| Abstract: |
Information about forest resources grouped by ecologically homogeneous area can be used to discern relationships between those resources and ecological processes. The author used forest resource data from 0.4-ha plots, and data on population and land area (by county), together with a global-to-local hierarchical framework of land areas with similar ecological potential to assess extant forest resources in the Southern United States. Because each data source differed in resolution and types of information, Rudis referenced all to a common county land unit. He also characterized and tested the importance of other resource indicators by ecological province. Data were largely from U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis surveys for the Southern United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, east Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, east Texas, and Virginia). Findings described differences by Province in the proportion of forest types, public land, private land, protected forests, forest plantations, disturbances, and human uses. Analysis of resource value indicators showed significant differences among Provinces in livestock grazing, selected recreation, wildlife habitat, timber resources, and vulnerability to urban and agricultural influences. Ecological perspectives suggested a need to tailor forest resource analysis, planning, and incentive programs and focused attention on selected disturbances and complementary and competing uses. |
