Proceedings Land Classifications Based On Vegetation

"A system is presented for classifying terrestrial vegetation in Canada. The system has seven levels defined by plant community physiognomy and species-dominance criteria; the composition of the upper four levels have been completed, whereas the remaining levels still require development"--Pref.

Ecological Land Classification (ELC) refers to the description of land resources at a range of spatial resolutions (i.e. global to local) and for a range of purposes or values. The emerging science of ELC is in fact a very carefully integrated blend of vegetation and earth sciences, climatology, cartography and ecology with a range of new technologies and methodologies including computer-based geographic information systems, remote sensing and simulation modelling. This publication defines the current `state-of-the-art' of ELC. It provides particular insight into the role of ELC in current and future forest resource planning and management, and emphasizes its application and usefulness at various spatial scales, for a variety of geographic locations, and under a range of management scenarios/constraints. The book is an invaluable and substantial reference source about the current trends in ELC and will be of particular value to ecologists, foresters, geographers, resource managers, wildlife biologists, GIS and remote sensing specialists, educators and students.

A hierarchical framework for the classification of Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodlands was based on a systematic sample of 426 stands from a random selection of 66 of the 110 mountain ranges in the region. That is, mountain ranges were randomly selected, but stands were systematically located on mountain ranges. The National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (ECOMAP) was used for the highest levels of classification, subdividing the Great Basin into nine relatively environmentally homogeneous Sections. The remaining levels are vegetation-based, focusing on the relative composition and dominance of pinyon and juniper and the dominant shrub and perennial grass species present. This approach will allow managers to better relate the results of previous, as well as new studies and management experiences.

Defines the need for and outlines the application and benefits of an ecological (biophysical) approach to the planning and management of urban areas.