An ecological land survey for Fort Greely, Alaska

An ecological land survey (ELS) of Fort Greely land was conducted to map ecosystems at three spatial scales to aid in the management of natural resources. In an ELS, an attempt is made to view landscapes not just as aggregations of separate biological and earth resources, but as ecological systems with functionally related parts that can provide a consistent conceptual framework for ecological applications. Field surveys at 74 sites along 7 toposequences, and at an additional 178 ground-reference locations, were used to identify relationships among physiography, geomorphology, hydrology, permafrost, and vegetation. The association among ecosystem components also revealed effects of fire and geomorphic processes, such as groundwater discharge, floodplain development, permafrost degradation, and paludification. Ecosystems were mapped at three spatial scales. Ecotypes (1:50,000 scale) delineated areas with homogenous topography, terrain, soil, surface-form, hydrology, and vegetation. Ecosections (1:100,000 scale) are homogeneous with respect to geomorphic features and water regime and, thus, have recurring patterns of soils and vegetation. Ecodistricts (1:500,000 scale) are broader areas with similar geology, geomorphology, and physiography. Development of the spatial database within a geographic information system will facilitate numerous management objectives such as wetland protection, integrated-training-area management, permafrost protection, wildlife management, and recreational area management.