We are developing a new ecosystem model and a geomorphology model for Clark County, NV using GIS, remote sensing and spatial statistics. These are important ecosystem indicators needed do assess the status and trends of species covered by the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.

This project seeks to produce better (i.e. less biased, more precise) desert tortoise density and distribution estimates. Desert tortoise threat and activity models are also being developed. Additionally, the G-Lab handles most aspects of data management: database design and development, including electronic database collection systems, documentation, QA/QC, final data product development, and training.  Several scientific manuscripts are in preparation.

Publications:
Heaton, J. S., E. Aldrich, L. Allison, S. Corn, R. Marlow, P. Medica, K. Nussear, R. Patil. (2008). 2008 Desert Tortoise Population Monitoring Handbook. U.S. Fish and Wildlife.

Heaton, J. S., and M. Brenneman. (2007). 2007 Desert Tortoise Population Monitoring Final Database. CD submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Heaton, J. S., and M. Brenneman. (2007) 2001-2005 Desert Tortoise Population Monitoring Final Database. CD submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Allison, L. J., R. C. Averill-Murray, M. Brenneman, P. S. Corn, C. Everly, J. S. Heaton, R. W. Marlow, P. A. Medica, C. R. Tracy 2006. “Range-wide monitoring of the Mojave population of the desert tortoise: 2001-2005 summary report” (96pp). United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Link

Using data collected from the 2005 desert tortoise range wide monitoring effort, a spatial analysis of threats was conducted. Threat specific data included ravens, canids, and a variety of road types (graded, ungraded, single track multi pass, single track single pass, double track multi pass, and double track single pass), and the presence or absence of brome, schismus, brassica, and trash dumps, all of which are known to be harmful to desert tortoises. An initial report was submitted to USFWS, however efforts to include additional data and more robust analyses are underway. Several scientific manuscripts are in preparation.

Publications:
Heaton, J. S. 2006. “2005 Distance Sampling Perceived Threat Data Analysis” (42pp). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Link

Multiple distribution models were developed using several different applications by combining desert tortoise occurrence data with select environmental data. Beyond identification of the best fit model we are additionally assessing the distribution of habitat across different management units and under different threat regimes. Several scientific manuscripts are in preparation.

This project is just underway and will begin full force in spring 2008. We will be evaluating mine site conditions and facilities for how they fit into potential post-mining land uses through the development of a mine closure knowledge base. This is a pilot project. The primary role of the G-Lab will be development of a spatial data information system for cataloging and accessing information.

This involved designing a course to train 4-H Youth Deveopment staff on visualizing and producing maps for youth friendly sites in southern Nevada. The training focused on downloading the GIS data collected for youth friendly sites on computer and exporting it in different formats for visualization and creating maps. Expert technical support for installation of GIS software and GPS/GIS will also be provided.