Forest disturbance frequency and patch structure from pre-European settlement to present in the Mixed Forest Province of Minnesota, USA

摘要: We used General Land Office survey data (1860–1890) and interpreted aerial photography from the 1930s, 1970s, 1990s to quantify forest disturbance frequency spatial patterns for four time periods in Mixed Forest Province of Minnesota. The study region included eight subsections within Minnesota’s Ecological Classification System. Presettlement pattern estimates varied across indicating a strong relationship soil landform characteristics. surveyors primarily recorded higher severity disturbances that resulted significant tree mortality. 1900–1940 era was characterized by short-term increase fire relatively uniform region, contrast variability presettlement landscape. In postsettlement period (1940–1995), timber harvest replaced as dominant factor. Similar management practices among created similar...