Defining and predicting urban-wildland interface zones using a GIS-based model

Abstract

Resource managers are beginning to experience a deluge of management conflicts as urban population centers expand into formerly wildland settings. Fire suppression, recreational, watershed management, and traditional forest management practices are activities that have become contentious in many locales. A better understanding of the interface zone between these two types of land is important if managers are to successfully maintain the values of such lands. A pragmatic model for defining the urban-wildland interface for LeFlore County, Oklahoma, was developed, allowing identification of these transitional zones. Census data were used to obtain information on housing densities, population densities, and other social and cultural activities. LandSat MSS images provided a description of the current land cover and land use of the study area. Additional data (such as digital soil maps) were processed and added to the GIS structure. On-site ground truthing was also conducted.

Parent Publication

• Integrated tools for natural resources inventories in the 21st century

Citation

Gering, Lawrence R.; Chun, Angel V.; Anderson, Steve. 2000. Defining and predicting urban-wildland interface zones using a GIS-based model. In: Hansen, Mark; Burk, Tom, eds. Integrated tools for natural resources inventories in the 21st century. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-212. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 457-463.