Quantifying Vehicle Impacts and Vegetation Recovery From Controlled Replicated Field Studies. (A02-bagley455890-oral)
Authors:
C.F. Bagley* - Colorado State University D.S. Jones - Colorado State University R.B. Shaw - Colorado Statue Univesity A.B. Anderson - USACE-CERL
Abstract:
The effects of military vehicle impacts to vegetation and vegetation recovery have not been extensively studied compared to those of agricultural and forestry machinery and off-road vehicles. The Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) at Colorado State University has been involved in numerous projects that specifically address military vehicle impacts in a variety of ecological and geographic settings. Initial efforts by Shaw and Diersing applied a variety of approaches, including evaluation of Land Condition-Trend Analysis (LCTA) data, to determine tracked vehicle impacts.
Subsequent efforts at Fort Hood, Orchard Training Area, Yakima Training Center, and Fort Lewis used replicated field studies to assess initial impacts and recovery following different intensities of tracked vehicle (M1 Abrams and/or M2 Bradley) travel on various ecological communities. These studies, some of which are ongoing, will identify thresholds of ecological damage to vegetation composition, structure, ground cover attributes, and hydrologic stability. Also, they will examine the ecological resistance and resilience of different training environments. The results will provide insights regarding the short and long-term effects of vehicle use, and the ability of the Army to meet mission needs, compliance requirements, and stewardship goals.
Speaker Information: Calvin Bagley, Colorado State University, Calvin Bagley CEMML Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1490; Phone: 970/491-3324; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 7:50 AM-5:00 PM Presentation Start: 8:00 AM
Keywords: Vehicle Impacts; Vegetation recovery; Tracking; Military Training