Application of aerial photographs and satellite images for visualization of forest cover changes (Case study: Zagros forests, Iran)

Visualization is one of the best methods to represent data from natural environments. In this research, the variation of the forest cover was visualized at a part of Zagros forests (741 hectare) using aerial photographs and satellite images. Geometric correction and relief displacement was done on 1997 aerial photographs. Aerial photographs of 1955 and 1969 were corrected by approximate image correction method using georefrenced images. Forest boundaries were determined on all of the images by visual interpretation techniques, However classification of 1997 aerial photographs and satellite image were done automatically using Maximum likelihood classifier. Aerial photographs of 1955 and 1969 were classified by dot grid. Shadow index was specified by determining the accurate canopy amount on 74 random trees and compare them with data deduction from images. Likewise, field data were collected using 141 circular 1200m sample plots in a systematic random grid (100m×300m). With preparation of essential data, visualizations were done on different scale in the 3DNature software. Results indicated the notable reduce of forest area (37%) since 50 years ago. Maximum amount of canopy drop (45%) have been occurred from 1955 to 1969. Canopy percent on forest region indicate ascending trend (+15%) from 1969 to 1997 and lightly descending trend from 1997 to 2003

Environmental capability evaluation appropriate to ecotourism in Zagros forests (Case study: Saman-e-orfie Cham-Haji of Kakareza forest in Lorestan Province)

In order to achieve a sustainable management of land resources and to improve land quality, quantitative assessment of effective factors and environmental indicators are required.  Environmental capability evaluation regulates the relationship between socio-economic impacts and land use changes to monitor the sustainable development. The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental capability of the Saman-e-Orfie-Cham-Haji of Kakareza forest in Lorestan province for ecotourism management. Digital topographic map, classified tree crown cover density map, some soil properties and socio-economic data have been prepared to appropriate different management practices such as recreational and conservational zoning using GIS application. Results indicated that 6%, 68% and 26% of total areas in the study site were specified as appropriate zone for intensive recreation, extensive recreation and conservation, respectively. The evaluation of environmental capability and the ranking of the suitable zones for intensive recreation (in order to choose the best zone for physical development planning) were performed by considering the socio-economic criteria such as recreational demand, distance from rivers, accessibility and the present land use. The results showed that the most important factors affecting the process of environmental capability evaluation in the study site for ecotourism zoning are altitude, land use and recreational demand

Investigation on the concept of control in forest management plans of Caspian forests (Case study: Kheyrud forest)

At the time being, in the Caspian forests two functions of wood production and forest conservation are of the great significance, but in course of time passage, it is needed to express processes concepts of planning, implementation and control of forest management plan in a innovative expression. This study tries to make an object-oriented planning and logical framework approach as performance tool on forest management plans (case study: Kheyrud) from stand point of wood production and forest conservation, design target system in a log frame and control of forest activities step by step. The results of the study express two aspects of control concept to achieve objectives (control of success) and activities (control of activities). This expression means a new concept of control in the Caspian forest management plans