SCPN Upland Vegetation and Soils Monitoring

Swan M . SCPN Upland Vegetation and Soils Monitoring. 2007. National Park Service

The Southern Colorado Plateau Network (SCPN) monitors vegetation condition and soil stability in upland ecosystems to track changes in ecosystem integrity. These ecosystems include forests, woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands. They function to conserve soil, sequester carbon, and cycle nutrients, energy, and water. Long-term vegetation monitoring reveals how plant communities change over time in response to climate, disturbance, and management. Changes in vegetation, in turn, affect habitat quality for resident and migrant animal species. Monitoring soil stability and related hydrologic function provides a direct measure of the threat posed by erosion to these ecosystems.

Type
Project
Authors
Swan, Megan
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
AZRU , BAND , CHCU , ELMA , GLCA , GRCA , MEVE , PEFO , PETR , WACA , WUPA
Keywords
Monitoring, SCPN, Upland, Vegetation
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Sparsely Vegetated Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Grassland/Herbaceous Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Shrubland Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities

Program

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