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Forest dynamics in Mississippi, USA: a hybrid statistical and geospatial analysis

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Abstract

Understanding forest changes and its trajectory is important to develop policy options and future scenarios for climate analysis. This research is conducted to gain insights on secondary forests change using Mississippi, USA, as a case study. We investigate the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of secondary forests at high resolution and examine the forces driving their changes. An extensive literature review is conducted to refine the conceptual framework of forest changes and identify the underlying key factors. Forest changes are quantified at high spatial (30-m) and temporal (biennial) resolutions, using time series remotely sensed data between 1984 and 2007. A number of geospatial and socioeconomic data were compiled to analyze the spatial variations of forest disturbances and their linkages to various socioeconomic, political, and biogeophysical factors. The results show that the secondary forests are highly dynamic and variable. Disturbances and regeneration occur continuously everywhere in a systematic and coordinated fashion. This pattern prevents an extensive disturbance and increases total forest cover. Market conditions (i.e., timber price) are the key predictor of the level and overall trend of forest disturbances. However, spatial patterns of forest dynamics cannot be explained by location-specific biophysical, socioeconomic, and policy factors identified in the literature. They can best be described by the ecological characteristics of the forests (i.e., the forest type and age distribution), which have a clear economic linkage. The research shows that regenerated forests frequently experience loss and gain of their extent, and their ecological characteristics change drastically on a short-term basis. These results point out challenges and opportunities in forest management and policy with regard to reforestation.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to Mr. A. Islam (Geography, University of Maryland) for technical assistance on data processing, and to Drs. Kasischke and Riter (Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland), and Guldmann (City and Regional Planning, The Ohio State University) for valuable suggestions. Comments made by three anonymous reviewers are greatly appreciated.

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  1. University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA

    In-Young Yeo & Chengquan Huang

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  1. In-Young Yeo
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  2. Chengquan Huang
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Correspondence to In-Young Yeo.

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Yeo, IY., Huang, C. Forest dynamics in Mississippi, USA: a hybrid statistical and geospatial analysis. Reg Environ Change 13, 583–599 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-012-0340-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-012-0340-3

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