Thursday, December 12, 2013

The University of Maryland's Department of Geographical sciences produced this interactive map of world forest changes from 2000 to 2012.  This image shows these changes for the Lake of the Ozarks area.  For data purposes, a "tree" is defined as anything over 5 meters (roughly 16 feet).  Unsurprisingly, major areas of deforestation appear to be focused along roadsides.  Hwy MM down the center of Shawnee Bend can be clearly made out as well as clearing along Hwy 7 north of Camdenton and the new parkway through Osage Beach.

Legend
     Forest Loss 2000–2012
     Forest Gain 2000–2012
     Both Loss and Gain
     Forest Extent