A GIS-Based Decision-Support Tool to Evaluate Land Management Policies in South Florida

Project Investigators: Richard Bernknopf, Paul Hearn and William Labiosa Project Personnel: Paul Amos, David Brookshire, Nina Burkardt, Tom Daniels, Kevin Gillen, Caroline Hermans, Dianna Hogan, Tony Smith, David Strong, Susan Wachter and Anne Wein Project Start Date: 2005 End Date: 2009 Recent Funding: (FY07) USGS GE PES, ENP CESI and USGS GAM; (FY06) USGS GE PES, ENP CESI and USGS SI Project Summary and Work Plans

Summary

The primary objective of the project is to develop an EPM for resource managers and decision makers to evaluate land use decisions that attempt to maintain a balance between the ecological health of South Florida parks and refuges and the increasing pressures of urban development.

The ecosystem portfolio model (EPM), a Geographic Information System based decision support tool, will integrate natural science and economic information to support land use planning, land acquisition strategies, and regulatory decisions. The EPM will contribute to improved public understanding and awareness of the importance of protecting South Florida ecosystem functions and their socioeconomic implications.

Project Summary

• 2006

Work Plans

• 2006
• 2007