Chapter 18 Land Resources and Conservation Mojave Desert

Chapter 18Chapter 18

Land Resources and Land Resources and ConservationConservation

Mojave DesertMojave Desert

Land UseLand Use

• World Land UseWorld Land Use

Land Use in the United Land Use in the United StatesStates

• Administration of Federal Lands Administration of Federal Lands • 55% of US land is privately owned 55% of US land is privately owned

by citizens, corporations, and by citizens, corporations, and nonprofits organizations nonprofits organizations

• 3% by native tribes3% by native tribes• contains all types of ecosystemscontains all types of ecosystems• Provide Important resources: Provide Important resources:

minerals, fossil fuels, historical and minerals, fossil fuels, historical and cultural importancecultural importance

Land UseLand Use

• Land Use in the USLand Use in the US

Private

Tribes

Federal Gov.

State Gov.

Private

55%

Federal

Government

35%

Tribes 3%

State

7%

Land Use in the United Land Use in the United StatesStates

Managed by two US AgenciesManaged by two US Agencies• US Department of the interiorUS Department of the interior

– #1 The Bureau of Land Mngmnt (BLM)#1 The Bureau of Land Mngmnt (BLM) national resource landnational resource land 109 million hectares 109 million hectares (270mil acres)(270mil acres)

– #3 Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS)#3 Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) National National Wildlife refugesWildlife refuges 37 million hectares (92 mil 37 million hectares (92 mil acres)acres)

– #4 The National Park Services (NPS)#4 The National Park Services (NPS) National National Park SystemPark System 34 million hectares (84 mil acres) 34 million hectares (84 mil acres)

• US Department of AgricultureUS Department of Agriculture– #2 US Forest Services (USFS)#2 US Forest Services (USFS) National National

Forests 77 million hectares (191 Forests 77 million hectares (191 million acres)million acres)

Land UseLand Use

• Administration of Federal LandsAdministration of Federal Lands

BLM

USFS

USFWS

NPS

Other

BLM

BLMBLM 109 mil 109 mil HectaresHectares(270) mil (270) mil acresacres

USFSUSFS

USFSUSFS

77 mil 77 mil hectareshectares

191 mil 191 mil acresacres

NPSNPS

USFWSUSFWS


Importance of natural Importance of natural areasareas

• Areas of low human density known as Areas of low human density known as non-urbannon-urban or or rural landsrural lands..

• Ecosystem servicesEcosystem services from these areas from these areas allow urban concentrations to exist. allow urban concentrations to exist. (environmental services such as clean (environmental services such as clean air, clean water, fertile soil).air, clean water, fertile soil).

DO NOW:DO NOW:• What are ecosystem services? How What are ecosystem services? How

would you respond to the critic who would you respond to the critic who says, "Forests are only good for says, "Forests are only good for providing timber"? Support your providing timber"? Support your answer with examples of at least four answer with examples of at least four different ecosystem services offered by different ecosystem services offered by forests. forests.

DO NOW: ANSWERsDO NOW: ANSWERs• Ecosystem services are important environmental Ecosystem services are important environmental

benefits, such as clear air, water, and fertile soil benefits, such as clear air, water, and fertile soil that ecosystems provide. that ecosystems provide.

• Forests provide many goods and services to support Forests provide many goods and services to support human society besides lumber. human society besides lumber. – Forests supply nuts, mushrooms, fruits, and medicines. Forests supply nuts, mushrooms, fruits, and medicines. – Forests also influence local and regional climate Forests also influence local and regional climate

conditions. conditions. – Biological cooling is a result of a process called Biological cooling is a result of a process called

transpiration. transpiration. – Forests play an essential role in regulating global Forests play an essential role in regulating global

biogeochemical cycles, such as those for carbon and biogeochemical cycles, such as those for carbon and nitrogen. By acting as carbon “sinks,” forest help nitrogen. By acting as carbon “sinks,” forest help mitigate global warming. mitigate global warming.

– At the same time, forests supply essential oxygen At the same time, forests supply essential oxygen

Land Use in these Land Use in these Natural AreasNatural Areas

• Provide habitat, flood & erosion Provide habitat, flood & erosion control, & groundwater recharge.control, & groundwater recharge.

• Natural areas also break down Natural areas also break down pollutants and recycle wastes.pollutants and recycle wastes.

• Provide recreation (camping, hiking, Provide recreation (camping, hiking, fishing)fishing)

WildernessWilderness•Wilderness: Unspoiled regions where people visit but do not inhabit.

•Wilderness Act of 1964 established federally owned lands to retain “primeval” quality (no permanent improvements or houses).

•These lands remain unchanged for the benefit of future generations.

