Estimating and mapping forest biomass in northeast China using joint forest resources inventory and remote sensing data

Being able to accurately estimate and map forest biomass at large scales is important for a better understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle and for improving the effectiveness of forest management. In this study, forest plot sample data, forest resources inventory(FRI) data, and SPOT Vegetation(SPOT-VGT) normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI) data were used to estimate total forest biomass and spatial distribution of forest biomass in northeast China(with 1 km resolution). Total forest biomass at both county and provincial scales was estimated using FRI data of 11 different forest types obtained by sampling 1156 forest plots, and newly-created volume to biomass conversion models. The biomass density at the county scale and SPOT-VGT NDVI data were used to estimate the spatial distribution of forest biomass. The results suggest that the total forest biomass was 2.4 Pg(1 Pg = 10~(15) g), with an average of 77.2 Mg ha~(-1), during the study period. Forests having greater biomass density were located in the middle mountain ranges in the study area. Human activities affected forest biomass at different elevations, slopes and aspects. The results suggest that the volume to biomass conversion models that could be developed using more plot samples and more detailed forest type classifications would be better suited for the study area and would provide more accurate biomass estimates. Use of both FRI and remote sensing data allowed the down-scaling of regional forest biomass statistics to forest cover pixels to produce a relatively fineresolution biomass map.     

Small area estimations of proportion of forest and timber volume combining Lidar data and stereo aerial images with terrestrial data

Abstract

Methods for small area estimations were compared for estimating the proportion of forest and growing stock volume of temperate mixed forests within a district of a member state (canton) in Switzerland. The estimators combine terrestrial data with remotely sensed auxiliary data. By using different model types, different sources of auxiliary data and different methods of processing the auxiliary data, the increase in estimation precision was tested. Using the canopy height derived from remote sensing data, the growing stock volume and the proportion of forest were estimated. The regression models used for the small area estimation provided a coefficient of determination of up to 68% for the timber volume. The proportion of plots correctly classified into forest and non-forest plots ranged between 0.9 and 0.98. Models calibrated over forest area only resulted in a maximal coefficient of determination of 37%. Even though these coefficients indicate a moderate model quality, the use of remote sensing data clearly improved the estimation precision of both the proportion of forest and the growing stock volume. Generally, Lidar data led to slightly higher estimates compared to data from aerial photography. It was possible to reduce the variance of the estimated proportion of forest to nearly one tenth compared with the variance based on the terrestrial measurements alone. Similarly, the variance of the growing stock volume could be reduced to one fourth as compared with the variance based solely on the terrestrial measurements.     

Modelling and mapping the suitability of European forest formations at 1-km resolution

Proactive forest conservation planning requires spatially accurate information about the potential distribution of tree species. The most cost-efficient way to obtain this information is habitat suitability modelling i.e. predicting the potential distribution of biota as a function of environmental factors. Here, we used the bootstrap-aggregating machine-learning ensemble classifier Random Forest (RF) to derive a 1-km resolution European forest formation suitability map. The statistical model use as inputs more than 6,000 field data forest inventory plots and a large set of environmental variables. The field data plots were classified into different forest formations using the forest category classification scheme of the European Environmental Agency. The ten most dominant forest categories excluding plantations were chosen for the analysis. Model results have an overall accuracy of 76%. Between categories scores were unbalanced and Mesophitic deciduous forests were found to be the least correctly classified forest category. The model’s variable ranking scores are used to discuss relationship between forest category/environmental factors and to gain insight into the model’s limits and strengths for map applicability. The European forest suitability map is now available for further applications in forest conservation and climate change issues.     

Retrieval of forest attributes in complex successional forests of Central Indonesia: Modeling and estimation of bitemporal data

