Grantee Research Project Results
1999 Progress Report: Modeling Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Montane Meadows and Biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
EPA Grant Number: R825155Title: Modeling Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Montane Meadows and Biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Investigators: Debinski, Diane , Jakubauskas, Mark E. , Kindscher, Kelly
Institution: Iowa State University , University of Kansas
Current Institution: Iowa State University , University of Kansas , University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1999
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 1998 through September 30, 1999
Project Amount: $709,640
RFA: Ecological Assessment (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration
Objective:
Our project is an examination of ecological dynamics in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), concentrating specifically on the spatial and temporal dynamics of montane meadow communities. We are examining both the abiotic aspects of these communities as well as the biodiversity of plant, bird, and butterfly communities. Our long-term goal is to develop predictive species assemblage models based on landscape level habitat analysis. This involves using intensive, local field sampling to test for relationships between species distribution patterns and remotely sensed data. This research involves several steps: (1) quantifying the spatial and temporal variability in montane meadow communities; (2) developing a spectrally-based, spatially explicit model for predicting plant and animal species diversity patterns in montane meadows; and (3) testing the spectrally-based, spatially explicit model for predicting plant and animal species diversity patterns in montane meadows.
Progress Summary:
We are using a time series of satellite multispectral imagery for monitoring the extent, condition, and spatial pattern of montane meadows on a seasonal and interannual time scale. Field sampling is being used to collect data on the distribution of plant, bird, and butterfly species. Spectrally-based, spatially explicit models are being developed for six meadow types using a geographic information system (GIS) to stratify the study area by topography and geology. We have sampled for 3 years in two regions of the ecosystem: the northern region (hereafter termed the Gallatin study area) included the Gallatin National Forest and northwestern portion of Yellowstone National Park, and the southern region (hereafter termed the Teton study area) included the Grand Teton National Park. A total of 25 sample sites were located in the Tetons and 30 sample sites were located in the Gallatins during 1997 and 1998. Birds, butterflies, and plants were surveyed at each of the sites. Details of the sampling methodology and data analysis are noted below.
During the summer of 1999, we mounted a field campaign that will allow us to test the predictability of our models within each region. We visited new sites of each meadow type in each sampling area for collection of bird, butterfly, and plant data. This field season focused on extensive rather than intensive data collection (i.e., we visited many new sites, but collected data less frequently at each site). In 1999, 40 new sites were added in the Tetons (8 of each meadow type) and 34 new sites were added in the Gallatins (5-6 in each meadow type).
Two Master's theses have been produced as a direct result of this research (Erika Saveraid and Maria Borgognone; see publication list for details).
Future Activities:
Our work is approximately three-quarters completed at this point. Analysis of spectral data is continuing along several thrusts. Close-range hyperspectral radiometer data are being analyzed to determine relationships between biomass and spectral reflectance in montane meadows. Toward this end, we are exploring the use of derivative analysis to separate the relative contributions of forbs, grasses, and shrubs to the composite spectral reflectance for a plot. Interannual comparisons between the 1997 and 1998 spectroradiometer and biomass data will be conducted to refine measures of vegetation condition and development. Analysis of the satellite data will address several research directions: biophysical remote sensing (modeling relationships between biophysical data and spectral reflectance), landscape heterogeneity (as quantified by first-order texture analysis of single- and multi-date satellite imagery), and predictive modeling of vegetation communities through integrated analysis of satellite and GIS data. Toward these ends, processing is ongoing to georeference the satellite data, convert it to reflectance values, and perform topographic normalization to account for differing solar incidence angles. Texture analysis will be initiated, starting with the 1994 Gallatin data set, evaluating relationships between plant and animal abundance and diversity, and seasonal and interannual variability in local landscape heterogeneity.
Data for birds and butterflies for both 1997 and 1998 have been entered and verified. Bird data for 1999 are entered and verified. Plant and butterfly data for 1999 are currently being entered and should be completed by the end of December. Quality control of the data will follow. Data summaries and statistics comparing meadow types will be conducted this winter. In addition, a data matrix of species and functional and ecological traits is being compiled.
The final year of the grant will be spent primarily on data analysis and writing of manuscripts.
Journal Articles on this Report : 6 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 39 publications | 11 publications in selected types | All 10 journal articles |
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Debinski DM, Kindscher K, Jakubauskas ME. A remote sensing and GIS-based model of habitats and biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. International Journal of Remote Sensing 1999;20(17):3281-3291. |
R825155 (1997) R825155 (1999) R825155 (Final) |
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Debinski DM, Jakubauskas ME, Kindscher K. Montane meadows as indicators of environmental change. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2000;64(1):213-225. |
R825155 (1999) R825155 (Final) |
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Debinski D, Jakubauskas M, Kindscher K. Assessing biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Geo Info Systems 1997;7:42-45. |
R825155 (1999) R825155 (Final) |
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Jakubauskas M, Kindscher K, Debinski D. Multitemporal characterization and mapping of montane sagebrush communities using Indian IRS LISS-II imagery. Geocarto International 1998;13(4):65-74. |
R825155 (1997) R825155 (1999) R825155 (Final) |
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Jakubauskas M, Kindscher K, Debinski D. Spectral and biophysical relationships of montane sagebrush communities in multi-temporal SPOT XS data. International Journal of Remote Sensing 2001;22(9):1767-1778. |
R825155 (1997) R825155 (1999) R825155 (Final) R826110 (Final) |
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Kindscher K, Fraser A, Jakubauskas ME, Debinski DM. Identifying wetland meadows in Grand Teton National Park using remote sensing and average wetland values. Wetlands Ecology and Management 1997;5(4):265-273. |
R825155 (1999) R825155 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
landscape, indicator, scaling, montane meadow, biodiversity, modeling, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, remote sensing., RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Air, Geographic Area, Ecological Indicators, State, Ecosystem Protection, Atmosphere, Ecosystem/Assessment/Indicators, exploratory research environmental biology, Monitoring/Modeling, Air Pollution Effects, Ecological Effects - Environmental Exposure & Risk, Ecological Effects - Human Health, climate change, Chemical Mixtures - Environmental Exposure & Risk, ecological effects, landscape characterization, biodiversity, ecosystem assessment, modeling biological effects, ecological assessment, risk assessment, environmental monitoring, habitat, Yellowstone, scaling, predictive species model, Montane Lotic ecosystem, spatial and temporal patternsRelevant Websites:
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~debinski/homepage.html Exit
http://www.kars.ukans.edu Exit
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~mobes/aeclgis2.html Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.