7434

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7434
• Author: Edwards, E. A., G. Gebhart and O.E. Maughan.
• Title: Habitat Suitability Information
• USFW Year: 1983.
• USFW - Doc Type: Smallmouth Bass.
• Copyright Material: NO

PREFACE
The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models presented in this publication
aid in identifying important habitat variables. Facts, ideas, and concepts
obtained from the research literature and expert reviews are synthesized and
presented in a format that can be used for impact assessment. The models are
hypotheses of species-habitat relationships, and model users should recognize
that the degree of veracity of the HSI model, SI graphs, and assumptions will
vary according to geographical area and the extent of the data base for
individual variables. After clear study objectives have been set, the HSI
model building techniques presented in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1981)
and the general guidelines for modifying HSI models and estimating model
variables presented in Terrell et al. (1982)2 may be useful for simplifying
and applying the models to specific impact assessment problems. Simplified
models should be tested with independent data sets, if possible.
A brief discussion of the appropriateness of using selected Suitability
Index (SI) curves from HSI models as a component of the Instream Flow
Incremental Methodology (IFIM) is provided. Additional SI curves, developed
specifically for analysis of smallmouth bass habitat with IFIM, also are
presented.
This model has not been tested against field data. Model reliability is
likely to vary in different geographical areas and situations. The U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service encourages model users to provide comments, suggestions,
and test results that may help us increase the utility and effectiveness of
this habitat-based approach to impact assessment. Please send comments to:
Habitat Evaluation Procedures Group or Instream Flow
and Aquatic Systems Group
Western Energy and Land Use Team
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2627 Redwing Road
Ft. Collins, CO 80526-2899
'U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Standards for the development of
habitat suitability index models. 103 ESM. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Div.
Ecol. Serv. n. p.
'Terrell, J. W., T. E. McMahon, P. D. Inskip, R. F. Raleigh, and K. L.
Williamson. 1982. Habitat suitability index models: Appendix A. Guidelines
for riverine and lacustrine applications of fish HSI models with the Habitat
Evaluation Procedures. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv. FWS/OBS-82/10.A. 54 pp.
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