A Toolkit of Emerging Methods for CEA (Part 1)
Moderator: Larry Canter
Presentations
Conceptual Models, Matrices, and Adaptive Management
Presenter(s): Larry Canter
CEA can be aided by the use of an expanded set of methods. Three examples include conceptual models, modified interaction matrices, and adaptive management (AM) processes. Conceptual models range from summarized scientific knowledge to graphical depictions of environmental resources, their interrelationships, and potential changes resulting from multiple actions and stressors. Modified matrices can be used to address connections between proposed actions, other actions and identified VECs. Finally, AM can be used to reduce uncertainties and inform the science of CEA.
Landscape Evaluation: A Strategic Tool for the Cumulative Impacts Identification and Valuation
Presenter(s): Beatriz Silva-Torres, Miguel Castillo-González
The landscape shows the expression of different attributes from the sites that are studied. Considering the ecological status, the environmental components that have been modified and the degree of human intervention, the result is expressed as accumulated impacts, obtaining a base line that allows us to decide the pertinence of accepting new activities. This paper shows the methodology used for the evaluation of the cumulative impacts, using landscape evaluation as a tool.
Using Measures of Landscape Fragmentation for Cumulative Effects Assessment
Presenter(s): Jochen A.G. Jaeger
The effective mesh size method (Jaeger 2000, Landscape Ecology) is currently applied in Switzerland and Germany in monitoring systems for sustainable development for the indicator “landscape fragmentation.” The German Federal Environment Agency has suggested introducing region-specific limits based on the effective mesh size method to control landscape fragmentation. Using this method, newly-planned transportation infrastructure can be balanced with the removal of existing infrastructure to not increase the overall cumulative impact.
People Matter: Integrating Meaningful Social and Cultural Measures in Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management
Presenter(s): Ross Mitchell, Bethany Beale, Mitchell Goodjohn, Linda Havers, Helen Evans
Cumulative effects assessment (CEA) and management could be improved by considering meaningful but oft-neglected concepts such as “social capital” and “cultural capital.” Social capital is influenced by factors such as diverse inclusive networks and volunteerism levels, whereas cultural capital consists of the values, history, transitions and behaviors that link a group of people together. After reviewing how these qualitative forms of capital are measured, innovative approaches are discussed for their strategic incorporation for CEA and management.
Assessing the Incremental Effects of Mt. Milligan Project Related Activities on the Region to be Affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic
Presenter(s): Ly-Shu Ramos, Bruce Ott, Sandra Baker
The Mt. Milligan Project is introduced, including methods used for assessing cumulative effects associated with the project, results of the assessment and potential benefits and future collaborative activities between Mt. Milligan environmental management efforts and regional forest management efforts. An overview on the region not already affected by the mountain pine beetle epidemic is presented with or without the project. The cumulative effects of the project are compared to the effects of logging of forests damaged by the mountain pine beetle.