Natural Quality Indicators - Revision history

Admin at 20:48, 5 March 2023

2023-03-05T20:48:17Z

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	<div class="noautonum" style="float:right;width:30%;margin-left:15px;">__TOC__</div>		[[Category:USFS]]
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			<div class="center">[[USFS Wilderness Character Monitoring Technical Guide]]</div>
			[[File:Wilderness character monitoring technical guide - rmrs gtr406.pdf.png\|200px\|thumb\|center]]
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			'''3 {{ PAGENAME }}'''
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			__TOC__
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	Monitoring the Natural Quality assesses how human-caused change affects ecological systems. Key indicators and measures monitor plants, animals, air and water, and ecological processes. This section provides detailed guidance for monitoring the following indicators and measures:		Monitoring the Natural Quality assesses how human-caused change affects ecological systems. Key indicators and measures monitor plants, animals, air and water, and ecological processes. This section provides detailed guidance for monitoring the following indicators and measures:

Admin: /* Guidance for Selecting Air Quality Measures */

2023-03-04T22:17:40Z

Guidance for Selecting Air Quality Measures

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	* Amount of Haze—This measure will be of interest to local units with noticeable haze or other impacts to visibility. Almost all wildernesses (except those in Alaska and Puerto Rico) have representative visibility data.		* Amount of Haze—This measure will be of interest to local units with noticeable haze or other impacts to visibility. Almost all wildernesses (except those in Alaska and Puerto Rico) have representative visibility data.
	* Index of Sensitive Lichen Species—This measure is primarily for wildernesses where air pollution monitoring stations are limited or not available. It will be especially useful in Alaska where air quality monitoring equipment is very limited, and in Forest Service regions 1, 4, and 6 where lichen monitoring data are readily available. Use of this measure is limited to wildernesses with forested habitats. At this time, nitrogen and sulfur are the only pollutants modeled for lichen sensitivity.		* Index of Sensitive Lichen Species—This measure is primarily for wildernesses where air pollution monitoring stations are limited or not available. It will be especially useful in Alaska where air quality monitoring equipment is very limited, and in Forest Service regions 1, 4, and 6 where lichen monitoring data are readily available. Use of this measure is limited to wildernesses with forested habitats. At this time, nitrogen and sulfur are the only pollutants modeled for lichen sensitivity.
	~~[[File:~~Table 2.3.~~10—Recommended~~ air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (-) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended.~~.png~~\|~~thumb~~\|~~Table~~ 2.3~~.10—Recommended air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (~~-~~) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended.]]~~
			{\| class="wikitable"
			\|+ Table 2.3.10: Recommended air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (-) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended.
			\|-
			! Region !! Concentration of ambient ozone !! Deposition of nitrogen !! Deposition of sulfur !! Amount of haze !! Index of sensitive lichen species
			\|-
			\| 1 \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| Yes
			\|-
			\| 2 \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| -
			\|-
			\| 3 \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| -
			\|-
			\| 4 \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| Yes
			\|-
			\| 5 \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| -
			\|-
			\| 6 \|\| - \|\| - \|\| - \|\| Yes \|\| Yes
			\|-
			\| 8 \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| -
			\|-
			\| 9 \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| Yes \|\| -
			\|-
			\| 10 \|\| - \|\| - \|\| - \|\| - \|\| Yes
			\|}

	Table 2.3.10 shows the air quality measures that may be most relevant for each Forest Service region (Regions 1–10). While this table may help narrow the selection process, it should not replace recommendations of local or regional air resource specialists. In this table, the protocol options mentioned under nitrogen and sulfur are discussed in sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3, respectively.		Table 2.3.10 shows the air quality measures that may be most relevant for each Forest Service region (Regions 1–10). While this table may help narrow the selection process, it should not replace recommendations of local or regional air resource specialists. In this table, the protocol options mentioned under nitrogen and sulfur are discussed in sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3, respectively.

Admin: /* 3.5.1 Measure: Watershed Condition Class */

2023-03-04T21:51:42Z

3.5.1 Measure: Watershed Condition Class

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	This measure assesses the average wilderness watershed condition class, based on Forest Service Watershed Condition Classification (WCC) data. Unless stated otherwise, the protocol steps are intended to be completed by the central data analyst. Data are compiled from the Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework website and validated locally. The WCMD calculates the measure value. Table 2.3.20 summarizes key features for this measure.		This measure assesses the average wilderness watershed condition class, based on Forest Service Watershed Condition Classification (WCC) data. Unless stated otherwise, the protocol steps are intended to be completed by the central data analyst. Data are compiled from the Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework website and validated locally. The WCMD calculates the measure value. Table 2.3.20 summarizes key features for this measure.

