Information on the habitat types of the shrub steppe ecosystem in Idaho were compiled from various sources and integrated into an electronic format, including considerable portions of M. Hironaka's (1983) important publication. Extensive literature research utilizing the various databases provided by the University of Idaho Library were used to locate useful governmental and scientific documents. The Department of Rangeland Ecology at the University of Idaho provided their slide library of rangeland communities and plant species. Several of these photographs were used in the book.

Tools from information technology and geographic information systems were used to compile and organize the shrub steppe habitat types of Idaho into a sophisticated, interactive, CD-ROM-based electronic book. The GIS layers for the Küchler (1970) classification of potential natural vegetation will soon be used to form the basis of the general habitat sites. An authoring system, Toolbook Instructor (version 2004 from Click2Learn Corp.), was used to develop the interactive CD-ROM book on the habitat types. Professor R. Robberecht provided the initial interface for the interactive book, which was customized to fit this project. Photo-editing software was used for image editing and conceptual graphics, and SigmaPlot was used for scientific graphs. ArcView and ArcInfo (GIS software) will be used to develop the habitat distribution maps and layers. 

The interactive electronic book of shrub steppe habitat types in Idaho can be used as a tool for researchers, land managers, students, and the public. A systems approach to shrub steppe habitat types that combines elements from plant and animal ecology, soils, climate, and human influences was used to create this book. The interactive book seamlessly integrates textual information (descriptions, definitions, species information, climate, soils, etc.) with various digital media (scientific graphs, photography, sounds, maps, and conceptual graphs). This approach has resulted in a multi-dimensional look at shrub steppe habitat types, leading to increased understanding of the various processes that affect site production potential. The compilation of the shrub steppe habitat types into an electronic book that can be accessed via CD-ROM or Internet provides a convenient storage medium that can easily be accessed and updated. The extensive use of technology in today’s online classroom also provides a place for this type of application to be used for educational purposes.

References

Hironaka, M., M.A. Fosberg, and A.H. Winward. 1983. Sagebrush-grass habitat types of southern Idaho. Forest, Wildlife, and Range Experiment Station Bulletin, Number 35.

Küchler, A.W. 1970. Potential natural vegetation (map at scale 1:7,500,000). Page 90-91 in The National Atlas of the U.S.A. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.