Use of forest inventory and analysis grid-based animal population data to develop an index of ecological diversity

Abstract

Data collected in association with the forest inventory and analysis (FIA) systematic grid has the potential to make multiple contributions to meeting land management information needs, including the development of indicators for application in management and monitoring programs. We derived bird, small mammal, and mammalian carnivore indexes of ecological diversity for the Lake Tahoe Basin using population data collected near FIA grid points, along with two additional data sets. The resulting index provided a robust measure of ecological diversity relative to existing landscape patterns of human development. We used the index to compare reference and existing conditions, and demonstrate its potential to meet National Forest System needs to evaluate progress toward desired ecological diversity conditions across landscapes and over time.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the eighth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium

Citation

Manley, Patricia N.; McIntyre, Kristian K.; Schlesinger, Matthew D.; Campbell, Lori A.; Merideth, Susan; Murphy, Dennis D. 2009. Use of forest inventory and analysis grid-based animal population data to develop an index of ecological diversity. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; McWilliams, William H., eds. Proceedings of the eighth annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; 2006 October 16-19; Monterey, CA. Gen. Tech. Report WO-79. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 121-136.