Introduction
Over the past decade there have been many changes in the area now known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in the northeastern corner of Minnesota. Land use in the region has passed through many distinct phases since European settlement and has altered the biotic community to a great extent. In particular, it is useful to analyze land use during the periods of pre-settlement, the mid 1950s, and the present. Land use has varied greatly over the past few centuries from logging to recreation along with changing viewpoints about the value of the land as economic, social, or intrinsic. Each type of land use puts pressure on the ecosystem and influences changes in the quality and characteristics of the environment and in species composition of flora and fauna. By studying the changes in the biotic community associated with our previous land use choices it will be possible to prepare for the future and make decisions towards sustainable forestry and forest conservation. Overall this paper seeks to develop an understanding of the relationship between land use and the biotic community in the history of the BWCAW and to use this information to discuss future implications and recommended actions. This analysis is an important tool to guide management decisions for the future such that we may promote sustainable land use, forest health, and social benefit.
