Classification and mapping habitats within the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain Region

Meyer-Arendt, Klaus J. (author)
Wicker, Karen M. (author)
Richardson, Benjamin F. (editor)

Remote Sensing: An Input to Geographic Information Systems in the 1980s

163

174

1982

Proceedings of PECORA VII Symposium, Sioux Falls, SD, October 18-21, 1981

Historic occupation of the Mississippi River deltaic plain has resulted in massive modification of the natural environment. However, quantitative documentation of spatial and temporal changes, useful in landuse planning and environmental management, is dependent upon a universally acceptable landuse classification system and accurate, controlled habitat maps. Utilizing black-and-white and color-infrared photographs and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as collateral information including field reconnaissance, 464 habitat maps of the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain Region were constructed at o scale of 1:24,000 for 1955 and 1978. Approximately 100 natural and man-influenced habitats were delineated and planimetered according to a hierarchical classification system devised by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), but modified by the authors to more accurately reflect conditions in coastal Louisiana and Mississippi. Habitat area within the coastal zone was measured and recorded by state, parish/county, hydrologic unit, and topographic map unit for 1955 and 1978 . Habitat areas as small as an acre and as narrow as 30 feet were delineated where needed. Field checking of questionable areas and the high photo resolution have resulted in the most accurate and detailed habitat maps and quantitative results of any area on the Gulf coast. Comparison of 1955 and 1978 habitats illustrates and quantifies habitat change through time due to natural and man-made processes. The map showing 1978 habitat distribution is the most recent and uniform habitat information used in state and Federal permitting reviews and governmental and private landuse planning and management.

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