An environmental historian analyzes 100 square kilometers of land in Wisconsin. In 1850, 50% was forested. By 1900, 40% of the historic forest was converted to farmland, but 25% of that farmland was converted back to forest by 2020. How many square kilometers were forested in 2020?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:52:08 +0000

Title: Environmental Historian Traces 170 Years of Forest Change Across 100 Square Kilometers in Wisconsin In a compelling environmental history study, researchers have uncovered significant shifts in Wisconsin’s landscape over the past 170 years through detailed analysis of a 100-square-kilometer study area. By combining historical records with modern land-use data, an environmental historian reveals how land transformation shaped Wisconsin’s ecosystems—particularly focusing on forest cover from 1850 to 2020. ### The Shifting Forests of Wisconsin: A Historical Timeline In 1850, forests covered half of the 100 square kilometers—amounting to 50 square kilometers. This vast forested expanse was central to Wisconsin’s ecological character, providing habitat for diverse wildlife and stabilizing soil and water systems across the region.