Abstract
The classification, mapping, and description of ecosystems are fundamental components of land management. The National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Cleland et al. 1997) provides the basis for the USDA Forest Service to accomplish these tasks. This framework allows the recognition of ecosystems or ecological units at eight spatial scales within a nested hierarchy. The highest levels of ecological units have been delineated nationally from domains through subsections. Our project, described here, is an extension of this national effort and concentrates on the local mapping and description of ecological landtypes, the seventh level of the hierarchy. It is envisioned that the results of this project will serve the Wayne National Forest in Ohio and its partners in many ways. This work provides an ecological basis by which future land management plans can be developed and executed. It helps give direction to silvicultural activities designed to maintain ecological sustainability, biological diversity, and local economies. It also informs research by distinguishing different ecosystems for experimental design and spatial extrapolation of findings.
https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-RMAP-10.
Keywords
National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units,
landtype,
southeastern Ohio,
Section 221E,
Wayne National Forest
Citation
Iverson, Louis R.; Bartig, Jarel L.; Nowacki, Gregory J.; Peters, Matthew P.; Dyer, James M.; Hutchinson, Todd F.; Matthews, Stephen N.; Adams, Bryce T. 2019. USDA Forest Service section, subsection, and landtype descriptions for southeastern Ohio. Research Map NRS-10. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 68 p. [Printed map included]. https://doi.org/10.2737/NRS-RMAP-10.