ARS | Publication request: MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR A CONTINENTAL-SCALE SEDIMENT MONITORING PROGRAM 1232

Submitted to: Multiple Objective Decision Support Systems for Land, Water, and Environment
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 17, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Most current proposals for continental-scale sediment-monitoring programs are deficient without clearly defined management objectives. Sediment monitoring by Canada, United States, and Mexico is commonly conducted independently and has specific, generally local to regional, goals. An alternative is a sediment-monitoring program for North America with an international design, integrated objectives, and coordinated management by the various countries. Continental programs of this design would benefit from state-of-the-art data-collection technologies, compatible standards for equipment and data processing, and low cost relative to potential savings through reduction of erosion damage and sediment movement. Included in a proposed North American sediment-monitoring program is soil-loss reduction based on decision-support theory. The use of this technology is intended to enhance program design and the interpretation of results by using procedures for solving multiobjective problems. Combined with validated soil-loss models such as RUSLE and WEPP, decision-support systems may be an appropriate means to select those land-management policies and practices best suited for the improvement of stream quality.