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- Info
Forest fragmentation in the East: Does it impact resource and economic health?
| Author: |
Cooksey, Richard |
| Date: |
1997 |
| Periodical: |
Forestry Notes. National Association of Conservation Districts. http://www.nacdnet.org/forestrynotes/november97/fragment.htm (3/15/01) |
| Link: |
http://www.nacdnet.org/forestrynotes/november97/fragment.htm
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| Abstract: |
In the Chesapeake Bay watershed (including portions of the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia), forests cover 59% of the land base or 24 million of the 41 million acres in the basin. However, the Region is losing forest land at more than 100 acres per day, due primarily to suburban development. Forests are being fragmented by sprawling development patterns that carve into unbroken tracts, and change land ownership from one owner to many as the land area is parceled. The results of this loss of contiguous forest and stable land ownership is potentially negative for a forest ecosystem’s ability to protect water quality, to provide diverse habitat, and as a viable economic resource that provides recreation, forest products and amenities.
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