The P.I.'s will analyze historical changes and interactions between land-use practices and forest vegetation in central New England. An area that encompasses significant gradients in environmental factors and cultural activity. Specific objectives include: (1) examination of differences in the rate and degree of forest clearance and farm abandonment across the region, (2) determination of the relative contribution of economic forces versus physical constraints on these processes, and (3) investigation of the effect of land-use history on the current structure of the modern vegetation. Data will include numerous historical sources collected on a township basis and spatial analysis will utilize geographic information system. The results of the research will provide information on long-term changes in the environment, and how these are mediated by human activities.
