WWRC 97-05f
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Aid Implementation of Conservation Strategies for Native Fish
Introduction
Land managers are seeking an integrated
perspective that effectively deals with
environmental problems related to aquatic
ecosystems. Until recently, analytical tools were not
readily available that suited the temporal or spatial
scale necessary to address conservation of native
fish. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
provide the electronic environment necessary to
manipulate physical, chemical, and biological
information about aquatic species at risk.
Furthermore, a GIS can provide a useful tool for
developing applications that support complex
natural resource management decisions at the
regional level. The objective of this paper is to
demonstrate how a GIS can aid implementation of
conservation strategies that address regional
concerns related to viability of native fish
populations. The native trout recovery efforts that
exist in the interior west often contain different
conservation goals. We will demonstrate how a GIS
application can be used to assess extinction risks
using information from a conservation status report
(Young et al. 1996) for the Colorado River cutthroat
trout (Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus). Finally, we
will suggest that our procedures could be a
framework for agencies and interested groups to use
when developing new conservation strategies.
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