AbstractUsing GIS in Kona Eco-site Data: Using Data for Land Inventory, Analysis, and Management Decisions for Forest and RangelandsTrack: Ecology and Conservation Author NRCS is involved with restoration and conservation practices on forest and rangelands. They have developed ecological site descriptions (ESDs) nationally that are based on extensive field data and GIS analysis. ESDs are useful information sources for land management. On the Big Island of Hawaii ESDs have nearly been completed. ESDs describe vegetation types and disturbance pathways between them. Each ESD is correlated to map units of the NRCS soil survey, from which a map of the ESD can be generated. This presentation will cover the different ESDs in the Kona area. This data will be a complement to other data that is available to do analysis, land inventory and making land management decisions for the rangeland and forestlands. The ecological site description is the document that will contain information about the individual ecological sites. The information contains four categories. 1. Site Characteristics -- Identifies the site and describes the physiographic, climate, soil, and water features associated with the site. 2. Plant Communities -- Describes the ecological dynamics and the common plant communities comprising the various vegetation states of the site. The disturbances that cause a shift from one state to another are also described. 3. Site Interpretations -- Interpretive information pertinent to the use and management of the site and its related resources. 4. Supporting Information - Provides information on sources of information and data utilized in developing the site description and the relationship of the site to other ecological sites. GIS is a useful tool to interpret this data. Reese Libby Natural Resources Conservation Service 64-1032 Mamalahoa Hwy,suite 201 Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 United States Phone: 808-885-6602 Fax: 808-885-4420 E-mail: reese.libby@hi.usda.gov |