Final Report: Assessing the Vulnerability of Dryland Ecosystems to Drought in the Western U.S.
Dates
Publication Date
2018-08
Citation
Seth M Munson, 2018-08, Final Report: Assessing the Vulnerability of Dryland Ecosystems to Drought in the Western U.S.: .
Summary
Managers of public lands in the western U.S. face enormous challenges under recent warmer, drier conditions that are expected to worsen. This enhanced aridity can lead to permanent degradation of wildlife habitat and ecological services upon which humans depend. To help managers confront these challenges, our project used a network of vegetation monitoring data that managers already collect from the ground and air (satellite imagery) with climate conditions to determine which types of habitat are vulnerable to drought and elevated temperatures, what habitat changes may occur, and where across the landscape these changes will be most pronounced. We employed new assessment tools to determine how soils, topography, and other landscape [...]
Summary
Managers of public lands in the western U.S. face enormous challenges under recent warmer, drier conditions that are expected to worsen. This enhanced aridity can lead to permanent degradation of wildlife habitat and ecological services upon which humans depend. To help managers confront these challenges, our project used a network of vegetation monitoring data that managers already collect from the ground and air (satellite imagery) with climate conditions to determine which types of habitat are vulnerable to drought and elevated temperatures, what habitat changes may occur, and where across the landscape these changes will be most pronounced. We employed new assessment tools to determine how soils, topography, and other landscape factors can accelerate or slow-down these shifts so managers will be well-prepared to conserve and protect natural resources for future generations. Our project worked in close collaboration with managers from several agencies and provided helpful products and tools to prepare for harmful drought impacts.
