Historical landcover changes in the Great Lakes Region

Kenneth L. Cole, Margaret B. Davis, Forest Stearns, Glenn Gutenspergen, Karen V. Walker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Two different methods of reconstructing historical vegetation change, drawing on General Land Office (GLO) surveys and fossil pollen deposits, are demonstrated by using data from the Great Lakes region. Both types of data are incorporated into landscape-scale analyses and presented through geographic information systems. Results from the two methods reinforce each other and allow reconstructions of past landscapes at different time scales. Changes to forests ofthe Great Lakes region during the last 150 years were far greater than the changes recorded over the preceding 1,000 years. Over the last 150 years, the total amount of forested land in the Great Lakes region declined by over 40%, and much of the remaining forest was converted to early successional forest types as a result of extensive logging. These results demonstrate the utility of using GLO survey data in conjunction with other data sources to reconstruct a generalized "presettlement" condition and assess changes in landcover.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Title of host publicationPerspectives on the Land Use History of North America
EditorsThomas D. Sisk
PublisherUS Geological Survey,Biological Resources Division
Pages43-50
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 1998

Publication series

NamePerspectives on the Land Use History of North America
PublisherUS Geological Survey,Biological Resources Division

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