Where do qualitative assessments fit in an era of increasingly quantitative monitoring? Perspectives from Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health

Abstract

Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health and other well-designed qualitative assessments are useful for understanding ecological function and can be used to prioritize areas for monitoring, restoration, or management changes. When completed by experienced, trained multidisciplinary teams, qualitative assessments provide reliable information about ecological processes and are repeatable across time and geographic locations. Consistency and repeatability of qualitative assessments are maximized when the assessments are supported by appropriate quantitative indicator data. Likewise, quantitative datasets may be complemented by qualitative assessments, which can provide insight into indicators that are difficult to measure, providing a more complete view of vegetation, soils, and underlying ecological processes. Qualitative assessments can be used as a communication tool for developing a common understanding of resource issues and a shared vision for, and commitment to future stewardship. New opportunities are emerging to enable further integration of qualitative and quantitative field protocols, ecological models, and remotely sensed products to benefit rangeland assessment, monitoring, and management.