1. Using GIS in Forestry c 7 H
A look at Texas’ Wildfire Risk and Forest Distribution

2. Forest Fires Background
In 1944 after the implementation of the Smokey the Bear campaign, wildfires were reduced from 22 million acres destroyed to 6.5 million
There is a common misconception that wildfires are caused by lightning. Studies show that 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by people.
Suppressing or preventing fires actually add to the organic matter available to be used as fuel during a fire. This causes fires to burn with more intensity (i.e., burn hotter and damage more acreage).

3. Why do you think the Smokey the Bear campaign was modified in 2001?
Initial Campaign: August 1944
Modified Campaign: April 2001

4. GIS in Forestry What is GIS? Stands for Geographic Information Systems
A system used to store, analyze, and geographically display spatial and tabular data.
Takes layers of spatial data and arranges them to identify, interpret and analyze spatial relationships
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5. GIS Relevance to Forestry
Land cover and change detection analysis
Forest fragmentation
Species diversity
Forest productivity
Reforestation
Soil conservation
Forest health
Water resources
Emergency Management
Hazardous fuel reduction (identifying areas for controlled burning)
Fire safety
Wildfire ignitions
Emergency response

6. Using GIS & GPS when eyes can’t locate the drop point
GIS Relevance to Forestry