Scholarly Works, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
Permanent URI for this collection
Research articles, presentations, and other scholarship
Browse
Browsing Scholarly Works, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation by Content Type "Conference proceeding"
Now showing 1 - 20 of 23
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ArcGIS Pro, Python, and R-Bridge Support Small Area Estimation for ForestsBell, David M.; Blinn, Christine E.; Peery, Stephen S.; Wynne, Randolph H.; Radtke, Philip J.; Thomas, Valerie A.; Oswalt, Christopher M.; Wilson, B. Ty (2023-07-12)
- Assessing the extent and drivers of forest plantation establishment in Andhra PradeshWynne, Randolph H.; Thomas, Valerie A.; Gundimeda, Haripriya; Amacher, Gregory S.; Cobourn, Kelly M.; Köhlin, Gunnar (2017-07)
- Beyond Finding Change: multitemporal Landsat for forest monitoring and managementWynne, Randolph H.; Thomas, Valerie A.; Brooks, Evan B.; Coulston, J. O.; Derwin, Jill M.; Liknes, Greg C.; Yang, Z.; Fox, Thomas R.; Ghannam, S.; Abbott, A. Lynn; House, M. N.; Saxena, R.; Watson, Layne T.; Gopalakrishnan, Ranjith (2017-07)Take homes
- Tobler’s Law still in effect with time series – spatial autocorrelation in temporal coherence can help in both preprocessing and estimation
- Continual process improvement in extant algorithms needed
- Need additional means by which variations within (parameterization) and across algorithms addressed (the Reverend…)
- Time series improving higher order products (example with NLCD TCC) enabling near continuous monitoring
- Careers in arboriculture and urban forestry: linking higher education and professional advancementWiseman, P. Eric; Day, Susan D. (2017-10-06)
- Careers paths in urban forestry and arboriculture: linking higher education and professional advancementWiseman, P. Eric; O'Herrin, K.; Hauer, R.; Orrick, B.; Ries, P.; Sivyer, D. (2017-07-31)Urban forestry and arboriculture are tightly coupled professions whose disciplinary origins and evolution are closely interwoven. Over the past 25 years, these professions have advanced rapidly as urban forests have emerged as a key element of global sustainability. At the same time, there have been demographic shifts in the workforce and structural changes in higher education that suggest that these professions are entering a new era for recruitment and career path development. Traditional models and mindsets about professional preparation and advancement are becoming obsolete. Further nuancing our current context is the perceived encroachment of allied professions into the urban forestry realm as urban forests become mainstream environmental and cultural resources. All prominent professions thrive on strong support mechanisms that facilitate education, mentoring, leadership, and public perception. Although arboriculture is more clearly established, urban forestry is an emerging profession that is grappling with its professional identity and requisite support mechanisms. In this symposium, we will examine the current status and challenges in urban forestry and arboriculture that are affecting recruitment of young people into higher education programs and ultimately into these professions. Additionally, we will explore professional advancement over the course of a career, drawing out distinctions in the professional preparation and career path for arborists and urban foresters. Finally, we will examine the notions of professional identity and standing, which affect the influence of arborists and urban foresters on decision-making processes in cities and towns. We have assembled a panel of speakers who are nationally recognized in their fields and have significant first-hand experience with the issues to be examined in this symposium. Speakers will provide perspectives on vocational and undergraduate education, graduate education, workforce development, and professional development. Talks will emphasize the critical linkages among higher education, professional identity, and career success. We will also report on key research findings from several new studies conducted on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, along with strategic recommendations being made to the Forest Service to advance the urban forestry and arboriculture professions. The two-hour symposium will comprise a 20-minute presentation by each panelist, followed by a 20-minute question and answer session.
- A Comparison of Geospatial Methods for Tree Canopy Assessment: A Case Study of an Urbanized College CampusHwang, Won; Wiseman, P. Eric (2019-04-03)Urban tree canopy (UTC) assessment is essential for understanding the structure and function of urban forests and devising management strategies. Geospatial techniques are routinely utilized for UTC assessment, yet their capabilities and limitations may not be apparent to urban forestry practitioners. In this paper, we provide an overview of two primary methods of geospatial UTC assessment: photo interpretation (PI) and computerized image classification (IC). We then evaluate these methods through a case study of an urbanized college campus in the eastern United States. We examined the web-based application i-Tree Canopy as a PI method. Because this method relies on statistical point sampling, we performed independently replicated assessments of our study area at various point sample sizes to examine the effect of sample sizes on accuracy and certainty of the land cover estimates. We further evaluated two IC methods: a proprietary analysis using high-spatial resolution imagery and a low-spatial resolution analysis using the web-based application i-Tree Landscape. Tree cover assessed in our study area (3.58 km2) with i-Tree Canopy began stabilizing around the weighted mean (14.7%) at a sample size of 100 points but required 250 points or more to reach a tolerable standard error for the estimate. By comparison with the proprietary analysis of high-resolution imagery (16.1%, considered the most robust form of assessment), i-Tree Canopy slightly underestimated tree cover (14.7%), and i-Tree Landscape substantially underestimated tree cover (11.3%). Possible causes of variation in estimates amongst the methods and practical considerations for choosing a UTC assessment method are discussed.
