This is a map displaying the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A DEM is a USGS dataset at several scales that samples elevations on a raster. Each cell has a value corresponding to its elevation so for the example shown below the darker colors are at the highest peak while the lighter colors are at the lowest spots. This allows you to see the steep slopes, cells from up stream and which locations are visible from any standing point. Most of Clearwater county is federal land therefore I will only evaluate private land for possible vineyards.

An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), United States Department of the Treasury . The AVAs can range from 26,000 square miles to 6 acres. An AVA gives the greatest geographical locations for grape growing. Other factors such as using scientific systems like local weather stations for predicting local weather need to be included in vineyards. One of the challenges facing central Idaho or any other geographical location is getting into the market. One local winery in this region that grows grapes is Clearwater Canyon Cellars, which produces 80% of the local grapes has had great success. Washington grapes from the Columbia Valley AVA are well established and are in the market. Here in north-central Idaho grapes vineyards would be a challenge and could be done with really determination. To establish a vineyard it will take approximately two years with many expertise such as soils scientist and geologist. Growing in this boundary would help gain the status of producing great wine. AVA boundaries are based on geographic location, suitable soils, and weather conditions. GIS is a great tool for determining factors.

The DEM was taken and reclassified into five categories for each county. The rating system was based on how well grapes grow. The rating system is again 3 being best on south facing slopes. Two being moderate which is between west through east facing slopes. North facing slopes and flat areas are given a one which is poor. In terms of aspect, the best areas make up 23% of this site. The moderate areas make up 64% of this site. The poor areas make up 13% of this site.

The land use was broken into two categories. Each county has a dark color and a light color as shown on the map. This criteria is based on forest land, deciduous land and so further. The data was reclassified into best being the darker color and poor the lighter color. This was based on growing grapes and seeing if the land was feasible for vineyards. It should be mentioned that even though it suitable for grape growing this does not mean if it is an economically possible. According to the census data agriculture and forestry account for 8% of industries in Idaho. There would have to be a big shift in the market to make vineyards the main industry in Idaho. Further research and more data needs to be done to see what kind of shift that would involve.

The DEM was taken and reclassified into four categories for each county. All of these ratings are based on suitable ratings based on how well grapes grow in the region. The rating system is 0-3, 3-5, 5-8 and <8%. The best slopes for vineyards range from 5-8%. I broke down the options into these categories to give more options on the slopes. In my final overlay I rated them between 3 being best and 1 being poor. Depending on the type of grapes grown and the equipment used by a person will determine the amount of slope needed. If the grapes are to drain well then there needs to be a slope. It is best to come up with as many solutions for the counties to promote the best vineyard in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley region. Further research needs to be done in the slopes 8% or below.

The process of the soils was based on pH levels between 5.5-7, drainage, and slope between 0-10%. In all counties majority of the soils were suitable for vineyards. The pH levels were in good range, most of the silt loam was well drainage and suitable for agricultural productivity. The soils were reclassified into three being the best, two moderate, and one being one poor. South facing slopes are shown to be more productive. One big problem with analyzing the data in the matrix was there was only 700-800 records in the tables while there was 6,000-7000 different soil records for each county. Only a quarter of the information was available therefore more research needs to be done find suitable soils. Other professions needs to be involved such as soil scientist and geologist for further assessment on suitable soils