One high data value results in lower rank for all other data values. I accepted the error associated with one such data value in the chemical data set. Concluding Remarks Riparian areas, especially along Cache Creek and the Sacramento River, were found to be at the highest ecosystem risk in Yolo County. The westernmost agricultural lands were also found to be at high risk. I believe that this model has successfully produced an ecosystem risk map for Yolo County.
Ecological principles support the model results.
I am confident that these results are a solid preliminary assessment of ecosystem risk and that they provide a useful map of critical risk areas within Yolo County. To improve model accuracy, I recommend inclusion of simple post-application fate and transport of chemicals. For example, inclusion of average crop chemical uptake and variable leaching rates by soil type. Water quality data could also be included. Since aquatic invertebrates were included as integrity indicator species, I predict that the inclusion of water quality data would improve model accuracy.