Vegetation Resource Monitoring System, Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona.
Moir WH. 1974. Vegetation Resource Monitoring System, Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona.
In 1974 a resource monitoring system was installed at Chiricahua National Monument. This system consists of a variety of measurements from permanent field plots of existing vegetation and soil conditions in various management zones. The quantitative data and photographic records obtained from these plots over repeated periods will enable management to: 1. Objectively evaluate existing conditions of vegetation and soils and their trends in each management zone; 2. Identify areas of high visitor or maintenance impact, the nature of the impact, and decide whether deleterious or irreversible resource damage is resulting; 3. Determine when visitor or maintenance regulations or controls will be needed to restore deteriorated areas; 4. Procure baseline measurements from which succession and natural impacts (fire, insect oubreaks, flash floods, etc.) can be compared; 5. Help in appraising with increased precision the visitor carrying capacity in each management zone.