Implementation of EcoAIM (trademark) - A Multi-Objective Decision Support Tool for Ecosystem Services at Department of Defense Installations
Abstract
This report describes the demonstration of the EcoAIM decision support framework and GIS-based tool. EcoAIM identifies and quantifies the ecosystem services provided by the natural resources at the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). A structured stakeholder process determined the mission and non-mission priorities at the site, elicited the natural resource management decision process, identified the stakeholders and their roles, and determine the ecosystem services of priority that impact missions and vice versa. The EcoAIM tool was customized to quantify in a geospatial context, five ecosystem services vista aesthetics, landscape aesthetics, recreational opportunities, habitat provisioning for biodiversity and nutrient sequestration. The demonstration included a Baseline conditions quantification of ecosystem services and the effects of a land use change in the Enhanced Use Lease parcel in cantonment area (Scenario 1). Biodiversity results ranged widely and average scores decreased by 10% after Scenario 1. Landscape aesthetics scores increased by 10% after Scenario 1. Final scores did not change for recreation or nutrient sequestration because scores were outside the boundaries of the baseline condition. User feedback after the demonstration indicated positive reviews of EcoAIM as being useful and usable for land use decisions and particularly for use as a communication tool.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 26, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA624396
Entities
People
- James Boyd
- Jane Ma
- Jessica Turnley
- Pieter N Booth
- Sheryl Law