Quantification of forest parameters in different successional stages is required because of its importance as a source of global emissions and ecosystem changes. This study focuses on a successional tropical forest under logging practices in East Kalimantan province, Indonesia. We modeled the forest attributes using both a parametric multiple linear regression analysis and neural networks approach, with Landsat ETM data acquired in 2000 (ETM00). We compiled sample plot data using forest inventory data collected from 1997 to 1998. A total of 226 plots were used to train the models and 112 plots were used for the validation. The remote sensing data (spectral values, vegetation indices, texture, etc.) coupled with digital elevation model (DEM) were experimented with and selectively used to model basal area, stem volume and above ground biomass (AGB). We investigated the possibility to estimate the forest attributes from bitemporal ETM data by calibrating radiometric properties of the ETM image from 2003 (ETM03) using the multivariate alteration detection method. The Pearson correlations showed that the mean texture index is strongly correlated with the forest attributes. We show that neural networks resulted in a higher coefficient of determination (r²) and lower RMSE than multiple regressions for predicting the forest attributes. The estimated forest properties increased with the forest succession advancement (i.e. from the open forest to advanced secondary forest classes). The modeled basal area, stem volume and AGB varied from 10.7–15.1 m² ha⁻¹, 123.2–181.9 m³ ha⁻¹, and 132.7–185.3 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The RMSE_r values of model fitting ranged from 11.2% to 13.3%, and the test dataset estimated slightly higher RMSE_r which varied from 12% to 14.1%. The ETM03 forest attributes revealed favorable estimates, showing considerably higher estimates than the ETM00. The estimation of forest properties using neural networks makes Landsat data a valuable source of information for forest management, mainly with the recent free access to its historical dataset.     

Laser scanning of forest resources: the nordic experience

This article reviews the research and application of airborne laser scanning for forest inventory in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The first experiments with scanning lasers for forest inventory were conducted in 1991 using the FLASH system, a full-waveform experimental laser developed by the Swedish Defence Research Institute. In Finland at the same time, the HUTSCAT profiling radar provided experiences that inspired the following laser scanning research. Since 1995, data from commercially operated time-of-flight scanning lasers (e.g. TopEye, Optech ALTM and TopoSys) have been used. Especially in Norway, the main objective has been to develop methods that are directly suited for practical forest inventory at the stand level. Mean tree height, stand volume and basal area have been the most important forest mensurational parameters of interest. Laser data have been related to field training plot measurements using regression techniques, and these relationships have been used to predict corresponding properties in all forest stands in an area. Experiences from Finland, Norway and Sweden show that retrieval of stem volume and mean tree height on a stand level from laser scanner data performs as well as, or better than, photogrammetric methods, and better than other remote sensing methods. Laser scanning is, therefore, now beginning to be used operationally in large-area forest inventories. In Finland and Sweden, research has also been done into the identification of single trees and estimation of single-tree properties, such as tree position, tree height, crown width, stem diameter and tree species. In coniferous stands, up to 90% of the trees represented by stem volume have been correctly identified from canopy height models, and the tree height has been estimated with a root mean square error of around 0.6 m. It is significantly more difficult to identify suppressed trees than dominant trees. Spruce and pine have been discriminated on a single-tree level with 95% accuracy. The application of densely sampled laser scanner data to change detection, such as growth and cutting, has also been demonstrated.     

Prediction of tree height,basal area and stem volume in forest stands using airborne laser scanning

The aim of this study was to develop prediction models using laser scanning for estimation of forest variables at plot level, validate the estimations at stand level (area 0.64 ha) and test the effect of different laser measurement densities on the estimation errors. The predictions were validated using 29 forest stands (80×80 m²), each containing 16 field plots with a 10 m radius. For the best tested case, mean tree height, basal area and stem volume were predicted with a root mean square error of 0.59 m (3% of average value), 2.7 m² ha^?1 (10% of average value) and 31 m³ ha^?1 (11% of average value), respectively, at stand level. There were small differences in terms of prediction errors for different measuring densities. The results indicate that mean tree height, basal area and stem volume can be estimated in small stands with low laser measurement densities producing accuracies similar to traditional field inventories.     

Estimation of forest stem volume using multispectral optical satellite and tree height data in combination

Abstract

The accuracy of forest stem volume estimation at stand level was investigated using multispectral optical satellite and tree height data in combination. The stem volumes for the investigated coniferous stands, located in southern Sweden, were in the range of 15–585 m³ ha^?1 with an average stem volume of 266 m³ ha^?1. The results from regression analysis showed a substantial improvement for the combined stem volume estimates compared with using satellite data only. The accuracy in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated to 11.2% of the average stem volume using SPOT-4 data and tree height data in combination compared with 23.9% using SPOT-4 data only. By replacing SPOT-4 data with Landsat TM data the RMSE was improved from 25.2% to 12.2%. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the combined stem volume estimates by adding random errors, normally distributed with zero expectations, with standard deviations of 1, 1.5 and 2 m to tree height data. The results showed that the RMSE increased with increasing random tree height error to 15.4%, 18.0% and 19.9% using SPOT-4 data and 16.3%, 19.2% and 21.2% using Landsat TM data. The results imply that multispectral optical satellite data in combination with accurate tree height data could be used for standwise stem volume estimation in forestry applications.     

