Effects of anthropogenic activities upon land cover change in Johnson County, Arkansas

This study correlated multi-temporal spatial changes in land cover, due to changes in land use, with socioeconomic factors in Johnson County, Arkansas. Of particular interest is the impact changes in land cover have on the risk potential wildfire fuels present to the wildland-urban interface. Homogenous landscapes favor large disturbances such as wildfire, evidence clearly indicates that people are the source of most wildfires in Southern States, and increased rural housing places a burden on fire suppression forces.; Changes in grassland acreage of private ownership in Johnson County from 1984 to 1999 were determined using Landsat satellite imagery. From 1984 to 1988 grassland acreage increased 8%. From 1988 to 1992 grassland acreage decreased 7%. And from 1992 to 1999 grassland increased 13%. These changes were compared to socioeconomic factors for relationships. A correlation coefficient of 0.929 was found between changes in grassland acreage and hay prices. A correlation coefficient of 0.783 was found between grassland change and population change. A correlation coefficient of 0.779 was found between grassland change and rural housing change. A correlation coefficient of 0.783 was found between land value change and grassland change. Clearly, in counties with low population base and high growth rate, agricultural prices may influence changes in landscape patterns more so than just demographic parameters such as population and housing.; Using GIS, landscape patterns were analyzed for clumping, edge to area ratios, and patch shape complexity. Hay prices had the highest correlation coefficient when compared to changes in patch numbers. Mean patch size increased and shape complexities decreased during the study period indicating that landscape patterns in the county were becoming more homogenous.; Changing grassland acreage were found most often on three soil units consisting of fine sandy loam; Linker 3 to 8% slope, Mountainburg 3 to 12% slope, and Mountainburg 1 to 12% slope. These are thin, well drained, acidic soils and considered transition soils for pasture and forest use. Change in grassland acreage occurred most often on low slopes (1 to 7%). Aspect was found to be not significant when considering grassland acreage.