New forest vegetation maps facilitate assessment of biodiversity indicators over large, multi-ownership regions.

Abstract

Natural resource policy analysis and conservation planning are best served by broad-scale information about vegetation that is detailed, spatially complete, and consistent across land ownerships and allocations. In this paper I describe how a new generation of forest vegetation maps can be used to assess the distribution of vegetation biodiversity among land ownerships and land allocations at a regional scale. The vegetation maps contain detailed tree and stand-level attributes of vegetation composition and structure for each forest land pixel in a regional landscape, which can be translated into vegetation biodiversity indicators at individual tree, species, community, and landscape levels. The new forest vegetation maps can be combined with models of stand and landscape dynamics to assess potential effects of alternative forest policies on biodiversity in future landscapes. Lastly, I discuss the importance of considering all land ownerships and allocations, including the matrix of semi-natural, managed forests, in regional biodiversity assessments.

Citation

Ohmann, Janet L. 2003. New forest vegetation maps facilitate assessment of biodiversity indicators over large, multi-ownership regions. In: Proceedings, Society of American Foresters 2003 National Convention: 111-116