湖州市森林植被净初级生产力研究

基于30 m分辨率的2018年Landsat数据、气象数据和森林资源年度监测小班数据等资料,考虑最大光能利用率在不同森林类型中的差异,采用CASA模型对浙江省湖州市的森林植被净初级生产力(NPP)进行估算,分析其空间分布特征,对估算结果进行精度检验,并与其他学者的NPP测算值进行结果对比.结果表明:(1)湖州市森林植被...     

Improving sustainability of value-added forest supply chain through coordinated production planning policy between forests and mills

Commonly-used sustained yield harvest policies ensure sustained supply of harvest timber volume over a planning horizon. However, implemented policies gradually decapitalize forest values over time that threatens the sustainability of ecosystem and wood industries. Different business units of a forest-product supply chain have different ways of valuing forestry resources, different supply and demand policies, and corresponding business policy models to implement them. The objective of this study was to evaluate ecological and economic impacts to participating business units of a supply chain when implementing different business policies. We constructed six business models in a linear programming framework and solved them using data from commercially-managed forests. Our empirical results showed that compared to a base model (Model 1; unilateral decision by forest business unit), the best model (Model 6; integrated harvest and production planning) reduced the median harvest volume and area by 25% (12–31%) and 24% (7–40%), respectively, but increased net revenue by 88% (6–218%) over a 150-year planning horizon. Hence, efficiency increased by 158% (20–373%) per unit of harvest area and 163% (23–364%) per unit of harvest volume. Furthermore, when the models were simulated using a hard constraint to preserve at least 20% of old-growth forest area, the revenue was least affected (15%; 11–19%) by Model 6 compared to Model 1 (26%; 14–45%). We conclude that vertically-integrated harvest policy that embeds forest values in the planning model reduces the gap between the business units, and enhances ecosystem conservation with the least fluctuation of harvest and revenue by period over a planning horizon.     

Aerial photo-interpretation using Z/I DMC images for estimation of forest variables

Abstract

Interpretation and tree height measurements in aerial photographs using photogrammetric workstations are frequently performed in standwise forest inventory. Images acquired by digital aerial cameras are now replacing the traditional film-based aerial photographs. In this study, digital images from the airborne Z/I DMC system for standwise estimation of stem volume, tree height and tree species composition were investigated at a 1200 ha forest area located in southern Sweden (58°30′N, 13°40′E). The 56 selected stands were dominated by Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with stem volume in the range of 30–630 m³ ha^?1 (average 300 m³ ha^?1) and tree height in the range of 6–28 m (average 20 m). The large-format pansharpened colour infrared images were captured at a flight altitude of 4800 m above ground level corresponding to a pixel size of 0.48 m. The photo-interpretation was conducted by four professional interpreters, independently. In particular, two different base-to-height ratios (i.e. the ratio between the ground distance between image centres at the time of exposure and the flight altitude above ground level) of 0.26 and 0.39 were evaluated, but no significant difference in the estimation accuracy for stem volume and tree height was found. The accuracy for stem volume estimation in terms of relative root mean square error, corrected for systematic errors, was on average 24% (in the range of 17–39%). The corresponding accuracy for tree height estimation was on average 1.4 m (in the range of 0.9–1.6 m). The tree species composition accuracy assessment using a fuzzy set evaluation procedure showed that 95% of the stands were correctly classified. The estimation accuracies are in agreement with previous results using conventional film-based aerial panchromatic photographs.     

