Development of Short-Grass and Mixed Grass Conceptual Models for
the Southern Plains Inventory and Monitoring NetworkDan
Tinker
Ann Hild
Department of Botany
University of Wyoming
Abstract:
One of the goals
of the National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I &
M) program is to initiate long-term monitoring of natural
resources within its parks. Conceptual Models provide a
framework to guide personnel through the identification and
selection of vital signs to monitor. The purpose of this
project is to provide critical expertise with the development
and preparation of Conceptual Models for the grassland ecosystem
types within the Southern Plains Inventory and Monitoring
Network (SOPN). The SOPN has developed a prioritized list of
important natural resources and stressors for both the network
as a whole and the individual parks within the network. The
models will provide a framework and aid in understanding the
most important SOPN natural resources and stressors, in addition
to drivers and ecological processes of grassland health and
integrity. Dr. Tinker and/or Dr.Hild will travel to several of
the parks within the SOPN network to better familiarize
themselves with the ecosystems of the region, and to meet with
appropriate park staff. In addition, Dr. Tinker and/or Dr. Hild
will also participate in a grassland scoping session (time and
location to be determined) to help identify potential ecological
indicators for the SOPN parks. This project will be a
sequential combination of synthesizing existing information from
a wide variety of data sources to develop conceptual models,
which will then in turn provide the basis for identifying
ecological indicators. As such, this project will necessitate a
significant cooperation between NPS and the cooperators to
ensure that the
Funding Agency:
National Park Service
Task Agreement # J735004002, mod/0001 No Cost
$23,618
Effective Dates: August 16, 2004 through June 30, 2005
