Development of an ecological classification system for the Cooper Creek watershed of the Chattahoochee National Forest: a first approximation
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The 2004 management plan for the Chattahoochee National Forest states that many future resource objectives and goals have an ecological basis. Assessment of resource needs in the Cooper Creek watershed area of the southern Appalachian Mountains of north Georgia were identified with awareness of ecological constraints and suitability. An interdisciplinary team of resource specialists developed a land-classification system for the watershed that identifies and maps 28 recurring land and water units with unique ecological characteristics. The classification will provide a basis to plan and implement management activities that are appropriate, cost effective, and consistent with views and concerns of a larger community of stakeholders.