A web-based software tool for participatory optimization of conservation practices in watersheds

WRESTORE (Watershed Restoration Using Spatio-Temporal Optimization of Resources) is a web-based, participatory planning tool that can be used to engage with watershed stakeholder communities, and involve them in using science-based, human-guided, interactive simulationeoptimization methods for designing potential conservation practices on their landscape. The underlying optimization algorithms, process simulation models, and interfaces allow users to not only spatially optimize the locations and types of new conservation practices based on quantifiable goals estimated by the dynamic simulation models, but also to include their personal subjective and/or unquantifiable criteria in the location and design of these practices. In this paper, we describe the software, interfaces, and architecture of WRESTORE, provide scenarios for implementing the WRESTORE tool in a watershed community's planning process, and discuss considerations for future developments. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Software availability Name of software: WRESTORE (Watershed REstoration using Spatio-Temporal Optimization of Resources) Developers: Vidya Bhushan Singh, Meghna Babbar-Sebens, Adriana Debora Piemonti, and Snehasis Mukhopadhyay First available year: 2014 Software requirements: Web-browser Programming language: Java Language: English Minimum hardware requirements: Intel Pentium II, 200 MHz, 128 MB RAM Contact person: Meghna Babbar-Sebens (Corresponding author) URL: http://wrestore.iupui.edu/