Planning management activities to protect biodiversity with GIS and an integrated optimization model

TitlePlanning management activities to protect biodiversity with GIS and an integrated optimization model
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication1996
AuthorsChurch, RL, Stoms, DM, Davis, FW, Okin, BJ
Conference NameThird International Conference/Workshop on Integrating GIS and Environmental Modeling
Date Published1996
PublisherNational Center for Geographic Information and Analysis
Conference LocationSanta Fe, New Mexico
KeywordsBMAS model, Sierra Nevada, GIS model integration
Abstract

We present the details of a general spatial model that was developed for the selection of biodiversity management areas in the Sierra Nevada Region. This model is loosely integrated with a GIS system. The basic modeling approach begins by first identifying those plant communities that are vulnerable due to land use activities in current management plans. The level of vulnerability is assessed for each element of interest on a spatial basis using ARC/INFO. The planning problem involves selecting an efficient set of watersheds for biodiversity management through specially developed heuristics and the Optimization Subroutine Library of IBM. Results of this approach are given for the northern region of the Sierra Nevada of California. The BMAS model represents a significant advance in GIS-based conservation planning, both in sophistication of the algorithms used and in the integration of cultural and land use data with biological data.

URLhttp://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/conf/SANTA_FE_CD-ROM/sf_papers/church_richard/my_paper.html