PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #67: Ecotoxicology and Applied Ecology.
Presiding: W. Snyder
Wednesday, August 7. 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Cochise Meeting Room, TCC.

PHHACS - Predictive Holistic Habitat Analysis and Classification System.

Mellon, Richard^*,1, ¹ Mellon Biological Services, Yardley, Pa.

ABSTRACT- Working on habitat restoration, mitigation and creation plans; wetland delineations; environmental assessments; functions and values evaluations; and endangered species surveys, I have found a need for a habitat classification system that contributes to an understanding of individual habitats, thus increasing predictability of future species composition, functions and values of a given habitat. This paper addresses the question: How can we increase the predictability of the flora, fauna, functions and values of habitats as needed to assist in habitat research, assessment, management and creation? It presents the Predictive Holistic Habitat Analysis and Classification System (PHHACS) as a procedure to increase predictability related to individual habitats, by analyzing and utilizing critical physical, biological and ecological characteristics to define ecosystems and their habitats to assist practitioners in developing a more holistic understanding of the critical forces controlling the habitats, thus increasing the practitioners ability to more accurately predict a habitat′s future components. PHHACS defines each ecosystem and its habitats based on the goals of a given project; a nexus between the organisms, functions or values and the characteristics used to define the ecosystem and its habitats; the long-term stability of those characteristics and the ease of utilizing the characteristics. Without defined goals, appropriate characteristics cannot be selected. Without stability and a nexus between the organisms, functions or values, predictability is impossible. Without ease of use, PHHACS would have much less widespread utility. From this framework of understanding, predictions can be made as to the future flora, fauna, functions or values of a given habitat as time and conditions change. The components of PHHACS will be discussed along with an example of its use.

KEY WORDS: Predictive, Habitat, Holistic, Classification