ABSTRACT

In order to have an accurate assessment for the potentials of forest fire in the state of Rhode Island , it is important to develop accurate information about fuel load within the states forest. There is a strong need to develop a statewide base maps that delineate the location of forest communities and estimate the potential of burning sites. There is also a strong need to predict the amount and location of fuel load. This project will make use of remote sensing and related technologies (GIS/GPS) to identify and analyze forest cover as well as the fuel load in the state of Rhode Island .  The data product will provide a valuable resource for related research and planning programs and aid in statewide studies.

 The primary focus of the project is to study the fuel load/index for forested areas throughout the state. Tangible products and deliverables of this project will include:

–          Vegetation/forest community map

–          Statewide fuel index map

–          A virtual field reference database of forest management.

Please forward questions to: Anthony Veltri or Dr. Y.Q. Wang