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Open data powers new conservation mapping tool for USDA and partners

USDA

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the University of Montana and other partners have used Google Earth Engine to build a new interactive online map tool that, for the first time, combines layers of data to better target invasive species that are damaging habitat and rangeland. The tool was built as part of USDA’s ongoing Sage Grouse Initiative and presents geospatial data covering a 100 million acre landscape in eight western States.

Terrell Erickson, director of NRCS’ Ecological Sciences Division, unveiled the new mapping tool today at the Sagebrush Conference in Salt Lake City. Now available at http://map.sagegrouseinitiative.com, this first version of the tool currently allows farmers, ranchers, conservationists and other partners to analyze data on the encroachment of conifers and cheatgrass on key rangeland.

Brady Allred, a rangeland specialist with University of Montana, developed the tool for SGI using Google Earth Engine, a platform for scientific analysis and visualization of geospatial datasets, both for public benefit and for business and government users. SGI will continue to build on the tool over time. The eight states with territory covered by the first two data sets include California, Colorado, Idaho, Monana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington



Public and private land managers can now use the free SGI map tool in planning where and how best to target available resources to achieve the biggest gains in the battle against invasive species.

The Tree Canopy Cover layer, developed by professor Michael Falkowski of Colorado State University, shows where conifers are degrading critical sagebrush-steppe across the range. NRCS and partners use these data to target the removal of invading conifers when the trees are young and more easily eradicated. Another map layer provides an index of ecosystem resilience and resistance to cheatgrass based on underlying soil temperature and moisture.



Each data layer creates a visual representation of available research covering one of the threats targeted by Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 offsite link image investment strategy, a four-year $211 million effort to help restore and protect sagebrush habitats in 11 western states. The strategy guides conservation efforts through 2018.

Since 2010, NRCS has partnered with ranchers to restore and protect more than five million acres of sage grouse habitat through SGI.

Learn more about NRCS’ conservation efforts for sage grouse habitat. For more on technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs, go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

-USDA


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