Evaluating Ecological Benefits A draft of guidelines presented by ENP Bruce Boler, Joffre Castro, Christine Chan Salient features and recommendations suggest inclusion of all PMs, but weighting those under authorized objectives more heavily (quantitative step) rank PMs on a numerical scale using guidelines developed by scientists and focusing on contribution to systemwide ecological benefits (subjective input to a quantitative step) alternative scoring begins with evaluation of model output for each PM (quantitative step) final score for each alternative relies on application of a distribution formula to model output. Goal is to maximize high scores and minimize low scores. Several distributions are presented, but we recommend a nonlinear approach.

EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES RANK PMs SELECT PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

RANKING OF PM 1. Compile list of PMs 2. Classify PMs according to objectives (or functional category) 3. Weight objectives (authorized vs. additional) 4. For each objective: a) score PMs (science experts) b) derive partial weights 4. Compute overall weights (PM partial weight X objective weight)

Objectives Ecosystem Restoration in TS and EPh ENP Natural Values 1 0.5 = 7.5 WEIGHT Ecosystem Restoration in TS and EPh ENP Natural Values Damaging Freshwaters Flows Flood Protection for C-111 Basin East Everglades Mitigation Quality of Waters Diverted to ENP Water Deliveries into ENP Additional Objectives In this example, the 7 authorized objectives carry a weight of 1, while the additional objectives carry a collective weight of 0.5. Final weights to be determined by the PDT.

Score the PMs. How important is each one to total system restoration? Develop a scoring system (e.g., 1-10) Develop guidelines, or classification system, for the scoring system. See following slides for examples Guidelines should consider each PM’s contribution within the larger context of the combined authorized objectives. Scoring system, guidelines, and scoring should be accomplished by scientific experts

Obj. 1: Ecosystem Restoration in TS and EPh PM1 PM2 PM3 PM4 PM5 PM6 PM7 PM8 PM9 4 3 1 2 9 8 7 5 6 = 45 (4/45)*100=9 16 18 11 13 20 = 100 Score PARTIAL WEIGHT Marl Prairie Habitat Spatial Distribution of marl- forming wetlands Fish and invertebrates Marl prairie vegetation Slough Habitat Sawgrass Plains Habitat Spatial Distribution of marl-forming wetlands

WEIGHTING PMs: multiply partial weight by objective weight 9 7 2 4 20 18 16 11 13 PARTIAL WEIGHT TOTAL 9 x 1 Partial weight Objective weight

EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES RANK PMs SELECT PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

SCORING ALTERNATIVES Each alternative is scored according to model output, for each PM, as follows: a)populate table with model output b) score alternatives (see green button on next page for scoring schemes)

ALTERNATIVES For scoring schemes -->

Alternative Selection 1. Create summary table with results: a) list PM’s ( 1st. column) b) list alternatives (top row) 2. Populate table a)PM weight X alternative score b) obtain columnwise alternative totals 3. Select alternative with the highest score

(partial weight X objective weight) PM’S WEIGHTS (partial weight X objective weight) PM1 PM2 PM3 PM4 PM5 PM6 PM7 PM8 PM9 9 7 2 4 20 18 16 11 13 ALTERNATIVE SCORES Multiply each PM weight by alternative scores to reach final score

SELECTION

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SCORE OF 9 FULLY SUPPORTS ONE OR MORE SYSTEM-WIDE RESTORATION OBJECTIVES, INCLUDING INCREASING THE TOTAL SPATIAL EXTENT OF NATURAL AREAS, IMPROVING HABITAT AND FUCTIONAL QUALITY, AND IMPROVING RELATIVE PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY.

SCORE OF 7 PROVIDES IMPROVEMENTS IN ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS; HOWEVER, IMPROVEMENTS ARE LESS THAN OPTIMAL AND/OR TOO LOCALIZED TO SIGNIFICANTLY SUPPORT SYSTEM-WIDE RESTORATION.

SCORE OF 4 Guidelines for assigning a score of 4: should be expanded from the example given here, and developed by scientists MAINTAINS EXISTING ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, BUT DOES NOT ENHANCE SYSTEM-WIDE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS.

SCORE OF 1 DOES NOT SUPPORT ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS, LOCALLY OR SYSTEM WIDE

SCORES Alternative score Model output (e.g., number of acres)