	[[File:Table 2.3.20—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure ~~"Watershed~~ Condition Class.".png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.20—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure "Watershed Condition Class."]]		[[File:Table 2.3.20—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure “Watershed Condition Class.”.png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.20—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure "Watershed Condition Class."]]

	==== Protocol ====		==== Protocol ====

Admin: /* 3.4.6 Measure: Extent of Waterbodies With Impaired Water Quality */

2023-03-04T21:49:45Z

3.4.6 Measure: Extent of Waterbodies With Impaired Water Quality

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	This measure assesses the miles of streams or number of lakes inside wilderness with impaired water quality, based on national or state 303(d) list of impaired water bodies or local monitoring data. Local units may select the appropriate protocol options as described in step 1 below. Data are compiled from national or state 303(d) databases, or other local, state, regional, or national data sources. Local staff calculate the measure value. Table 2.3.17 describes key features for this measure.		This measure assesses the miles of streams or number of lakes inside wilderness with impaired water quality, based on national or state 303(d) list of impaired water bodies or local monitoring data. Local units may select the appropriate protocol options as described in step 1 below. Data are compiled from national or state 303(d) databases, or other local, state, regional, or national data sources. Local staff calculate the measure value. Table 2.3.17 describes key features for this measure.

	[[File:Table 2.3.17—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure ~~"Extent~~ of Waterbodies with Impaired Water Quality.".png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.17—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure "Extent of Waterbodies with Impaired Water Quality."]]		[[File:Table 2.3.17—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure “Extent of Waterbodies with Impaired Water Quality.”.png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.17—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure "Extent of Waterbodies with Impaired Water Quality."]]

	==== Protocol ====		==== Protocol ====

Admin: /* 3.4 Indicator: Air and Water */

2023-03-04T21:47:11Z

3.4 Indicator: Air and Water

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	This measure assesses the 3-year rolling average of ozone concentration (fourth highest daily maximum 8-hour concentration) based on the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program's annual analyses of national ozone monitoring data. Unless stated otherwise, the protocol steps are intended to be completed by the central data analyst. Data are compiled from the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program NAAQS website. The central data analyst calculates the measure value. Table 2.3.11 describes key features for this measure.		This measure assesses the 3-year rolling average of ozone concentration (fourth highest daily maximum 8-hour concentration) based on the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program's annual analyses of national ozone monitoring data. Unless stated otherwise, the protocol steps are intended to be completed by the central data analyst. Data are compiled from the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program NAAQS website. The central data analyst calculates the measure value. Table 2.3.11 describes key features for this measure.

	[[File:Table 2.3.11—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure ~~"Concentration~~ of Ambient Ozone..png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.11—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure "Concentration of Ambient Ozone.]]		[[File:Table 2.3.11—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure “Concentration of Ambient Ozone..png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.11—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure "Concentration of Ambient Ozone.]]

	==== Protocol ====		==== Protocol ====

Admin: /* Guidance for Selecting Air Quality Measures */

2023-03-04T21:42:58Z

Guidance for Selecting Air Quality Measures

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 4 March 2023
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	* Amount of Haze—This measure will be of interest to local units with noticeable haze or other impacts to visibility. Almost all wildernesses (except those in Alaska and Puerto Rico) have representative visibility data.		* Amount of Haze—This measure will be of interest to local units with noticeable haze or other impacts to visibility. Almost all wildernesses (except those in Alaska and Puerto Rico) have representative visibility data.
	* Index of Sensitive Lichen Species—This measure is primarily for wildernesses where air pollution monitoring stations are limited or not available. It will be especially useful in Alaska where air quality monitoring equipment is very limited, and in Forest Service regions 1, 4, and 6 where lichen monitoring data are readily available. Use of this measure is limited to wildernesses with forested habitats. At this time, nitrogen and sulfur are the only pollutants modeled for lichen sensitivity.		* Index of Sensitive Lichen Species—This measure is primarily for wildernesses where air pollution monitoring stations are limited or not available. It will be especially useful in Alaska where air quality monitoring equipment is very limited, and in Forest Service regions 1, 4, and 6 where lichen monitoring data are readily available. Use of this measure is limited to wildernesses with forested habitats. At this time, nitrogen and sulfur are the only pollutants modeled for lichen sensitivity.
			[[File:Table 2.3.10—Recommended air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (-) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended..png\|thumb\|Table 2.3.10—Recommended air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (-) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended.]]
	Table 2.3.10 shows the air quality measures that may be most relevant for each Forest Service region (Regions 1–10). While this table may help narrow the selection process, it should not replace recommendations of local or regional air resource specialists. In this table, the protocol options mentioned under nitrogen and sulfur are discussed in sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3, respectively.		Table 2.3.10 shows the air quality measures that may be most relevant for each Forest Service region (Regions 1–10). While this table may help narrow the selection process, it should not replace recommendations of local or regional air resource specialists. In this table, the protocol options mentioned under nitrogen and sulfur are discussed in sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3, respectively.

