Pinchot Land Use

INTRODUCTION:

This study aims to show that 25% of forest should remain intact in order to sustain the biodiversity and ecosystem of four important ecological species; Spiny firegrass (SFP), Bluebunch wheatflower (BBWF), elk, and wolves, yet still allow Pinchot to develop outdoor recreational industries?

METHODS:

A computer model was used, along with decades of data collected by the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and Pinchot land trusts to the determine how land change of forests will affect the towns biodiversity and ecosystems. Population data was also used from forest reserves of three nearby town of Pinchot, which are 25%, 50%, and 75% fragmented. At each percentage of fragmentation the effects of the four species was documented and studied. This allowed one to understand the affect clearing the forest would have on these species and the community around it.

METHODS:

A computer model was used, along with decades of data collected by the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and Pinchot land trusts to the determine how land change of forests will affect the towns biodiversity and ecosystems. Population data was also used from forest reserves of three nearby town of Pinchot, which are 25%, 50%, and 75% fragmented. At each percentage of fragmentation the effects of the four species was documented and studied. This allowed one to understand the affect clearing the forest would have on these species and the community around it.

CONCLUSION:

As a sustainable level of Pinchot's ecosystem and biodiversity, it is recommended that Pinchot should keep its deforestation at 25%. This percentage will sustain the environment and ecosystems, but will still allow for Pinchot to build outdoor recreational industry.

Balancing the ecosystem will decrease the chances of flooding to Pinchot, and the amount of pollution into the atmosphere. The decrease of the amount of pollution will help to decrease the amount of damage to the earth's atmosphere, thereby cutting down on the amount of damage to the ozone layer.