Mapping of Probable Species Ranges in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Secrist, Keane

The goal of this project is to use GIS analysis to create maps of likely habitat ranges for different species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (later referred to as “park”/“the park”). This method of projecting species ranges is new to the park, and this pilot project will be focused on analyzing the accuracy of mapping species ranges using this technique. The project will be implemented in association with national park service staff and also be used as the project for the GIS-290 class at Roane State Community Collage (later referred to as RSCC). To generate the maps, a number of data layers will be used for different environmental variables (elevation, geology, forest type, etc.). Park service records of field sightings for different species will be correlated with the environmental variables. Based on these correlations, a species preferred range of values for different variables can be determined (i.e. elevation between 500 and 1000 feet). Where the preferred values for each variable overlap will indicate the probable range of the selected species. These predicted range maps will then be tested against additional field sightings of the species in question to see how accurate they are. These sightings will be collected by staff and program participants during backpacking trips from the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont, an environmental education center in the park. Future sighting points may also be collected by myself, the national park service, and/or other groups. The portion of the project that will be presented for the GIS290 class will predict the range within Great Smoky Mountain National Park for three target species; Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis), and American Holly (Ilex opaca). This is the first park project modeling species ranges with this method. As such, the primary purpose of is to test the accuracy of maps created with this method. If they are found to be accurate enough, this technique can be used in the future to help the park service better monitor and manage the wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.

Mapping of Probable Species Ranges in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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