Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Committee Chair
Dr. Carl A. Reese
Committee Chair School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Committee Member 2
Dr. Kayla Stan
Committee Member 2 School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Committee Member 3
Dr. Clay Tucker
Committee Member 3 School
Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences
Abstract
This study investigates the historical presence and ecological significance of Arundinaria gigantea (giant cane) in 1810, Wayne County, Mississippi, using original survey documents. These records provide rare quantitative insights into the distribution of cane brakes, revealing that A. gigantea possibly represented up to 44% of the surveyed landscape, likely second only to Pinus palustris (longleaf pine).
This research involved digitizing historical surveyors' notes, transcribing them into a structured format, and extracting spatial data for GIS analysis. The methodology developed for this research can be used to ensure the preservation and usability of these historical documents for future research. Results highlight Arundinaria gigantea’s role as a dominant understory species, thriving in various landforms such as swamps, riverbanks, and upland forests.
Copyright
Chad Mackness, 2025
Recommended Citation
Mackness, Chad, "Forgotten Landscapes: Using Original Land Surveys to Understand the Historic Distribution of Cane Brakes in Wayne County, MS" (2025). Master's Theses. 1128.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1128
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