Long-term ecosystem monitoring and change detection: the Sonoran initiative

Abstract

Ecoregional Systems Heritage and Encroachment Monitoring (ESHEM) examines issues of land management at an ecosystem level using remote sensing. Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), in partnership with Western Illinois University, has developed an ecoregional database and monitoring capability covering the Sonoran region. The monitoring time horizon will extend from the 1970s to at least 2020. The driving issues behind the design of ESHEM are military installation sustainability and encroachment. This paper describes the data in ESHEM as well as “beyond the fence-line” issues that public land managers must now face. It is realized that Federal lands management in the 21st century must occur in cooperation with neighbors. Past experience has shown us that ignoring realities “beyond the fence-line” is an invitation to land use conflicts.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

Lozar, Robert; Ehlschlaeger, Charles. 2005. Long-term ecosystem monitoring and change detection: the Sonoran initiative. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 201-205