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Authors: Benda, Lee¹; Miller, Daniel¹; Andras, Kevin¹; Bigelow, Paul¹; Reeves, Gordon¹; Michael, David¹

Source: Forest Science, Volume 53, Number 2, April 2007 , pp. 206-219(14)

Abstract:

An integrated suite of numerical models and analysis tools (NetMap) is created for three purposes: (1) Develop regional scale terrain databases in support of watershed science and resource management, (2) Automate numerous kinds of watershed analyses keying on environmental variability for diversifying resource management options, and (3) Improve tools and skills for interpreting watershed-level controls on aquatic systems, including natural disturbance. Hillslope attributes, such as erosion potential, sediment supply, road density, forest age, and fire risk are aggregated down to the channel habitat scale (20-200 m) allowing unique overlap analyses, and they are accumulated downstream in networks revealing patterns across multiple scales. Watershed attributes are aggregated up to subbasin scales (∼10,000 ha), allowing comparative analyses across large watersheds and landscapes. Approximately 25 automated tools address erosion risk, habitat indices, channel classification, habitat core areas, habitat diversity, and sediment and wood supply, among others. Search functions target overlaps between specific hillslope and channel conditions and between roads and landslide or debris flow potential. To facilitate its use, NetMap contains hyperlinked users' manuals and reference materials, including a library of 50 watershed parameters. NetMap provides decision support for forestry, restoration, monitoring, conservation, and regulation.

Keywords: watershed analysis; terrain analysis; resource management; GIS; watersheds

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Lee Benda, Earth Systems Institute, 310 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Suite 6, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067—(530) 926-1066; Daniel Miller, Earth Systems Institute, 3040 NW 57th St., Seattle, WA 98107—danmiller@earthsystems.net. Kevin Andras, Earth Systems Institute, 310 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd., Suite 6, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067—kevin@kevinandras.com. Paul Bigelow, Earth Systems Institute, 15944 Mills Ave., San Lorenzo, CA— paulbigelow@gmail.com. Gordon Reeves, USDA Forest Service—greeves@fs.fed.us. David Michael, Oregon Department of Forestry— dmichael@odf.state.or.us., Email: leebenda@earthsystems.net.