Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of Spatial Pattern And Economic Uncertainties On Freshwater Habitat Restoration Planning: A Simulation Exercise, Aimee H. Fullerton, E. Ashley Steel, Ian Lange, Yuko Caras

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

Evaluating alternative future scenarios using simulation models is an emerging approach to conservation planning over large spatial and temporal extents. Such an approach is useful when predictions cannot be validated empirically; however, evaluating the sensitivity of scenario-based approaches to key uncertainties is necessary so that managers understand how real-world constraints might impact results. We used a simulation approach to investigate the sensitivity of freshwater habitat restoration plans to spatial pattern (e.g., project locations) and economic uncertainties (e.g., budget level and project costs) in a case study on Pacific salmon in the Lewis River Basin (WA, U.S.A.). We found that some …