MAPPING OLD GROWTH FORESTS ON NATIONAL FOREST AND PARK LANDS IN THE PACIFIC-NORTHWEST FROM REMOTELY SENSED DATA

This project incorporate the use of remotely sensed data to produce a cis database and map of old growth forest lands on National Forest and Park lands in Oregon and Washington. The GIS layers include slope, aspect, elevation, hydrology, location of research and inventory plots, crown closure, size class/stand structure, species, current vegetation type polygons, suitable spotted owl habitat, suitable lands for timber production, flight line maps, habitat conservation areas, forest boundaries, potential Pacific yew habitat, historical distribution of vegetation, and old growth. The mapping was performed using field measurements, aerial photography, and Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite data. Methods included (1) extensive field reconnaissance to determine the causes of variation in vegetation; (2) in depth spectral analysis to identify variation in the imagery, (3) integration of a geographic information system for image processing analysis and final products; and (4) detailed accuracy assessment using both photo and field reference data.