# Presentation: 925268

## Provides:
 Multi-scale perspective on  environmental condition
 Visualization of environmental data in multiple dimensions 
 Comparative inference of data and model results
 Insight into current status and potential future problems

** ****Multi-scale perspective on  environmental condition**
** ****Visualization of environmental data in multiple dimensions **
** ****Comparative inference of data and model results**
** ****Insight into current status and potential future problems**

***Regional Vulnerability Assessment Program:  Web-based Environmental Decision Toolkit (EDT) for EPA Region 5***

- http:\\www.waratah.com/region5edt
- Username/password = revaguest/anonymous

## and for region or subregion (e.g. LM Basin)

- Analyses for 8-d or 12-d HUCs

***Currently we have:***
***164 metrics at 8-d level***
***63 metrics at 12-d level***
***These include landscape, air deposition, nps runoff estimates, socio-econ metrics – all spatially represented***

## Capabilities of the EDT

- Integration to assess conditions (relative condition across region or subregion)
- Integration to assess vulnerability (considers mix of stressors along with existing resources)
- Map distributions of individual metrics
- Compare distributions of individual metrics
- Create customized indices with user-defined weights for prioritization or targeting
- Compare created indices
- Display “canned” indices (overall, air quality, water quality, landscape quality, human use, vulnerability to air toxics)
- Graph relationships between metrics (hypothesis testing, model development)
- Identify/ Create Reference Watersheds and identify watersheds in region that are similar/dissimilar to

## Future Work: The Future Midwestern Landscapes Project

- 5-yr study comparing alternative future scenarios and trade-offs among ecosystem services
- Baseline year 2001/2002 NLCD with additional resolution to further define cropping practices

-     Two future scenarios for 2022:
*** ******Biofuels Targets*** – follows the EISA with current market economics as drivers of change
*** ******Multiple Services*** – anticipates a future landscape where ecosystem services that society values are “incentivized” and thus conserved

## Future Vision for Use of EDT

***Future Vision for Use of EDT***

**Difference map will highlight opportunities for enhancing ecosystem services**
**Interested landowners sign up for “Filling the Gaps” program through web portal**
**Those interested in funding conservation of ES send RFP to interested landowners**
**Landowners use available tools to identify how to enhance services, then submit proposal**
**Service “Patrons” select proposals and fund enhancements**

## Ecosystem Services

- Land Values
- Recreational Activities
- Aesthetics
- Cultural Services
- Biodiversity Existence Value
- Human Health
- Flood Control
- Climate/Weather Mitigation
- Food Security
- Forest Products
- Potable Water
- Energy Security

**Partners/Collaborators/Clients**

- Iowa State University
- Kansas State University
- EPA Region 7
- EPA Office of Water
- EPA Office of Air and Radiation
- Agricultural Research Service
- Farm Services Administration
- Fish and Wildlife Service
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Iowa Soybean Association
- American Farmland Trust
- GLNPO – Lake Michigan

***Some Additional Info***

- For more information: smith.betsy@epa.gov