Use of Forest Inventory and Analysis information in wildlife habitat modeling: a process for linking multiple scales

Abstract

We describe our collective efforts to develop and apply methods for using FIA data to model forest resources and wildlife habitat. Our work demonstrates how flexible regression techniques, such as generalized additive models, can be linked with spatially explicit environmental information for the mapping of forest type and structure. We illustrate how these maps of forest structure can be used to model wildlife habitat, focusing on the prediction of suitable habitat for cavity-nesting birds in forest systems in the Intermountain West.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the third annual forest inventory and analysis symposium; 2001 October 17-19; Traverse City, Michigan

Citation

Edwards, Thomas C.; Moisen, Gretchen G.; Frescino, Tracey S.; Lawler, Joshua L. 2002. Use of Forest Inventory and Analysis information in wildlife habitat modeling: a process for linking multiple scales. In: McRoberts, Ronald E.; Reams, Gregory A.; Van Deusen, Paul C.; Moser, John W., eds. Proceedings of the Third Annual Forest Inventory and Analysis Symposium; Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-230. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 188-194