Methods and Manuals
Natural systems are inherently variable across space and time – a fact that makes inventory, assessment, and monitoring very challenging. For this reason it is paramount that the process of monitoring does not introduce any additional variability into measurements of a system due to ineffective or poorly executed methods. Monitoring manuals detail the specific protocols to follow for designing a monitoring program, establishing monitoring locations, and for each measurement method.
Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems, 2nd Edition
Volume I of this revision focuses on describing the core methods for terrestrial ecosystems. Volume II describes steps for design and implementation of monitoring programs, supplemental methods, and applications to specific topics and program areas.
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health Version 5
This provides a qualitative or semi-quantitative framework for evaluating the condition of rangeland. The seventeen indicators, when assessed by an interdisciplinary team, represent concrete and quickly-characterized properties of a landscape which correspond to the biotic integrity, hydrologic function, and soil and site stability for the area. This approach is often applied by land managers as part of decisions like grazing permit renewals and can be very useful when quantitative data aren’t necessary.
Describing Indicators of Rangeland Health, BLM Technical Reference 1734-9
The Describing Indicators of Rangeland Health (DIRH) technical reference contains a simple, repeatable protocol to describe and quantify 17 indicators of rangeland health. The protocol uses a combination of quantitative measurements and qualitative observations. This protocol does not rate degree of indicator departure from an ecological reference; instead, a standardized system is used to classify and describe each of the 17 indicators independent of a reference.
Other Monitoring Manuals
An annotated listing and downloads of other monitoring manuals produced, coauthored, or used by the Jornada Experimental Range.
Monitoring Methods Wiki
The Monitoring Methods Wiki includes descriptions of over 100 field, remote sensing, and analysis methods as well as information about rangeland applications, strengths and limitations, technical references, and contacts for each one. The method descriptions in the wiki will help you understand exactly what a method can provide, and where to go to get more information or help in implementing a method. The wiki is also a helpful resource for technical users looking for a summary of how a method has been used in rangeland settings.
For commonly asked for clarifications about the Core Methods, you may also want to consult the Methods FAQ.