| In the past 70 years, understanding and knowledge about ecosystem structure and function have greatly expanded due to aerial photos and satellite imagery. However, even with increased understanding of ecosystem processes, our ability to predict the consequences of current land management practices is weak. Understanding the effects of human and natural changes on the landscape to grizzly bears is one part of the FMF Grizzly bear research project. As part of this project, this thesis presents a methodology for the creation and application of historical landscapes for two Bear Management Areas over the past five decades classified using aerial and satellite remote sensing data. A suite of landscape metrics meaningful in grizzly bear analysis are calculated to describe the changes to the landscape through time. Two further applications of these historical maps are described for their use in landscape management for the purposes of grizzly bear conservation. |
