Assessing tradeoffs between current and desired vegetation condition in a National Park using historical maps and high‐resolution lidar data

In the United States, National Park Service Civil War battlefield units are managed for both historical accuracy (i.e., to represent landscape conditions at time of conflict interpretation), and natural resource protection. However, managing goals can create conflicts as many battlefields were largely open or in second growth forests historically, but now harbor significant forest resources after more than 100 years preservation. Managing therefore may require maintenance a successional stage out phase with current landscape. We use maps high-resolution structure data derived from lidar examine tradeoffs returning major (Wilderness Battlefield) present battle. demonstrate that contrast surrounding landscape, especially areas intense commercial, urban, suburban development. restoring landscapes could have important ecological implications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.