Surface water quality data were collected from 1990-1994 across the state of Oregon, including eastern arid lands with high desert prairie. Data were analyzed according to landscape metrics and a grazing potential index (GPI) based on proximity to water, land ownership and forage availability, to determine distribution and relationship of biotic (enterococci bacteria) and abiotic (nitrogen-N and phosphorus-P) for indication of animal presence and influence on water quality. Metrics included percentage forest, riparian, agriculture, manmade or natural barren, natural grassland, shrubland, wetland and urban land areas at 485 sample sites on upland watershed area. Slope and landform were also included in GPI calculations.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.