Historical Vegetation, Fuel Loads, and Integrated Resource Information Systems for Bryce Canyon National Park

The research has four primary Objectives: 1. Map Bryce Canyon National Park to historic vegetation type by use of relocated historic photographs, inference from similar regions, and results of computer simulations using estimated fire return frequencies; 2. Map fuel loads and fuel model types throughout Bryce Canyon National Park; 3. Classify and map areas by fire groups using information on vegetation composition and response to fire; and 4. Develop a written and pictorial document to portray vegetation change in historical time. These objectives are integrated into an overall program to determine the role of fire in maintaining the previous historical vegetation composition, to determine the potential for use of fire as a tool to reconstruct historic vegetation, and to determine fuel management opportunities and problems resulting from current conditions. All map information is to be digitized as SAGIS GIS maps and entered into a landscape simulation model for use by Park Service personnel