Mapping patterns of human use and potential resource conflicts on public lands

Focusing on a 2.2 million hectare area surrounding the Lolo National Forest in western Montana, USA, we illustrate a GIS method for predicting pattern s of human use on public lands and highlighting potential for impacts on fi sh and wildlife species. Data inputs include human population count (derive d from the 1990 Census), roads and trails, and the predicted distributions of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and 41 terrestrial vertebrates of sp ecial concern. Because results highlight areas where conflicts between huma ns and resources may occur, they are of potential use to land managers. Thi s approach can be applied wherever data are available, and inputs can be va ried according to the topics of interest.