Estimating forest carbon fluxes for large regions based on process-based modelling, NFI data and Landsat satellite images

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new approach for estimating forest carbon fluxes for large regions based on climate-sensitive process-based model, national forest inventory (NFI) data and satellite images. The approach was tested for Central Finland and Lapland with NFI field data and daily weather data from 2004 to 2008.The approach combines (1) a light use efficiency (LUE) model, (2) a process-based summary model for estimating gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP), and (3) the Yasso07 soil carbon model, which together allow the estimation of net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Landsat TM 5 satellite images were utilized to generalize the carbon fluxes obtained for field sample plots for all forested areas using the k-NN imputation method. The accuracy of the imputations was examined by leave-one-out cross validation and by comparing the imputed and simulated values with Eddy covariance (EC) measurements.RMSE of the k-NN imputations was slightly better in Central Finland than in Lapland, the bias staying at a similar level. Based on the EC comparisons, the approach seemed to work rather well with GPP estimates in both areas, but in the north the NEE estimates were remarkably biased. The main advantages of the approach include its applicability to basic NFI data and a high output resolution (30 m).The method proved to be a promising way to produce carbon flux estimates based on large-scale forest inventory data and could therefore be easily applied to the whole of Northern Europe. However, there are still drawbacks to the approach, such as lacking parameters for peat lands. One of the future goals is to integrate the approach with an interactive mapping framework, which could thereafter be utilized, for example, in climate change research.     

应用中分辨率遥感数据和地理信息系统改进森林材积和生物量评估策略(英文)

应用遥感技术、地理信息系统和野外观测数据,评估了热带森林环境下地上生物量和木材蓄积量。用于模拟森林属性的这些数据具有地理特异性和高度的不确定性,因此,这方面需要开展更多的研究工作。选取了16个试样地带1460个样地,测定树木胸径及其他用于评估生物量的其他森林属性。本实验在印尼加里曼丹东部的热带雨林开展。应用现有的胸径-生物量公式来评估地上生物量密度。估测值在研究区修正的GIS地图上重叠显示,计算各种地被物的生物量密度。用样品数据子集表达遥感方法来形成地上生物量和材积线性方程模型。皮尔森相关统计检验采用ETM条带反射率、植被指数、图像变化图层、主成分分析条带、缨帽变换、灰度共生矩阵纹理特征和DEM数据作为预报值。在显著的遥感数据中形成了两个线性模型。为了分析每块地被物总的生物量和材积量,对2000年到2003年卫星ETM图进行了预处理、最大似然估计法分类和主体分析过滤。遥感方法获得的结果表明:材积量为(158±16)m3·hm-2,地上生物量为(168±15)t·hm-2;而野外测定和地理信息系统估计的结果分别是材积量为(157±92)m3·hm-2、地上生物量为(167±94)t·hm-2。用多个瞬间ETM数据评估了从2000年到2003年间的生物量丰富度动态,结果发现这一时期总生物量呈略微的下降趋势。遥感技术评估的生物量丰富度低于地理信息系统和野外测定的结果。前一种测定方法估计2000年和2003年总生物量分别是10.47Gt和10.3Gt,而后一种则估计11.9Gt和11.6Gt。还发现,灰度共生矩阵纹理特征与材积量和生物量之间存在较强的相关性。图7表9参43。     

Compilation of a European forest map from Portugal to the Ural mountains based on earth observation data and forest statistics

This article focuses on the approach of combining the information from both remote sensing and forest inventory statistics in order to produce a European forest proportion map covering the area from Portugal to the Ural mountains. For this purpose, a calibration method was developed, tested and applied to the pan-European area. The resulting forest map was analysed on a pixel-by-pixel basis and given to inventory and remote sensing experts for consultation. When comparing both the result of the calibrated forest map with that of the original AVHRR mosaic of the area it was found that the satellite-derived estimates of forest area closely matched the ground inventory statistics indicating the high accuracy obtained from the AVHRR mosaic alone. Most visible discrepancies were found in northern Europe where the inventory data showed less forest than the image data. In southern Europe, the inventory data displayed more forest than the AVHRR image. This project was carried out for the European Commission, Joint Research Centre in 1999/2000 (contract no. 17223-2000-12 F1SC ISP FI) mainly by the European Forest Institute and VTT Information Technology.     

