5 research outputs found
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BioEarth: Envisioning and developing a new regional earth system model to inform natural and agricultural resource management
As managers of agricultural and natural resources are confronted with uncertainties in global change impacts, the complexities associated with the interconnected cycling of nitrogen, carbon, and water present daunting management challenges. Existing models provide detailed information on specific sub-systems (e.g., land, air, water, and economics). An increasing awareness of the unintended consequences of management decisions resulting from interconnectedness of these sub-systems, however, necessitates coupled regional earth system models (EaSMs). Decision makers’ needs and priorities can be integrated into the model design and development processes to enhance decision-making relevance and “usability” of EaSMs. BioEarth is a research initiative currently under development with a focus on the U.S. Pacific Northwest region that explores the coupling of multiple stand-alone EaSMs to generate usable information for resource decision-making. Direct engagement between model developers and non-academic stakeholders involved in resource and environmental management decisions throughout the model development process is a critical component of this effort. BioEarth utilizes a bottom-up approach for its land surface model that preserves fine spatial-scale sensitivities and lateral hydrologic connectivity, which makes it unique among many regional EaSMs. This paper describes the BioEarth initiative and highlights opportunities and challenges associated with coupling multiple stand-alone models to generate usable information for agricultural and natural resource decision-making
BioEarth: Envisioning and developing a new regional earth system model to inform natural and agricultural resource management
Davenport living snow fence demonstration Fifteen-year survival and growth update
This Washington State University publication discusses the Davenport Living Snow Fence, a dryland Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) demonstration project planted in 2003, and provides data on tree growth and survival rates during its first 15 years. The primary purpose of this planting was to demonstrate implementation. A secondary purpose was to examine tree growth, row variability, and survival. This demonstration was not intended to measure snow catchment effectiveness, although this could be accomplished in subsequent years. Empirical observations for snow catchment, impact of reducing snow drifting onto the state highway during periods of adverse winter weather, and wildlife uses of the Davenport Living Snow Fence are included
Fire science needs in the Pacific Northwest
12 pagesAfter a century of wildfire suppression, the costs
and complexity of wildfire management are
increasing. Population growth in fire-prone landscapes,
climate change, and diverse land management
objectives all contribute to a complex management
environment. The number and types of
managers and practitioners involved in wildfire
management has also grown. Government agencies,
land managers, air quality regulators, nonprofit organizations,
community leaders, and others have a
diversity of fire science and social science needs. To
protect and restore fire-adapted communities and
natural resources in the Pacific Northwest, a process
for effective dissemination and accelerated user
adoption of pertinent information, knowledge, tools,
and expertise is necessary. An improved system to
connect, engage, and exchange information between
researchers and diverse groups affected by wild or
prescribed fire could enhance exchange of existing
fire science and technologies throughout the region,
and encourage fire and land management stakeholders
to evaluate and adopt relevant fire science.This project was made possible with funds from the Joint Fire Science Program, Oregon State
University, University of Oregon, USDA Forest Service, and the USDA Bureau of Land Management
BioEarth: Envisioning and developing a new regional earth system model to inform natural and agricultural resource management
As managers of agricultural and natural resources are confronted with uncertainties in global change impacts, the complexities associated with the interconnected cycling of nitrogen, carbon, and water present daunting management challenges. Existing models provide detailed information on specific sub-systems (e.g., land, air, water, and economics). An increasing awareness of the unintended consequences of management decisions resulting from interconnectedness of these sub-systems, however, necessitates coupled regional earth system models (EaSMs). Decision makers’ needs and priorities can be integrated into the model design and development processes to enhance decision-making relevance and “usability” of EaSMs. BioEarth is a research initiative currently under development with a focus on the U.S. Pacific Northwest region that explores the coupling of multiple stand-alone EaSMs to generate usable information for resource decision-making. Direct engagement between model developers and non-academic stakeholders involved in resource and environmental management decisions throughout the model development process is a critical component of this effort. BioEarth utilizes a bottom-up approach for its land surface model that preserves fine spatial-scale sensitivities and lateral hydrologic connectivity, which makes it unique among many regional EaSMs. This paper describes the BioEarth initiative and highlights opportunities and challenges associated with coupling multiple stand-alone models to generate usable information for agricultural and natural resource decision-making