1. Enhancing Local Land Use Decisions through the Evaluation and Use of Web-based Tools Enhancing Local Land Use Decisions through the Evaluation and Use of Web-based Tools Matthew Murrell and Dana Lucero Science Information Services Section Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

2. We will cover l l Decision Support Tools l l DNR Involvement l l Tool Evaluation l l Future Efforts

3. Decision Support Tools Provide a framework that integrates relevant information or data relevant information or data graphical interface graphical interface range of modeling tools range of modeling tools Designed to deal with decisions by supporting a process that is iterative, integrative, and participative.

4. Five Types of Tools 1. Data access 2. Data provision 3. Interactive data mapping 4. Simple data analysis 5. Predictive modeling tools

5. INFORMATIONAL PREDICTIVE Range of Decision Support Tools Data Data Interactive access provision data mapping Simple data Predictive analysis modeling

6. Data Access & Data Provision Tools ATRI Meta Data Explorer

7. Interactive Data Mapping Tools ATRI Internet Mapping Function

8. Simple Data Analysis & Predictive Modeling Tools CITYgreen

9. For Example Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment Model (L-THIA) www.lgean.org Generates l estimated runoff volumes & depths expected nonpoint source pollution loadings to waterbodies expected nonpoint source pollution loadings to waterbodies

10. L-THIA User Interface

11. L-THIA User Interface Inputs

12. L-THIA User Interface Outputs

13. L-THIA User Interface

14. Decision Support Tools Can... l Help people make connections between land use decisions and natural resources l Highlight consequences of projected land use change(s) l Empower those with otherwise limited resources

15. Decision Support Tools Can... l Be cost effective l Increase the capacity of decision-makers l Raise the level of discussion at the local level

16. Reasons for DNR Planning Involvement Land Use is a DNR priority l We are a landowner and neighbor in many communities. l A proactive approach can encourage better natural resource management and protection.

17. Comprehensive Planning Law –A plan for every community by 2010 –Directions for state agency involvement –Provides a framework for a plan - 9 elements Reasons for DNR Planning Involvement

18. Supporting Land Use Decisions WI DNR recognizes that land use decisions have historically been under the jurisdiction of local governments.

19. Supporting Land Use Decisions Overall Goals –Elevate the level of discussion –Inform land use decisions –Empower local decision-makers –Protect the environment Create a role for decision support and impact assessment tools.

20. Changing Landscapes: Anticipating the Effects of Local Land Use Decisions March 31 & January 22- April 1, 2003 23, 2004 Held in Madison, WI

21. Changing Landscapes Workshop Background Goals Introduce audience to decision support and impact assessment tools Introduce audience to decision support and impact assessment tools Evaluate tools on several measures Evaluate tools on several measures Assess which tools would be most useful to decision-makers Assess which tools would be most useful to decision-makers

22. Changing Landscapes Workshop Background Diverse partner group State agencies State agencies EPA Region 5 EPA Region 5 University and Extension University and Extension NGOs and non-profits NGOs and non-profits Target audience Those who work with or advise local decision- makers and the public on land use issues Those who work with or advise local decision- makers and the public on land use issues

23. Changing Landscapes Workshop Structure Ten decision support tools were demonstrated L-THIA L-THIA PlaceIT PlaceIT Window to My Environment Window to My Environment Digital Watershed Digital Watershed What if? What if? CommunityViz CommunityViz Dane Index Dane Index TURM TURM CITYgreen CITYgreen Assessing the Impacts of Development Assessing the Impacts of Development

24. Changing Landscapes Workshop Structure Evaluation forms assessed end-user opinions Evaluation forms assessed end-user opinions usefulness usefulness cost-effectiveness cost-effectiveness applicability applicability Established a feedback loop to developers for tool refinement and innovations Established a feedback loop to developers for tool refinement and innovations

25. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Form

26. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Process Characteristics of decision support tools –Help frame their understanding of tools –Help answer the questions on reverse

27. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Process l l Cost: Investment to run l l Knowledge level: Technical expertise needed l l Data required: Data included or customization needed l l Staffing: Time commitment l l Platform requirements: Software needed

28. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Process l l Validity: Clarity of assumptions and premises l l Transparency: Understanding how the tool is functioning l l Understandability: Understanding the product l l Scope: Site specific or broad application

29. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Process Opinions about tool demonstrated –Usefulness for participant –Usefulness for public

30. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Process 1. I think this tool could be useful in the work I do. l Affordability l Ease of use l Need for training l Similarity to other tools

31. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Process 2. I think this tool could help raise the public’s level of discussion regarding land use decisions. l Public interest in using l Public expertise l Need for training l Public interest in learning more

32. Changing Landscapes Evaluation Results

33. Summary of CL Efforts At the end of evaluation phase: At the end of evaluation phase: solid toolbox solid toolbox established partner group established partner group interested audience interested audience Foundation to promote decision support tools as a means of enhancing local land use decisions Foundation to promote decision support tools as a means of enhancing local land use decisions

34. Using Decision Support Tools Tools determined to be most useful when they: Tools determined to be most useful when they: are free or affordable are free or affordable don’t require additional training/education don’t require additional training/education are spatially relevant are spatially relevant required data is included or easy to find required data is included or easy to find

35. Using Decision Support Tools Use tools from the beginning Use tools from the beginning Tools selection must be based upon users’ skill level Tools selection must be based upon users’ skill level low-tech, free for beginners low-tech, free for beginners state-of-the-art, complex, time consuming for experts state-of-the-art, complex, time consuming for experts Tools shouldn’t steal the show Tools shouldn’t steal the show

36. Problems to Overcome No single tool perfect for everything No single tool perfect for everything Technology only as good as supporting data Technology only as good as supporting data spatial information must be assembled and continually maintained spatial information must be assembled and continually maintained Data often the limiting factor Data often the limiting factor

37. Science Information Services Section on the Internet www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/science/landuse

38. QUESTIONS? Thank you!