To show CWHR vegetation types that are more exposed to development, and may be threatened with loss of habitat. There are a variety of land management types that offer different levels of protection, such as public reserves, wilderness, private easements, etc. The vegetation types can be summarized by these different management types and their ownership.

To monitor genotypic variations in species populations. Populations with greater genetic variation tend to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and sudden environmental changes than populations with limited genetic diversity. Genetic variation may be measured by gene sequencing or morphological variation. This may be a data gap because of the intense resources that it takes to measure genetic variability, although some studies are being conducted on specific species, such as salmonids and Douglas-fir.

Track the genetic diversity of dominant tree species across their ranges by tree seed zones. Population decline from loss of habitat and distribution may lead to loss of genetic variability which can ultimately lead to extinction. Other ways to protect genetic diversity may include relocating individuals to protected areas, predator or pest control measures and seed banks. Genetic diversity can favor persistence and increase adaptive potential.

To document the areal extent of forest and rangeland CWHR types to show the overall status of statewide ecosystem biodiversity, and to track any trends in the vegetation types – gains and losses. The CWHR system uses life history and geographic range information to link nearly 700 California vertebrate species to their native habitats based on general vegetation types. The information is spatial and can be summarized by acres.

To track vegetation on forest and rangelands by successional stage. Age classes are indicators of vegetation structure and of ecosystem dynamics, such as recent disturbances, seed recruitment, plant growth rates, etc. Forest age class can be tracked through Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data, as well as GIS information on recent large stand-replacing wildfires. Age classes of non-forest vegetation types, such as chaparral, may be harder to track.

To identify biologically significant areas, as defined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), that are experiencing fragmentation due mainly to human disturbance (roads, development). The CDFW has ranked habitat types across the state of California based on a set af factors including their species richness, uniqueness, rarity, endemism, and vulnerability. The Fire Resource Assessment Program’s 2015 Assessment is calling the types with the highest ranks “biologically significant areas”. This indicator will measure the fragmentation occurring on these areas due to road and housing density.

To identify forest and rangeland vegetation types that are experiencing fragmentation due mainly to human disturbance (roads, development). Fragmentation results in spatial discontinuity of habitats that affect species occupancy, reproduction and survival. It can be difficult to measure because of its scale-dependency. In this case, fragmentation would be measured based on road and housing density.

To monitor the biodiversity of an ecosystem, based on integrity of the selected keystone species within that ecosystem. Monitoring keystone species populations, such as beavers, mountain lion, maple or aspen, can be a proxy as an indication of the state of genetic diversity within an ecosystem. More often than not, monitoring all populations in an ecosystem is not feasible, so tracking a keystone species can act as a proxy for all other species in that ecosystem. The keystone species must be carefully selected.

To track stream biological integrity based on sediment and nutrient loads, and temperature. Stream conditions affect its biological integrity, and fish are particularly impacted due to their sensitivity to environmental disturbances (flow regime, chemical and organic changes, thermal fluctuations, etc.). CWA 303(d) impaired stream listings are available in GIS format, and can be used to measure the proportion of total stream length per watershed. Also, NatureServe provides an ecological integrity assessment for wetland mitigation in some counties.

To track water courses that are unimpaired by dams and barriers and available for fish passage. The status of stream impairment can change, for instance if a dam is removed. Other streams may have natural barriers, such as waterfalls, landslides or large boulders. The Passage Assessment Database inventories potential barriers to fish and can be used to track impaired and unimpaired streams throughout California’s forest and rangeland.