Developing a conceptual model for ecological monitoring in the  Central Zagros landscape (case study; Helen forest protected area)

Helen forest protected area with 40000 ha area located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari province, due to the
relationships between man and nature, could be considered as a represent of whole Zagros landscape. In this paper
aiming to monitor long term effect of man on structure and function of landscape a conceptual model has been
developed and monitoring program designed based on it. Monitoring goals consist of forest area, crown density
and health, biodiversity, forest growth and biomass. Monitoring stations were determined according to centers of
a grid cells including 117 plots. Each year a quarter of plots will be surveyed according to standard protocols for
measuring indicators related to monitoring goals in order to all plots be monitored in 4 years. Implementation of
program has been started in current year with 17 plots, but the results could not be report as a monitoring program
because the lack of repetition.