Description: The 2008 forest layer was modified using 2015 air photos, generally at the 3000’ scale. Using WSSC’s grid, various editors modified the layer on a grid-by-grid basis. Each grid also received a second review to ensure unified standards. The forest edge generally follows the edge of the forest floor. Forest quality was not determined, so this layer includes existing forest areas with a forest floor that are a minimum 50-feet wide with at least 10,000 sqft, and forests that were either planted or began to regenerate in or before 2008.The 2023 forest layer was modified by comparing the 2015 air photos to the 2023 air photos. Edits first began by observing developments constructed since 2015 to identify areas of forest loss. Then, edits were performed at the countywide level by using WSSC grids, generally at the 3000' scale. Areas for forest deletion were identified and then approved by multiple members of the M-NCPPC team. Once the areas were approved or modified, the geoprocessing "Erase" tool was performed to cut out old forest areas. This feature class is currently classified as "DRAFT" because areas of forest expansion are current being identified for addition to the forest boundaries.a. Areas that were generally excluded from the forest layer include:- Structures with driveways and surrounding maintenance/uses.- Lawns and other uses that exclude the forest floor.- New corridors of disturbance such as for utility maintenance.- Ponds and large bodies of water.- Unmaintained areas with no visible trees growing within the vegetation.b. Areas that could be included within the forest:- Trails- Unpaved roads on private property with no shoulder maintenance.- Small structures with an intact surrounding forest floor. - Natural forest gaps if no more that 30-50-feet wide and surrounded by a 300-foot margin of forest.For more information, contact: Colin McNamara, T: 301-495-2111 or GIS Manager Information Technology & Innovation (ITI) Montgomery County Planning Department, MNCPPC T: 301-650-5620
Service Item Id: bbbb81e6eed94e5a8a3a5605e0f6e6ee
Copyright Text: Information Technology & Innovation (ITI), Montgomery County Planning Department, MNCPPC