Notes
Outline

Using a GIS to Develop a Binational,
Multi-discipline Decision Support System for The Huron Basin
Mark MacKay
Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources
Project Context
Lake Huron traditionally managed independently
Much data collected, little integration or data sharing.
Lake Huron Technical Committee Members collaborated to design and develop a GIS for this purpose.
Goals and Objectives
GIS
More Than
Map Making Software
The real power in a GIS is its capacity to perform queries and analyses.
Rich Attribution provides a wealth of information
Decision Support.
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In Addition to Visualizations, These Queries Provide:
Habitat Parameter Summaries (Stream Size, Temperature, Gradient)
Summaries Compared with Other Passage/ Removal Opportunities
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Will Provide Analogous Tool for Basin
Automate the Process for Basin
Add Quantitative habitat parameters for streams to improve summaries
GIS
More Than
Map Making Software
The real power in a GIS is its capacity to perform queries and analyses.
Rich Attribution provides a wealth of information.
Decision Support.
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GIS
More Than
Map Making Software
The real power in a GIS is its capacity to perform queries and analyses.
Rich Attribution provides a wealth of information
Decision Support
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Provide Decision Makers With
Current and Accurate Data at Their Fingertips:
Complete bathymetry
Subsurficial geology
Help Assess Size and quality of reefs
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To develop the
Decision Support System:
Integrate existing data
Develop new data layers
Develop decision support tools
Help to Coordinate future efforts by - Ensure data compatibility
- Avoid duplicative efforts
Project Status and Schedule
First Year (funded by Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act)
identify existing layers
assess quality
design common database and integrate existing data
solicit funds to complete work
Second Year
fill identified habitat data gaps (e.g. offshore, nearshore, and tributary data layers)
develop decision support tools
modify system according to user needs
Obstacles and Challenges
Quality of existing data varies tremendously (e.g. dams and streams)
Collaboration can be challenging:
sounds great in theory
Sharing data (proprietary, biologically sensitive, cost recovery)
Providing for everyone’s needs
Integrating data never intended to be integrated
Final Product
Provide information and tools needed by managers to make informed decisions regarding management and conservation of system
Existing Layer Integration
New Layer Development
Development of Tools
Pool Data (Provincial, State, Federal, Tribal)
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Integration of Existing GIS layers
1) Biological Layers (for species of interest)
Spawning Locations (historic, contemporary)
Stocking, Harvest, Sampling Data
2) Habitat Layers
3) Environmental Layers
Areas of Concern
Biodiversity Areas
Final Product
Provide information and tools needed by managers to make informed decisions regarding management and conservation of system
Existing Layer Integration
New Layer Development
Development of Tools
Pool Data (Provincial, State, Federal, Tribal)
New Data Development
Hydrography (Ontario situation, U.S. situation)
Offshore (surficial geology)
Nearshore (wetland data)
Dams (Ontario situation, U.S. situation)
Final Product
Provide information and tools needed by managers to make informed decisions regarding management and conservation of system
Existing Layer Integration
New Layer Development
Development of Tools
Pool Data (Provincial, State, Federal, Tribal)
Combination of Layers and Tools
Will Allow Managers to:
1) identify impediments to fish population recovery
2) evaluate and prioritize alternative habitat   restoration scenarios
3) capitalize on opportunities provided by hydroelectric companies receptive to providing fish passage
4) provide dynamic approach to developing and    maintaining management plans (e.g. basin, species)
Final Product
Provide information and tools needed by managers to make informed decisions regarding management and conservation of system
Existing Layer Integration
New Layer Development
Development of Tools
Pool Data (Provincial, State, Federal, Tribal)
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WE NEED YOUR HELP
This DSS is being designed for a variety of individuals with disparate and common needs
We need your input regarding tools, layers, and analyses that you’d like to see incorporated
Please share your thoughts
Collaborators, Partners, and Associates