Project Number: 6235-11210-006-52
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 09, 2007
End Date: Jul 01, 2009

Objective:
1) Propose modifications to the National Resource Inventory (NRI) protocols for grazing lands to increase sensitivity to conservation treatment effects (CEAP assessment) through modification of sampling framework and integration and enhancement of aerial photos. 2) Develop techniques for integrating a broad range of remote sensing technologies. 3) Initiate development of an integrated approach to empirical and process-based scaling. 4) Produce training materials for NRI QA/QC.

Approach:
The current rangeland NRI is based on ground-based measurement on two 150' transects. Greater precision is required if NRI is to be used to detect conservation practice effects for the CEAP program. Precision could be significantly increased if more points could be evaluated, but this is impossible in an era of stable or declining budgets. We propose to increase the cost-effectiveness of the NRI by developing a stratified, hierarchical sampling design that integrates ground-based measurements and aerial photo interpretation. The stratified sampling design will be based on the NRI grid, but will allow sampling intensity to vary depending on a) the variability within an area, b) the required level of precision for that area (based on anticipated conservation treatment effects). Within this grid, we will embed a hierarchical set of measurements with a minimum of two levels. At the top level, air photo interpretation will be completed at all points. At the bottom level, a full set of ground measurements will be completed. Another, intermediate level including a sub-set of ground measurements may be included depending on the results of a statistical analysis comparing the efficiency of several different designs. We will base these recommendations on an integrated set of new experiments and analyses of existing NRI and other field and remote sensing data.