This paper presents an analysis used to identify high-value natural resources in New Hampshire using ArcInfo GRID. This Resources Protection Project was initiated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An interagency, interorganizational work group including federal agencies, state agencies, local governments, and environmental groups, was formed to develop criteria for the analysis. The final goal of this project was to identify high-value natural resources so local, state, and federal agencies can develop a resource protection management plan based on information provided by this analysis. Criteria used in this analysis included unfragmented natural land, undeveloped lake shorelines and river banks, high-value wetlands, rare and endangered species habitat, old growth forest, and other wildlife habitats. USGS 1:24,000 road coverages, land use data derived from Landsat TM images, and census data were used to derive fragmentation information. Ranking criteria for unfragmented natural land included size, habitat type, and population density. USGS 1:24,000 hydrologic data, land use data, and census data were used to identify undeveloped shorelines. Ranking criteria included length, surrounding habitat type, and population density. Landsat TM images was used to derive wetland information. Ranking criteria included surface water connection, surrounding habitat type, and proximity to protected land.
Ailing Hsu
US EPA Region 1
JFK Federal Building, PIM91
Boston, MA 02203
Telephone: 617-565-4895
Fax: 617-565-3736
Email: ailing@tweety.r01.epa.gov
Greg Charest