	[[File:Table 2.3.10—Recommended air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (-) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended..png\|thumb\|alt=Table 2.3.10—Recommended air measures for Forest Service regions. A dash (-) in the column generally means not relevant or not recommended.]]

	=== 3.4.1 Measure: Concentration of Ambient Ozone ===		=== 3.4.1 Measure: Concentration of Ambient Ozone ===

Admin: /* Protocol */

2023-03-04T21:36:08Z

Protocol

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	\|+ Table 2.3.16—An example of data retrieved from the tabular summary of lichen plot data placed into a period of the decade the data were collected.		\|+ Table 2.3.16—An example of data retrieved from the tabular summary of lichen plot data placed into a period of the decade the data were collected.
	\|-		\|-
	!Air pollution scores—Badger Creek Wilderness		!colspan="3"\| Air pollution scores—Badger Creek Wilderness
	\|-		\|-
	! Plot number !! 1990–1999 !! 2000–2010		! Plot number !! 1990–1999 !! 2000–2010
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	\| Average \|\| -0.5553 \|\| -0.2920		\| Average \|\| -0.5553 \|\| -0.2920
	\|-		\|-
	\| p-value \|\| 0.6461 \|\|		\| p-value \|\| colspan="2"\| 0.6461
	\|}		\|}

Admin: /* Protocol */

2023-03-04T21:33:46Z

Protocol

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	'''Step 1: Retrieve lichen data from the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program.''' Navigate to the Forest Service National Lichens and Air Quality database (http://gis.nacse.org/lichenair/index.php) and follow these steps:		'''Step 1: Retrieve lichen data from the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program.''' Navigate to the Forest Service National Lichens and Air Quality database (http://gis.nacse.org/lichenair/index.php) and follow these steps:

	1. Go to "Database Queries" on the left and click on "Lichen Plot Data." Select the desired wilderness from the list in the rightmost box (fig. 2.3.6) and click "Minimize."		# Go to "Database Queries" on the left and click on "Lichen Plot Data." Select the desired wilderness from the list in the rightmost box (fig. 2.3.6) and click "Minimize." [[File:Figure 2.3.6.png\|thumb\|Figure 2.3.6—Example of lichen plot data from the National Lichens and Air Quality Database.]]
			# Scroll down to the section titled "Select Database Fields to Include in Query." Check the boxes for "Field collection date," "Plot name" and "Air pollution score" (fig. 2.3.7), then click "Retrieve Tabular Data." [[File:Figure 2.3.7.png\|thumb\|Figure 2.3.7—An example of the database fields included in the query for this measure.]]
	[[File:Figure 2.3.6.png\|thumb\|Figure 2.3.6—Example of lichen plot data from the National Lichens and Air Quality Database.]]		# Record relevant air pollution scores. In the table that appears, each row records a different plot number (fig. 2.3.8). The three fields selected for the query are found as columns on the far right of the table. Air pollution scores for nitrogen and sulfur are derived from an analysis of the lichen community and lichen abundances. Higher (more positive) scores indicate that more pollution (i.e., nitrogen and sulfur) is impacting the lichens on the plot. Plots without an air pollution score have not yet had their data analyzed; they will be updated in 2017 to reflect the most up to date information available. Sulfur air scores will also be calculated and uploaded here so that forests in the western U.S. and eastern U.S. have two scores. Click on the title of the "Plot name" column to sort the plots alphabetically, and identify which plots have been sampled more than once by comparing the plot name and field collection date. For example, in the figure 2.3.8, Plot 1142184 was sampled in 1995 and 2005 (first two rows) while Plot 1140188 has only been sampled once in 1996 (third row). Record the air pollution scores for all plots that have multiple field collection dates (table 2.3.16); ignore plots that have only been sampled once.

	2. Scroll down to the section titled "Select Database Fields to Include in Query." Check the boxes for "Field collection date," "Plot name" and "Air pollution score" (fig. 2.3.7), then click "Retrieve Tabular Data."

	[[File:Figure 2.3.7.png\|thumb\|Figure 2.3.7—An example of the database fields included in the query for this measure.]]

