1. 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.

2. EVALUATE
ALTERNATIVES
RANK PMs
SELECT
PREFERRED
ALTERNATIVE

3. 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)

4. Objectives Ecosystem Restoration in TS and EPh ENP Natural Values1
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 Final weights to be determined by the PDT.

5. 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

6. 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

7. WEIGHTING PMs: multiply partial weight by objective weight9 7 2 4 20 18 16 11 13
PARTIAL
WEIGHT
TOTAL
9 x 1
Partial
weight
Objective
weight

8. EVALUATE
ALTERNATIVES
RANK PMs
SELECT
PREFERRED
ALTERNATIVE

9. 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)

10. ALTERNATIVES
For scoring schemes -->

11. 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

12. (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

13. SELECTION

14. END

15. 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.

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

17. 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.

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

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