Land Use in Pinchot: A Study of the Effects of Fragmentation

Land Use in Pinchot: A Study of the Effects of Fragmentation

SCI207: The Dependence of Man on the Environment

January 28, 2013

Introduction

This study will attempt to answer the question as to whether or not the forest reserve of Pinchot could retain its integrity and value (both ecologically and economically) if developers built beyond 25% fragmentation. I hypothesize that as the amount of land fragmented increases, the organisms and food web of the forest reserve will be affected negatively due to the imbalance created by development. The negative effects of urban sprawl will be evidenced by the fluctuations in food supply to the wildlife and the wild growth of harmful vegetation.

Methods

For this study, I used the scientific method of quantitative data collection by way of a computer model. Within this model, data regarding land conditions, population, plant and animal species along with their diets and habits was provided of the hypothetical place called "Pinchot, California". The land was inhabited by four main organisms; Bluebunch Wheat Flower (BBWF), Spiny Firegrass (SFG), elk and wolves. In this model, four different phases of fragmentation were represented; 0% fragmentation, 25% fragmentation, 50% fragmentation and 75% fragmentation. At each level of fragmentation, the four plant and animal populations were added one at a time and the effects on the ecosystem and land were documented and analyzed. Special attention was paid to the particular effects the addition of each species had on not only the land but the behaviors and habits of the other indigenous species. It was clear at the 25% fragmentation level that urban sprawl and development had significant ramifications to the forest reserve. As the fragmentation percentages rose, so did the negative effects to the land and its inhabitants as well as the homes and farms nearby.

Results

As the percentage of land fragmented increased, there were definite repercussions to the plant and animal species. Notable patterns began to emerge in each of the species when all four were all present at each level of fragmentation. When all four species were present there was a notable decrease in predators which produced higher numbers of the herbivores. The higher number of herbivores dramatically reduced the number of BBWF plants. The absence of the BBWF, along with the decrease in moist, shady forest area allowed for the overpopulation of the harmful SFG plants.

Discussion

I feel the results of the computer model study helped to prove my hypothesis was accurate. Starting with undisturbed