Recreation and Habitat Suitability Indices.

We developed a comprehensive ecosite model for the province of Manitoba, grounded in an "enduring features analysis" conducted at the site scale (20m). This effort was complemented by the creation of a series of GIS database layers that captured a range of critical features and processes. These layers included:

• Abiotic factors: soils, geology, hydrology, and other physical characteristics.

• Biotic factors: species composition, seral stages, forest age, and fire impacts.

• Cultural features: protected areas, forest license agreements, reclamation plans, traditional Aboriginal lands, and sacred spaces.

We integrated these datasets to identify significant relationships and generate actionable products, including an Outdoor Recreation Opportunity and Biodiversity Atlas. The primary achievement of this initiative was the development of a detailed ecosite map of Manitoba, a foundational tool for the integrated and sustainable management of the province's forest resources.