Highlights for September 29, 2000
USGS Center for Biological Informatics

I. Key Department News:

• Fire Fuels Mapping Enhancements. Ralph Root, USGS Center for Biological Informatics, and Jan van Wagtendonk, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, will present the poster, "Hyperspectral Analysis of Multi-Temporal Landsat TM Data for Mapping Fuels in Yosemite National Park," at the USGS Second Wildland Fire Workshop to be held in Los Alamos, New Mexico, October 31 through November 3. The poster demonstrates the use of multi-temporal Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery to develop a technique for identifying fuel types at Yosemite National Park based on seasonal changes in plant phenology. Six ortho-corrected and registered TM scenes representing approximately one-month intervals during the 1992 growing season were examined using hyperspectral analysis techniques. Widespread availability of Landsat 7 ETM+ imagery is expected to provide further information for expanding this research and incorporating the results into enhanced mapping techniques. In recent years, wildland fires have become more intense, resulting in increased loss of life and resource damage, as witnessed by the present year's fire season. Critical to resolving this problem is better information on the amount and condition of fuels on the ground to help managers better predict potential fire behavior, make more informed tactical and strategic decisions, and plan and conduct fuels treatments. (Ralph Root, Denver, 303-202-4232)
• Biodiversity and Nonfuel Mineral Development—Competition or Coexistence? USGS researchers are implementing an integrated science assessment for biodiversity and nonfuel minerals. This collaboration addresses the question, "Is it possible to identify which domestic mineral resource tracts could be explored and developed with the least negative effect on biodiversity?" Ree Brannon of the Gap Analysis Program (GAP), and Mike Zientik, Spokane Field Office, Geologic Division, will begin analyses in the state of Montana, where GAP data (land cover, stewardship, and predicted habitat for vertebrates) and minerals data are available. Following these prototype analyses, assessments will continue in Maine and Tennessee. Once they have completed this work, the team will review the feasibility of conducting similar national and global assessments. GAP is coordinated by the USGS and is managed by the USGS Center for Biological Informatics in Denver. (Ree Brannon, Moscow, Idaho, 208-885-3720).

II. Agency Works on Presidential Initiatives:

• NBII Portal Prototype. The National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) is investigating portal technologies to enhance data and information delivery to the large variety of NBII users. A prototype project has been scoped with the Viador Corporation, and the basic software configuration is ready. The prototype will address three unique NBII user needs and will provide individual NBII customization, based on area of expertise, preference, and/or organization. The prototype is scheduled for completion by the end of November. (Mike Frame, Reston, 703 648-4164)

III. Notable Congressional Activity: No report.

IV. Press/Media Inquiries: No report.

V. FOIA Requests: No report.