California Ecological Condition 2000

This California dataset is an index of ecological condition in the year 2000 based on land use, roads, housing density and forest vegetation structure. It is a research-level dataset intended to serve as as a proof-of-concept for statewide and regional conservation analysis. For details on how this layer was produced, see"A framework for setting land conservation priorities using multi-criteria scoring and an optimal fund allocation strategy" at: http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/nceas-web/projects/4040/TerrBiod_framework-report.pdf This dataset was generated from existing public datasets provided by state and federal agencies and is intended for evaluation of land ecological condition over large areas. The index is based on a synthesis of literature and has not been validated.