Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geography

First Advisor

Lisa M. DeChano-Cook, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Julio Pedrassoli, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Kathleen Baker, Ph.D.

Keywords

Climate variables, GIS, invasive species, Japanese knotweed, remote sensing, species distribution modeling

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This thesis investigates the distribution of invasive Japanese knotweed across Michigan. This plant poses significant challenges to land management due to its rapid growth, environmental impacts, and difficulty of removal once established. Using geographic information systems (GIS), remotely sensed data, and secondary environmental datasets, this research maps current infestations and analyzes key factors influencing the species’ growth and dispersal, such as soil composition, hydrology, land use, and a range of environmental variables, including climatic (annual mean temperature, temperature seasonality, annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality), elevation, vegetation and hydrological indices (NDVI, EVI, NDWI), percent tree cover, and distance to roads. Spatial analysis and machine learning methods were used to identify environmental variables most associated with knotweed presence and to produce a detailed distribution map across the state. By identifying vulnerable areas and understanding the dynamics of knotweed proliferation, this study informs more effective control strategies and contributes to policy decisions for invasive species management in the region.

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