Abstract

Multi-Criteria Decision Support for Statewide Habitat Degradation Assessment
Track: Conservation
Authors: Hanna Ford

This presentation will review the process of identifying input layers, analysis methods, and model processes used while determining areas of Arkansas most impacted by anthropogenic and natural activities that have resulted in, or have the potential to result in habitat degradation. During the process of analyzing and compiling data, various techniques, such as linear scale transformation, were applied to determine the appropriate comparable normalization technique and to determine their influence on model results. Input from a team of federal, state and local wildlife and ecological professionals were used during the selection of input layers, as well as having their review of final model outputs for further refinement, input and discussion. An interest in modeling the intensity of potential habitat degradation exists throughout the wildlife and conservation community of Arkansas; through these analysis and modeling techniques we have explored the ability to incorporate expert input and review with accessible data sources.