Research Overview
Our research objectives and methodology can best be summarized by the following four aspects (Please see our final technical report for more detailed information):
Landscape-scale Assessment
Assessing the landscape requires a systematic,
unbiased survey of vegetation communities, native and exotic plant distributions,
soils, and microbiotic soil crusts. This information allows resource managers
to evaluate land-use practices, vascular plant diversity, and exotic species
invasions to protect the area's biodiversity based on sound science.
Multi-phase Rapid Assessment of the Landscape
Only a small portion of the landscape can be monitored affordably and
efficiently. This landscape assessment uses a multi-phase, multi-scale
approach with satellite images, high resolution aerial photography, field
sampling, and predictive models. Combining vegetation and environmental
information across spatial scales provides accurate information from local
sites to the region.
Multi-scale Field Sampling
Random locations are selected in rare and common habitats for intensive
study. Field crews are guided to locations using maps, a compass, and
GPS (global positioning system) receivers. Detailed measurements are made
of native and exotic plant species using the Modified-Whitaker Sampling
technique. Soil samples are collected for texture and nutrients. Microbiotic
soil crust cover is evaluated at the same sites, creating layers of information
for the Monument's GIS (geographic information systems). Video mapping,
with a hand-held video recorder modified with a GPS receiver, provides
ecologists with a tool to immediately present landscape conditions to
managers, the scientific community, and the public.
Long Term Monitoring and Protection of Monument Resources
Field data, photographs, video mapping, GIS layers, and predicative models
provide a means for long-term monitoring of the Monument's biological
resources. New, standardized field techniques combined with the use of
palmtop computers for data entry, customized analysis software, GIS technology,
and proper management of landscape-scale survey data insure timely and
accurate data for decision-makers and the
public.
A Brief Summary of Project Field Data Results
During the field seasons of 1998 to 2003, 386 multi-scale plots were established across the Monument. Special study areas included Buckskin Mountain area (burned and seeded areas), No Man's Mesa and Spring Point (near-relict sites), Skutumpah Road area (burned, seeded, and chained areas), and the Escalante River (recently closed to grazing). Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) mapping surveys were conducted during the field season of 2003.
We have detected 552 plant species, 44 of which are non-native. Of the non-native species occurring on the Monument, 7 were found to be highly invasive (Bromus tectorum, Erodium cicutarium, Poa pratensis, Salsola iberica, Tamarix spp., Taraxacum officinale, and Tragopogon dubius). Rare habitats, such as aspen, wet meadows, and riparian areas, are the most heavily invaded habitats. In addition, 63 endemic species (specific to the Colorado Plateau) were encountered.
The most common plant on the Monument is broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), occurring on 76% of the modified-Whittaker plots established from 1998 to 2003. The second most common plant is Indian ricegrass (Stipa hymenoides) occurring on 70% of the plots, followed by cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) occurring on 65% of the 367 plots.
For more information on our results, please see our most recent publications and our final technical report.