基于高分二号的旺业甸林场蓄积量估测模型研究

【目的】为了探究国产高分二号(GF-2)影像在林分蓄积量估测中的潜力,并找到最佳的蓄积量估测模型。【方法】本次实验以内蒙古旺业甸林场为研究区,以高分二号卫星影像为信息源,结合2017年10月份调查的75块样地以及同时期的GF-2影像数据,提取波段特征、植被指数和纹理特征等43个遥感因子作为候选变量,利用Pearson相关系数选择出与蓄积量显著相关的6个变量,采用多元线性回归模型(MLR)、BP-神经网络模型(BP-ANN)、随机森林模型(RF)、支持向量机模型(SVM)和K邻近模型(KNN)进行蓄积量的估测。以决定系数(R^2)、均方根误差(RMSE)、相对均方根误差(RRMSE%)作为5种模型的评价指标,选择出旺业甸林场的最佳蓄积量估测模型,并绘制了研究区的森林蓄积量分布图。【结果】4种机器学习模型的结果明显优于传统的线性模型,其中随机森林(RF)模型和K邻近模型(KNN)均得到了较高的精度,其中RF模型的R^2为0.66,均方根误差为55.2 m^3/hm^2,相对均方根误差为28.1%,KNN模型的R^2为0.64,均方根误差为57.6 m^3/hm^2相对均方根误差为29.3%。【结论】在利用高分二号数据进行旺业甸林场蓄积量估测时,RF和KNN模型在估测针叶林蓄积量时相比于其他模型可以取得更好的结果。     

Area-level analysis of forest inventory variables

Small-area estimation is a subject area of growing importance in forest inventories. Modelling the link between a study variable Y and auxiliary variables X—in pursuit of an improved accuracy in estimators—is typically done at the level of a sampling unit. However, for various reasons, it may only be possible to formulate a linking model at the level of an area of interest (AOI). Area-level models and their potential have rarely been explored in forestry. This study demonstrates, with data (Y = stem volume per ha) from four actual inventories aided by aerial laser scanner data (3 cases) or photogrammetric point clouds (1 case), application of three distinct models representing the currency of area-level modelling. The studied AOIs varied in size from forest management units to forest districts, and municipalities. The variance explained by X declined sharply with the average size of an AOI. In comparison with a direct estimate mean of Y in an AOI, all three models achieved practically important reduction in the relative root-mean-squared error of an AOI mean. In terms of the reduction in mean-squared errors, a model with a spatial location effect was overall most attractive. We recommend the pursuit of a spatial model component in area-level modelling as promising within the context of a forest inventory.     

基于ENVISATASAR数据的高山松林蓄积量估测模型研究

以香格里拉县南部为研究区,利用ENVISATASAR双极化数据,基于数理统计方法对该地区的高山松林蓄积量估测模型进行研究。首先分析HH,日y,HV／HH值与高山松林样地蓄积量之间的相关性,结果为日y极化数据与蓄积量相关性最高;然后建立简单线性模型、指数模型以及加入地理因子的多元线性模型与非线性模型,得出指数模型为最优模型;利用独立的检验样本对最优模型进行精度评价,预测值与实测值基本相符合,平均相对误差为14．41％。     

Potentials and limits of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-nearest-neighbour method for regionalising sample-based data in forestry

The k-nearest-neighbour (knn) method is known as a robust nonparametric method. It is used to estimate unknown values of data sets by means of similarity to reference data sets with known values. The spectral information of satellite remote sensing data can be used to provide the common characteristics in the knn estimation process. In forest sciences, the knn method is studied for its application potential. Some application examples are: (1) the estimation of parameters such as basal area, stem volume, number of trees per diameter class and tree species; (2) the estimation of forest debris and non-wood goods and services; (3) the production of wall-to-wall information for modelling, risk management and logistics. On the other hand, different limitations with respect to methodological characteristics as well as the selection of suitable parameters must be taken into consideration. The scope of this article concentrates on the discussion of the application potential and limits of the knn method in forestry with particular emphasis on management planning needs. The study is based on data taken from a forest inventory (FI) covering a test site near Rottenburg, in southwest Germany. Analysis results are compared with the traditional outcome of inventory data analysis and partly presented in thematic maps, which show identical spatial distribution patterns. For the map of six tree species, a map accuracy of 52.2% was found. The user’s accuracy for the prevailing tree species was between 52.6% for Picea abies and 69.4% for Quercus sp. A timber volume map for Quercus sp. clearly visualises the bias at the extreme ends of the volume distribution. The root mean square error (RMSE) for the total timber volume estimate was 30.9% for k = 5 and could be reduced to 22.6% for k = 20. For Quercus sp., however, the respective RMSE values were between 106.5 and 84.8%. Significant differences between FI and knn estimates were mainly found for rare classes with minor representation in the reference data.     

