Mapping the extent and distribution of conifer cover increase in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem

Scott Powell; Andrew J. Hansen; Warren B. Cohen

Treesearch

Mapping the extent and distribution of conifer cover increase in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Scott Powell, Andrew J. Hansen, Warren B. Cohen

Year:

2007

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

In: Dupont, A.; Jacobs, H., eds. Landscape Ecology Research Trends. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers: 27-43

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Download (PDF 3.06 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/37227.pdf

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantity the extent and distribution of conifer cover increase in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) between 1985 and 1999. In many locations across the GYE, conifer forests have increased in density and expanded into grasslands and shrub lands, but the actual extent of change is unknown. Accurate quantification is critical for assessment of ecological consequences, including biogeochemical cycling. The study area was located in the GYE, encompassing parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, U.S.A. We used a combination of aerial photos, Landsat satellite imagery, and statistical methods to quantity percent conifer cover and change across the study area between 1985 and 1999.

Keywords

Landset TM, airborne imagery, remote sensing, change detection

Citation

Powell, Scott L.; Hansen, Andrew J.; Cohen, Warren B. 2007. Mapping the extent and distribution of conifer cover increase in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. In: Dupont, A.; Jacobs, H., eds. Landscape Ecology Research Trends. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Science Publishers: 27-43.