Comparing Past vs. Present Conditions

Using LANDFIRE’s BpS products, we explore two different ways to visualize past vs. current vegetation patterns.

First, we present changes in broad ecosystem types using an interactive comparison diagram. To present these broad ecosystem trends more effectively, we combined classifications of Existing Vegetation Types (EVT) into broader categories. The Developed EVTs of high, medium, and low intensity, and Quarries-Strip Mines-Gravel Pits EVTs were combined into one “Developed” EVT. Exotic Herbaceous and Exotic Tree-shrub EVTs were combined into one “Exotics” EVT.
Second, we compare amounts of succession classes (past and present) for the most prevalent ecosystems.

Summary

Almost all developed lands were formerly ‘hardwood’ ecosystems, with some coming from other broad types such as ‘riparian’.
A fair amount of what was mapped as ‘hardwoods’ historically was mapped as ‘conifer-hardwoods’ in the 2020 LANDFIRE data.

** Chord Diagram**

Note: number presented when hovering equals acres.