Deciduous forest mapping using change detection of multi-temporal canopy height models from aerial images acquired at leaf-on and leaf-off conditions

Discrimination of deciduous trees using spectral information from aerial images has only been partly successfully due to the complexity of the reflectance at different view angles, times of acquisition, phenology of the trees and inter-tree radiance. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the accuracy of estimating the proportion of deciduous stem volume (P) utilizing change detection between canopy height models (CHMs) generated by digital photogrammetry from leaf-on and leaf-off aerial images instead of using spectral information. The study was conducted at a hemi-boreal study area in Sweden. Using aerial images from three seasons, CHMs with a resolution of approximately 0.5?m were generated using semi-global matching. For training plots, metrics describing the change between leaf-on and leaf-off conditions were calculated and used to model the continuous variable P, using the Random Forest approach. Validated at sub-stands, the estimation accuracy of P in terms of root mean square error and bias was found to be 18% and ?6%, respectively. The overall classification accuracy, using four equally wide classes, was 83% with a kappa value of 0.68. The validation plots in classes of high proportion of coniferous or deciduous stem volume were well classified, whereas the mixed forest classes showed lower classification accuracies.     

Predicting timber harvests from private forests—a utility maximisation approach

Forest owners’ values and the ownership structure of forest are changing continuously. One probable consequence of the current trends in Finland is that the significance of forest-related income will decrease, which may have a significant impact on the round wood supply. This study developed and demonstrated a new method, which allows policy makers to make forecasts on the future timber supply. The method is based on the assumed temporal changes in the distributions of the importance of different forest management goals. The distributions are converted into utility functions, generated separately for each forest holding. The utility functions are maximised, using heuristics, to obtain the optimal forest management plans for the holdings. The regional cutting budget is calculated by summing the removals of the optimal treatment schedules of stands over the whole area. The method was demonstrated by assuming four different scenarios for the forest management goals, in which the importance of net income from realised cuttings decreased by 0%, 25%, 50% or 100% in 60 years. The decrease was compensated for by an increased importance of the other goals, namely economic security, recreation, and nature values. The calculations were made with three different methods. Methods 1 and 2 derived the optimal plans directly for the whole 60-year period while Method 3 developed three consecutive 20-year plans. Method 2 assumed that the holding is sold or inherited once in 20 years with an abrupt change in the management goals. In Methods 1 and 3 the goals changed only gradually. The results were logical, indicating that the more the importance of net income decreases the lower the future timber supply will be.     

Inclusion of forest harvest legacies, forest type, and regeneration spatial patterns in updated forest maps: A comparison of mapping results

In Maine and other heavily forested states, existing land cover maps quickly become dated due to forest harvesting and land use conversion; therefore, these maps may not adequately reflect landscape properties and patterns relevant to current resource management and ecosystem studies. By updating an older land cover product (the 1993 Maine GAP map) using Landsat imagery and established forest change detection techniques, we demonstrate a practical and accurate means of providing contemporary, spatially explicit forest cover data needed to quantify landscape change. For a 1.8 million hectares study area in northern Maine, we quantify the accuracy of forest harvest classes and compare mapped harvest and regeneration area between the 2004 GAP update product and the 2004 Maine Landcover Dataset (MeLCD), a map recently developed in coordination with the 2001 National Land-Cover Database (NLCD). For the period 1995–2004, the overall harvest/non-harvest accuracy of the GAP update map is 87.5%, compared to 62.1% for the MeLCD. Producer and user accuracy for harvest detection is 92.4% and 89.7%, respectively for the GAP update, and 48.8% and 92.5% for the MeLCD. Mapped harvest area differs considerably, reflecting a systematic under-representation of recent harvest activity on the part of the MeLCD. By integrating older land cover data, the GAP update retains the forest disturbance legacies of the late 1970s through the early 1990s while simultaneously depicting 2004 forest composition for harvested and regenerating stands. In contrast, the MeLCD (and 2001 NLCD) over-represents the area and connectivity of older forest (undisturbed since the late 1970s), and provides no forest composition information for mapped forest regeneration. Systematic misclassification of forest age classes and harvest history has serious implications for studies focused on wildlife habitat modeling, forest inventory, and biomass or carbon stock estimation. We recommend the integration of older land cover data and time-series forest change detection for retention of harvest or disturbance classes when creating new forest and land cover maps.