- Computer Technology Anyone Can Use for Community Forest StewardshipWiseman, P. Eric (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2021-10-02)Computer technology plays an important role in planning, monitoring, and stewarding community forests. These tools can greatly enhance our understanding of community forests and empower communities to make better decisions about planting and conserving trees. Advancements in computer technology, including mobile apps and web-based programs, make it easier than ever for volunteers and citizen scientists to study trees, share information, and mobilize action for healthier, sustainable community forests. In this session, a demonstration will be given of several types of computer technology that are all freely available, appropriate for citizen scientists, and address various aspects of community forestry. Several tools from the i-Tree suite will be demonstrated, including i-Tree MyTree, i-Tree Design, and i-Tree Planting, and i-Tree Canopy. Tips will also be provided for conducting a community tree inventory using mobile technology. After attending this session, participants should understand why information is important for community forest stewardship, what types of computer technology are available to study community forests, and how they can get starting on using computer technology to improve their community forests.
- Drivers of Forest Plantation Establishment in Andhra PradeshWynne, Randolph H.; Thomas, Valerie A.; Gundimeda, Haripriya; Amacher, Gregory S.; Cobourn, Kelly M.; Köhlin, Gunnar (2018-05-30)Conclusions
- Plantation forestry rapidly expanding in Asia
- Small spatial extent and rapid harvest-regeneration cycle present interesting — but resolvable — remote sensing challenges
- Understanding the drivers and ramifications of these new trees outside forests vital
- Forest height maps from NAIP?Wynne, Randolph H. (2017-06-22)
- Growth, Removals, and Management IntensityWynne, Randolph H.; Thomas, Valerie A.; Bender, Stacie; Brooks, Evan B.; Coulston, John W.; Derwin, Jill M.; Gopalakrishnan, Ranjith; Green, Patrick; Harding, David; Sumnall, Matthew; Joshi, Pratik; Ranson, Jon; Schleeweis, Karen; Thomas, R. Quinn; Yang, Zhiqiang (2019-05-01)
- ICESat-2 Early Adopter Summary ResultsAbbott, A. Lynn; Wynne, Randolph H.; Thomas, Valerie A. (2019-05-02)Estimating forest canopy height
- Non-industrial private forest expansion in Andhra PradeshWynne, Randolph H.; Thomas, Valerie A.; Schons Do Valle, Stella Zucchetti; Gundimeda, Haripriya; Cobourn, Kelly M.; Amacher, Gregory S.; Köhlin, Gunnar; Williams, Paige; More, Snehal; Shinde, Nilesh (2019-04-09)Outside forests, Andhra Pradesh is greening, and we are learning by how much— and why. Our objectives are to (1) map smallholder forest plantations in Andhra Pradesh using multitemporal HLS S10 and/or very-high spatial resolution commercial satellite data, and (2) determine the drivers of plantation forest establishment. We have (1) developed a land use model that integrates land quality and spatial aspects of the farm with market variables and farmer production decisions, (2) implemented a household-level socio-economic survey, and (3) completed a Sentinel 2-era classification that separates natural from planted forest with 94% accuracy. Plantation forestry is rapidly expanding in Asia, and understanding the extent, drivers, and ramifications of these new trees outside forests is vital.
- Overview of the Virginia Big Tree ProgramWorrell, William; Wiseman, P. Eric (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2021-03-20)
- Practices and perceptions of urban forest waste generation and utilization in VirginiaWiseman, P. Eric (2017-03-28)
- Practices and perceptions of urban forest waste generation and utilization in VirginiaWiseman, P. Eric (2017-07-13)
- Proceedings of a Symposium on Yellow-Poplar Construction Lumber: an Emerging Development Opportunity for Southwest VirginiaMuench, John; Frame, Elvin D.; Deal, Earl L.; Haley, Jerry; Porter, James K.; Smith, Thomas K.; Johnson, Thomas G. (LMA Research & Education Foundation, 1989)The proceedings highlight the potential for the establishment of a construction lumber industry based on yellow-poplar in Southwest Virginia and the new capital investments and innovations in production and marketing that would be needed to make it a success.
- Recent Remote Sensing Innovations and Future DirectionThomas, Valerie A.; Wynne, Randolph H.; Liknes, Greg C.; Derwin, Jill M.; Coulston, John W.; Brooks, Evan B.; Finco, Mark V.; Saxena, R.; Watson, Layne T.; Moisen, G. G.; Ruefenacht, Bonnie; Megown, Kevin (2017-10-25)
- Structure and Function of Ecosystems MissionWynne, Randolph H.; Ranson, Jon; Thomas, Valerie A.; Campbell, Petya; Cavender-Bares, Jeannine; Dabney, Philip; Gamon, John; Huemmrich, Fred; Harding, David; McCorkel, Joel; Middleton, Elizabeth; Parker, Geoffrey; Torres, Victor; Townsend, Philip A. (2019-06-13)
- Technology that is making us more efficientWynne, Randolph H. (2016-10-26)
- Tree Performance in a Stormwater Bioretention SystemApisa, Ethan; Wiseman, P. Eric (2022-01-25)Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces in urban areas causes water pollution and flash flooding. Trees can help solve this problem by capturing and absorbing rain. However, there is often not enough space in cities for both trees and conventional stormwater control systems. Various bioretention systems that incorporate trees are used in cities, but they are expensive and complex, which makes their implementation difficult. We are investigating a system that may prove to be less complex, less costly, and better for growing trees. Our full-scale prototype of this system was constructed in 2020 adjacent to a parking lot on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, VA. It comprises a belowground gravel bed surrounding a soil bed where trees are planted. The gravel bed stores a large volume of parking lot runoff that is then absorbed by the tree roots and expelled to the air through transpiration. Our long-term study of this prototype aims to understand how well the system captures and stores runoff and how well the trees perform compared to control trees in a standard planting nearby. We are monitoring tree crown and root growth, photosynthesis, and leaf stomatal conductance. Growth and physiology of the trees in the system has been comparable to the control trees since being planted in May 2020.