Abstract
In response to growing concerns about the limited accessibility and preservation of historical trails at Rose Swanson Mountain, this study uses aerial photos and GIS technology to digitize these trails. In this work, we expand on this work by examining the historical trails of Rose Swanson Mountain in British Columbia. Our goal is to create a comprehensive and accurate digital map of the trails while examining the impact of logging and forest fires on their length and location. The results indicate that the total length of the trails in Rose Swanson Mountain has significantly decreased due to logging activities and regulations set by the BC Ministry of Forestry. Additionally, we found that most of the existing trails are located within a sensitive area. However, our study also highlights the limitations of using aerial photography for digitizing historical trails, including the difficulty of identifying trails from air photos and the accuracy of the georeferencing process. The digital map of the historical trails can significantly contribute to the preservation of local indigenous culture and promote sustainable forest management practices that consider both economic benefits and ecological benefits. Our findings can guide policymakers in assessing the impact of logging on forests near Canadian indigenous traditional community areas and implementing regulations to mitigate these effects. Furthermore, future studies can explore the benefits of preserving the forest and historical trails, such as the forest’s carbon storage potential and the economic contribution of the trail system to the local economy.
MGEM Student: Weijian Yang
Community Partner: Jay Scoot, Member of the FORSES, the ASTS, and FireSmart BC (Local FireSmart Representative and FireSmart Coordinator for the City of Enderby)
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Cite this project
Yang, Weijian, 2023, “Mapping the Historical Trails of Rose Swanson Mountain”, https://doi.org/10.5683/SP3/MIFJZQ, Borealis, V1