Assessing Landscape Condition in the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin

Assessing the types and extent of anthropogenic disturbances on aquatic systems is an essential component of resource policy and management.  We synthesized landscape data from Canada and the United States to assess the distribution and intensity of human disturbances, to develop an integrated assessment of human stresses, and to map the potential influence of landscape condition on near shore and offshore areas throughout the entire Great Lakes Basin.  Our analysis revealed considerable variability in human impacts within each lake and across the Great Lakes basin.  Our approach and resulting maps provide a set of tools that will be useful for identifying areas at risk, prioritizing conservation and management efforts, and helping inform land and water policy making in the Great Lakes Basin.