	3. Record relevant air pollution scores. In the table that appears, each row records a different plot number (fig. 2.3.8). The three fields selected for the query are found as columns on the far right of the table. Air pollution scores for nitrogen and sulfur are derived from an analysis of the lichen community and lichen abundances. Higher (more positive) scores indicate that more pollution (i.e., nitrogen and sulfur) is impacting the lichens on the plot. Plots without an air pollution score have not yet had their data analyzed; they will be updated in 2017 to reflect the most up to date information available. Sulfur air scores will also be calculated and uploaded here so that forests in the western U.S. and eastern U.S. have two scores. Click on the title of the "Plot name" column to sort the plots alphabetically, and identify which plots have been sampled more than once by comparing the plot name and field collection date. For example, in the figure 2.3.8, Plot 1142184 was sampled in 1995 and 2005 (first two rows) while Plot 1140188 has only been sampled once in 1996 (third row). Record the air pollution scores for all plots that have multiple field collection dates (table 2.3.16); ignore plots that have only been sampled once.

	[[File:Figure 2.3.8.png\|thumb\|Figure 2.3.8—An example of the tabular summary of lichen plot data.]]		[[File:Figure 2.3.8.png\|thumb\|Figure 2.3.8—An example of the tabular summary of lichen plot data.]]

Admin at 19:01, 3 March 2023

2023-03-03T19:01:16Z

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	It is acceptable to use ozone data from a monitor that may represent only a portion of a wilderness, a situation that may arise for very large wildernesses and those with highly complex terrain. Ozone data from one monitor may not accurately evaluate ozone levels in all areas of a wilderness, but the data from one well-managed monitor should provide a representative ozone trend for a wilderness. The goal of this measure is to evaluate the trend in ozone concentration over time, not to establish exact ozone concentrations for a particular location in a wilderness.		It is acceptable to use ozone data from a monitor that may represent only a portion of a wilderness, a situation that may arise for very large wildernesses and those with highly complex terrain. Ozone data from one monitor may not accurately evaluate ozone levels in all areas of a wilderness, but the data from one well-managed monitor should provide a representative ozone trend for a wilderness. The goal of this measure is to evaluate the trend in ozone concentration over time, not to establish exact ozone concentrations for a particular location in a wilderness.

	If there is any question about the representativeness of a monitoring site, consult an air resource specialist to help identify the most representative monitor to use for this measure. Finally, the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program website does not have up to date ozone data or graphics. Until the lapse in maintenance ends, annual ozone concentration data are sourced from EPA [https://aqs.epa.gov/aqsweb/ airdata/download_files.html] and trends are calculated by the WCM Central Team using the protocol described above.		If there is any question about the representativeness of a monitoring site, consult an air resource specialist to help identify the most representative monitor to use for this measure. Finally, the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program website does not have up to date ozone data or graphics. Until the lapse in maintenance ends, annual ozone concentration data are sourced from EPA [https://aqs.epa.gov/aqsweb/airdata/download_files.html] and trends are calculated by the WCM Central Team using the protocol described above.

	==== Data Adequacy ====		==== Data Adequacy ====
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	==== Protocol ====		==== Protocol ====

	'''Step 1: Identify wilderness watersheds.''' The most efficient way to determine which watersheds are inside wilderness is to use GIS to overlay a wilderness boundary over a watershed layer. Watershed and wilderness layers are available on the Forest Service T drive (T:\FS\Reference\GIS drive). Watershed layers can also be downloaded from http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/watershed/condition_framework. html by clicking on the link to "download a shapefile with WCC and Prioritization information." Make sure to use the 6th code HUC (HUC 12) watershed layer rather than a different HUC level. For each watershed partially or entirely within wilderness, determine the acreage inside wilderness. Consult a GIS specialist for assistance with the spatial analysis if necessary. Record the watershed names/codes and area inside wilderness for all watersheds that are partially or entirely within wilderness.		'''Step 1: Identify wilderness watersheds.''' The most efficient way to determine which watersheds are inside wilderness is to use GIS to overlay a wilderness boundary over a watershed layer. Watershed and wilderness layers are available on the Forest Service T drive (T:\FS\Reference\GIS drive). Watershed layers can also be downloaded from http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/watershed/condition_framework.html by clicking on the link to "download a shapefile with WCC and Prioritization information." Make sure to use the 6th code HUC (HUC 12) watershed layer rather than a different HUC level. For each watershed partially or entirely within wilderness, determine the acreage inside wilderness. Consult a GIS specialist for assistance with the spatial analysis if necessary. Record the watershed names/codes and area inside wilderness for all watersheds that are partially or entirely within wilderness.

	'''Step 2: Retrieve watershed condition class data from the Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework (WCF) website.''' The WCF website (http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/watershed/condition_framework.html) provides several methods for accessing watershed condition information: an interactive map, tabular data, and spatial data. The links to the following methods are on the website:		'''Step 2: Retrieve watershed condition class data from the Forest Service Watershed Condition Framework (WCF) website.''' The WCF website (http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/watershed/condition_framework.html) provides several methods for accessing watershed condition information: an interactive map, tabular data, and spatial data. The links to the following methods are on the website:

Admin at 18:32, 3 March 2023

2023-03-03T18:32:57Z

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