Saginaw Bay Optimization Model | Graham Sustainability Institute скачать в хорошем качестве

Saginaw Bay Optimization Model | Graham Sustainability Institute

Saginaw Bay is a highly valued, yet highly stressed system. To help ensure the right conservation practices are applied to the right places, in the right amount, the project team developed the Saginaw Bay Optimization Model. See how the model informs solutions for implementing best management practices in this video and learn more by visiting the U-M Water Center: http://graham.umich.edu/activity/25115. Land use has significantly impacted the water quality of Saginaw Bay, and it is designated as an Area of Concern by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. There have been significant investments in Saginaw Bay restoration activities, including the allocation of millions of dollars via the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for the implementation of best management practices (BMP) to reduce nutrient inputs to the Bay. Similarly, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) encourages voluntary BMP implementation. There remains, however, a large gap in knowledge for how land based conservation actions affect riverine and Saginaw Bay ecosystems. In addition, there is no overarching strategy to guide and evaluate restoration efforts. Through this project, scientists developed a science-based, system-wide integrated framework to help guide investments in nutrient management practices and restoration projects. -- Phase I of the project includes the development of an Optimization Decision Model (ODM) for strategically allocating resources and conservation practices to benefit multiple ecological and socioeconomic endpoints. The ODM includes both an idealized version, and a realized (or functional) version of the model based on actual data availability. -- Phase II involves using the realized ODM to conduct a retrospective assessment of GLRI and MAEAP funded projects within the Kawkawlin River and Pigeon/Pinnebog River (Saginaw Bay subwatersheds). -- Phase III includes the development of an optimized set of nested priorities to guide conservation practice selection and location to most efficiently achieve multiple sets of ecological and socioeconomic goals. Stakeholder engagement is a key component of the project throughout all phases.