The influence of the Canada land inventory on land use in the Pembina Hills, 1966-1996

Abstract

The Canada Land Inventory (1967) assessed the capability of agricultural land in Canada for various land uses. There is little evidence that any follow-up was done on the effectiveness of the Canada Land Inventory in promoting appropriate and use decisions. The purpose of this thesis is to determine the specific changes that occurred in land use in the Pembina Hills area of South central Manitoba and to determine if land use in the area is according to the recommendations of the Canada Land Inventory. Agricultural census data analyzed to determine land use trends in the study area. A more detailed analysis, using aerial photographs, assessed land use change in a portion of the study area where agricultural capability is very limited by relief. Finally, land use policies were reviewed to determine if the Canada Land Inventory played a role in their development and impact on land use decisions. Changes representing a move toward land use as recommended by the Canada Land Inventory are apparent 10-15 years following its publication. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)