ELUCID - Decision Support System
This project is designed to empower technical experts by providing tools and training that will enable conservation district staff and other conservation professionals to deliver more effective and efficient programs to meet water quality improvement goals. A comprehensive, web-based interactive decision support tool will be developed that can assist local technicians in addressing critical areas. Using this system, technical staff will be able to identify land units on which to focus limited resources and determine BMPs most effective at reducing agricultural non-point source pollution.
The Decision Support System being utilized in this project is called ELUCID, Environmental Learning Using Computer Interactive Decisions. ELUCID illustrates the complex interactions in coupled human and natural systems through a GIS environment. One of ELUCID's greatest assets is its ability to engage and inform different user groups and address multiple issues in one system. This is accomplished through its unique design. Each customized ELUCID system is organized into varying themes such as water quality, land protection or project mapping. Users investigate these themes through a mapping interface which automatically loads relevant theme data.
Furthermore, ELUCID can be linked to existing systems to enhance its analytical capabilities. In this case, the Flint River Watershed ELUCID system is connected to a field-scale analysis calculator, developed with funding from multiple partners including The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ELUCID was initially developed with funding from Ottawa County and has continued to evolve in the "Flint River Nutrient Reduction: Focusing Action" project.
The Flint River Watershed ELUCID system and connected field-scale analysis calculator will equip local technicians to:
iPads were provided to technicians in the Flint River watershed to use in the field when working one-on-one with land users. This allowed technicians to fine-tune factors in ELUCID to more accurately assess the potential ecological impact of BMP implementation.
Furthermore, ELUCID can be linked to existing systems to enhance its analytical capabilities. In this case, the Flint River Watershed ELUCID system is connected to a field-scale analysis calculator, developed with funding from multiple partners including The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ELUCID was initially developed with funding from Ottawa County and has continued to evolve in the "Flint River Nutrient Reduction: Focusing Action" project.
The Flint River Watershed ELUCID system and connected field-scale analysis calculator will equip local technicians to:
- Identify and focus outreach/technical assistance efforts on land areas with the greatest potential to contribute soluble reactive phosphorus and other agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollutants, and
- Identify land areas most suitable for Best Management Practices (BMPs) effective in reducing NPS pollutants.
iPads were provided to technicians in the Flint River watershed to use in the field when working one-on-one with land users. This allowed technicians to fine-tune factors in ELUCID to more accurately assess the potential ecological impact of BMP implementation.