Analysis of Land Use, Land Cover Change in the Upland Forests of Oklahoma: A Comparison Between the 1950s and 2000s

Abstract

To investigate human disturbance of Oklahoma forests, a 1950s survey of forest stands was reexamined using field inspection and GIS analysis. Historic data for 194 sites in 60 counties with acreages from 15 to 800 acres were surveyed within three forest types. Stands were analyzed for both disturbance level and disturbance type resulting in forest loss. Most stands (69%) suffered less than 50% disturbance. Higher disturbance was found in northwest and south central regions with lower disturbance in northeast and southeast regions. The leading cause of deforestation was agriculture, 64% of stands, located predominantly in areas with low timber value and widespread agriculture practices. Forest loss decreased where forest economic value was high. Post oak/black jack forest suffered greater disturbance than other forest types. Infrastructure, including extractive activities, had lower disturbance levels. Rural development associated primarily with agriculture. Proximity to urban areas did not result in higher disturbance levels.