L. Carlson

Multi-Scale Analysis of Landcover Composition and Landscape Management of Public and Private Lands in Indiana

A multi-scale analysis was conducted in Indiana (Midwest United States) to examine social and biophysical factors contributing to landcover pattern and composition at different spatial extents. Historical data shows that Indiana has experienced dramatic landcover change over the past two centuries. A state-level analysis found that while forest covered more than 85% of Indiana prior to European-American settlement, almost all of these forests were cleared for agriculture following settlement. Forests have since regrown in part such that they now cover nearly 20% of the state. In recent years, analysis at state and regional levels has found a strong relationship between topography and landcover, especially for agricultural and forested land. A parcel level analysis was conducted for 250 private landholdings in Monroe County, linking household level survey data to Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery. This local level analysis allows parcel land management practices and associated land holder characteristics to be linked to specific landscape outcomes. This research demonstrates the utility of a multi-scale analysis linking social and biophysical factors in landcover change studies.