The
goal of the SFLA ecological assessment is to identify the most
ecologically significant forest lands of the state. Maryland’s
watersheds are being evaluated based on the spatial distribution and
vegetation composition of forested lands, the abundance of riparian
forests, and the presence of critical habitat and sensitive species. The
influence of forests on ecological processes that translate across the
watershed are also being evaluated. For example, riparian (streamside)
forests improve surface water quality by filtering nutrients from water
discharging into streams and reducing soil erosion. These beneficial
effects are carried to downstream aquatic communities. Forest blocks of
high ecological integrity will also be identified as priority areas for
conservation and/or strategic management.
GIS data is being used to assess a variety of ecological attributes, including:
- Distribution of Forested Wetlands
- Distribution of Designated Wildlands
-
Forest fragmentation patterns
- For example, Mean Patch Size
- Forests providing habitat for sensitive species
- High Quality FIDS Habitat
- Interior Forests
- Percent of Watershed Forested
- and more ...
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The SFLA ecological assessment builds upon several existing DNR landscape assessment initiatives, including:
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