Applying site-suitability to Memorial Groves and understanding the risks B Y: C A S S I D Y I N C E
ArcMap: What it is and How it Works • “ArcMap is the map display and editing workhorse for the ESRI ArcGIS Geographical Information System (GIS) software package. It is most widely used for map creation, but also has broad capabilities for editing and spatial analysis. The "Toolbox" available in ArcMap provides an encyclopedic array of GIS data manipulation and analysis functions for almost any application.”
Source: https://www.dataone.org/software-tools/esri-arcmap
Weighted Overlay Analysis • Used to determine site-suitability • Solves multicriteria problems • Allows user to manipulate weights and rating system • Displays results by taking every attribute into consideration
Source: http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/tools/spatial-analysttoolbox/how-weighted-overlay-works.htm
STEP 1: Determine Criteria
Source: CenterPoint Energy and USDA/NRCS
STEP 2: Gather Shapefiles
STEP 3: Convert Vectors to Rasters • Rasters are determined by individual units (pixels) • Polygons can contain multiple attributes • WOA cannot run with vectors • Essentially more precise • Allows user to define criteria
Source: http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName=What_is_raster_data%3F
STEP 4: Reclassify Rasters • Allows user to define individual pixels with values • Attributes can be grouped together • Enables user to input the rating system
Source: http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/spatial -analyst/understanding-reclassification.htm
STEP 5: Develop a Rating System
STEP 6: Enter Data into WOA Tool
STEP 7: Apply Compiled Data
How can site-suitability be applied to Memorial Groves?
Plans for Memorial Groves • Memorial Site for Camp Logan veterans • 65 Acre Pine Regiment • Monoculture stand of loblolly pine/shortleaf pine
Source: Memorial Park Master Plan
Loblolly Pine vs. Shortleaf Pine
What risks are associated with planting a monoculture stand of loblolly pine trees?
Loss of Biodiversity • Habitat loss – Removal of the midstory/understory
• Decrease in genetic variation – Bottleneck Effect – Pest/Disease Outbreaks – Reduced Storm Resistance
Bottleneck Effect • Less genetic variation – Smaller gene pool
• Reduces adaptivity to conditions • More desirable to pests/disease
Source: http://nectunt.bifi.es/to-learnmore-overview/mechanisms-ofevolutionary-change/
Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) • Females target stressed/damaged trees • Create S-shaped egg galleries • Tree mortality • Monoculture is desirable
Source: http://entnemdept .ufl.edu/creatures/ trees/southern_pi ne_beetle.htm
Fusiform Rust • Caused by the fungus Cronartium fusiforme • Prominent in the winter • Forms cankers on branches and stems • Weakens tree structure • Discoloration in bark
Source: https://www.uaex.edu/environmentnature/forestry/health/disease-problems.aspx
Reduced Storm Resistance • Lower wind resistance compared to other pines (Kurt et al 2009). • Hurricane Katrina/Hurricane Rita/Hurricane Ike damage • 2011 Drought – 80% tree mortality (USDA)
Sources: Kurt et al 2009, USDA, PBS.org and LSU
Altering Soil Use • Affects soil fertility • Harris County Soil Survey • Native Pasture Soils – Ge – Md
• Altered Soil – An
• Timber Soils – Bn
Source: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANU SCRIPTS/texas/harrisTX1976/harris.pdf
How can Memorial Park reduce the risks associated with planting a monoculture stand?
Forest Management Recommendations • Reduce the area of the Memorial • Use site-suitability maps • Plant on correct soils • Maintain stand structure • Thin out hazardous or lower quality trees
Source: http://magnolialandandtimber.blogspot .com/p/thinning-plantation.html (Image)
THANK YOU MPC STAFF!!!
Citations • https://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/fusiform/fidl-fusi.htm • http://rnr-cmap.lsu.edu/rid=1P6YCTB2X-1JGRNLFNLR/1P6XT2Y4RI3SC1KXI7C4Iimage • http://www.pbs.org/newshour/multimedia/drought-fromabove/4.html • https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/texas/ harrisTX1976/harris.pdf • https://www.dataone.org/software-tools/esri-arcmap • http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/10.3/tools/spatial-analysttoolbox/how-weighted-overlay-works.htm • http://webhelp.esri.com/arcgisdesktop/9.2/index.cfm?TopicName =What_is_raster_data%3F
Citations Continued • http://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/spatialanalyst/understanding-reclassification.htm • Memorial Park Master Plan • http://nectunt.bifi.es/to-learn-more-overview/mechanisms-ofevolutionary-change/ • http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/trees/southern_pine_beetle. htm • http://magnolialandandtimber.blogspot.com/p/thinningplantation.html