as oil and gas wells, coal and uranium mines and roads should be included in determining the number of acres available for grazing. BUT, There is almost no agreement on the extent these impacts have on grazing suitability. Click

28. 4/15/2012 28 Thanks Wyoming Game and Fish Department Staff of the Bureau of Land Management - Lander Field Office Joe Bishop Doug Miller Beth King And most importantly My Wife Finally, I would like to Thank the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for their support by allowing me the time to work on this project. I also would like to thank the Staff of the Lander BLM Field Office, for their technical support and suggestions for improving the current methods. Thanks to Joe Bishop for all his time and effort to help me refine this project. And to Both Doug Miller and Beth King for heading me off in the right direction. Most importantly, I want to thank my Wife for all of her support! And for mowing the our yard this spring, during our wettest spring on record, so I could work on this project! Click Finally, I would like to Thank the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for their support by allowing me the time to work on this project. I also would like to thank the Staff of the Lander BLM Field Office, for their technical support and suggestions for improving the current methods. Thanks to Joe Bishop for all his time and effort to help me refine this project. And to Both Doug Miller and Beth King for heading me off in the right direction. Most importantly, I want to thank my Wife for all of her support! And for mowing the our yard this spring, during our wettest spring on record, so I could work on this project! Click

29. How to test the model The issue I alluded to at the beginning of my presentation is that I am struggling with how to validate the success and utility of this project. Its worthwhile to have a method that will consistently calculate grazing suitability. It would be useful to develop a method that is not dependent on the expertise of the rangeland experts. This model should free-up time for the experts to work on other important issues. But, I�m left wondering if my proposed model introduces a level of complexity, with the additional factors of soil suitability and distance-to-water around slope barriers, that does not really effect the total acres available for grazing. I could run the model with and without the additional factors, and compare results to determine if the differences are significant. Click I am now ready to answer questions you might have about my project? If you have additional suggestions or questions please contact me at duo105@psu.edu Thanks again! for taking your time this evening to listen to my presentation. The issue I alluded to at the beginning of my presentation is that I am struggling with how to validate the success and utility of this project. Its worthwhile to have a method that will consistently calculate grazing suitability. It would be useful to develop a method that is not dependent on the expertise of the rangeland experts. This model should free-up time for the experts to work on other important issues. But, I�m left wondering if my proposed model introduces a level of complexity, with the additional factors of soil suitability and distance-to-water around slope barriers, that does not really effect the total acres available for grazing. I could run the model with and without the additional factors, and compare results to determine if the differences are significant. Click I am now ready to answer questions you might have about my project? If you have additional suggestions or questions please contact me at duo105@psu.edu Thanks again! for taking your time this evening to listen to my presentation.