Fort Knox Trend Analysis, Encroachment Study, and Perimeter Expansion Opportunities in Support of Military Training

摘要

This project used geographic information system (GIS) map layers in an analysis of historic land use and growth in the region. These GIS layers were then used again as input to the LEAM Land Use Change model to project urban growth around Fort Knox into the future. Historical land use maps, current and future highway system plans, and municipal zoning information all contributed to forecasting residential and commercial development. The historic trend has been a growth rate of roughly 2% per decade in the region surrounding Fort Knox In 1972 the percent of urban development here was 1.37%. That figure grew to 6.54% in 2001 and will continue to rise as more and more of the area becomes attractive to people to build there. The prospect for the future, however, is that civilian encroachment around Fort Knox will only continue. Model simulations indicate that the areas south and west of Fort Knox are those at the greatest risk for urban encroachment. although there is substantial urban sprawl emanating from Louisville to the north. One way to limit future urban encroachment would be to use those areas identified in the Southeastern Ecological Framework Study as a starting point in investigating potential opportunities for conservation agreements between Fort Knox and surrounding land holders. A scenario using the Framework was modeled for this project.