What is the REA program?
Managed by the BLM, the Rapid Ecoregional Assessment (REA) program integrates varied datasets in order to evaluate ecosystem dynamics, habitat quality, and climate change. Analysis includes topics ranging from vegetation distribution to hydrology studies to the effects of specific land-use practices. The purpose of the program is to provide meaningful information by utilizing BLM’s extensive database to conduct research, then make the results available so that business, government, and the general public can make informed land-use decisions.
Data, data, data!
The results are compiled into regional reports which include maps, charts, and illustrations. The reports cover a considerable amount of land use issues, and they often include case studies that delve into particular conservation issues such as endangered species vulnerability and the spread of invasive species. Data associated with each report is included on each region’s data download page.
“Certification of Excellence”
Danelle Malget, Laura Van De Riet, and Chris Woodward, members of the Quantum Spatial team, have been recognized by BLM for exhibiting “tireless enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work,” while contributing to the REA effort. They are involved with every aspect of the REA program providing onsite GIS data management, GIS modeling, and scripting support as well as managing several hundred program datasets.
Danelle writes scripting code to streamline the quality control process and facilitates automation of the preparation and publication of the datasets, map services and metadata.
Laura’s contribution includes QA/QCing REA data received by the BLM, preparing REA data for public consumption, and continuously participating in workflow improvement.
Chris works to re-assemble, understand, and document the geospatial models within each REA. He also works with various nationwide BLM resource specialists to train and apply REA products and methods for BLM business practices.