This dataset represents current terrestrial intactness
values (estimated at the 1km level) within the distribution of Central and South Coastal California Seral Scrub.
Terrestrial intactness is high in areas where
development is low, vegetation intactness is high, and fragmentation is low. Consequently,
this dataset serves as a general* indication of habitat quality within the distribution
of this conservation element.
Estimates of current terrestrial intactness were generated
by an EEMS fuzzy logic model that integrates multiple measures of landscape
development and vegetation intactness, including agriculture development (from
LANDFIRE EVT v1.1), urban development (from LANDFIRE EVT v1.1 and NLCD
Impervious Surfaces), linear development (from Tiger 2012 Roads, utility lines,
and pipelines), energy and mining development (from state mine and USGS
national mines datasets as well as geothermal wells, oil/gas wells, wind
turbines, and power plant footprints), vegetation departure (from LANDFIRE
VDEP), invasive vegetation (multiple sources combined for invasives analyses),
OHV recreation areas, BLM grazing allotments, and measures of natural
vegetation fragmentation calculated using FRAGSTATS.
*Caution is warranted in interpreting this dataset because terrestrial
intactness values are not tied to individual species’ requirements or tolerances
to the various model inputs. The degree of terrestrial intactness likely varies
for a particular species or conservation element, and may depend on additional
factors or thresholds not included in this model. Instead, this model should be
taken as a general measure of intactness that can serve as a template for
evaluating across many species at the ecoregion scale, and provides a framework
within which species-specific parameters can be incorporated for more detailed
analyses.
For additional information, refer to the current terrestrial
landscape Intactness model (version15a, 1km) from which this dataset was
derived.