WildernessWilderness•Wilderness areas range from very small (The Big Gum Swamp in Florida @ 13,660 acres) to huge (Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area in Idaho @ 1.3 million acres).

WildernessWilderness•Wilderness areas are monitored by the NPS, USFS, FWS, and BLM.

•630 wilderness areas @ 102 million acres in the U.S., including mountains, tundra, deserts, & wetlands

•42% of wilderness areas are in national parks.

National ParksNational Parks

• Yellowstone National park was the 1Yellowstone National park was the 1stst (1872)(1872)

• The National Park System (NPS) parks The National Park System (NPS) parks was established in 1916 and operates was established in 1916 and operates historic sites, battlefields, buildings, and historic sites, battlefields, buildings, and towns in addition to natural areas. towns in addition to natural areas.

Problems with Problems with Wilderness AreasWilderness Areas

• DilemmaDilemma: preservation or human use : preservation or human use and enjoyment?and enjoyment?

• Millions of visitors erode hiking Millions of visitors erode hiking trails, soil, water, waste, air trails, soil, water, waste, air pollution , litter, trash, traffic pollution , litter, trash, traffic congestioncongestion..

• # of visitors is now # of visitors is now limitedlimited in some in some parks.parks.


• Exotic species can invade wilderness Exotic species can invade wilderness and upset the ecological balance.and upset the ecological balance.

• Example: Example: Pine blister Rust (fungus)Pine blister Rust (fungus) is wiping out the White Pine (is wiping out the White Pine (Pinus Pinus strobusstrobus) population. ) population.

• Result...Pine seeds Result...Pine seeds Grizzly...DeclineGrizzly...Decline

• Organization may have to plant Organization may have to plant disease resistant white pine trees. Is disease resistant white pine trees. Is this still wilderness?this still wilderness?


Pine blister Rust (fungus)Pine blister Rust (fungus)

http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_wpblister/toc.htm

http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_wpblister/toc.htm


Wild and Scenic RiversWild and Scenic Rivers

• Wild & Scenic Rivers ActWild & Scenic Rivers Act was passed in 1968 was passed in 1968 to protect rivers of aesthetic, historic, & to protect rivers of aesthetic, historic, & ecological value.ecological value.

• NotNot all wilderness but little or no all wilderness but little or no development.development.

Wild and Scenic RiversWild and Scenic Rivers

NPS maintains the National River NPS maintains the National River Inventory with 170 river segments Inventory with 170 river segments @ 11,300 miles.@ 11,300 miles.

• Recreation = yes Recreation = yes • Mining = yes Mining = yes • Development = no Development = no

Land Use in the United Land Use in the United States States • 55% of US land is privately owned by citizens, 55% of US land is privately owned by citizens,

corporations, and nonprofits organizations corporations, and nonprofits organizations • 3% by native tribes3% by native tribes• Encompasses varying ecosystemsEncompasses varying ecosystems• Provide Important resources: minerals, fossil fuels, Provide Important resources: minerals, fossil fuels,

historical and cultural importancehistorical and cultural importance• Managed by two US AgenciesManaged by two US Agencies

DO NOW: DO NOW: Land Use in the United Land Use in the United

States States • In the United States, national parks serve to In the United States, national parks serve to

provide biological habitat and facilitate human provide biological habitat and facilitate human recreation. Discuss the impact of at least three recreation. Discuss the impact of at least three threats to national parks. If a natural regulation threats to national parks. If a natural regulation policy were in place at a national park, what policy were in place at a national park, what effect would it have on the management of the effect would it have on the management of the park? Why is natural regulation controversial? park? Why is natural regulation controversial?

• Overuse and overcrowding of the National Parks leads to urban problems of crime, vandalism, Overuse and overcrowding of the National Parks leads to urban problems of crime, vandalism, litter, traffic jams and pollution of the soil, water, and air. litter, traffic jams and pollution of the soil, water, and air.

• Resource violations, including collection, plants, minerals, fossils and defacing historical Resource violations, including collection, plants, minerals, fossils and defacing historical structure have led to restrictions being placed on fragile environments in the park. structure have led to restrictions being placed on fragile environments in the park.

• National Parks are not self-sufficient. The entrance fees alone are not adequate to maintain, National Parks are not self-sufficient. The entrance fees alone are not adequate to maintain, repair and operate the parks. Human activities beyond park borders also affect national parks. repair and operate the parks. Human activities beyond park borders also affect national parks. Pollution does not respect park boundaries. Pollution does not respect park boundaries.

• Some national parks also have imbalances in wildlife population. Some national parks also have imbalances in wildlife population. • Introduction of predators help to control prey populations. Introduction of predators help to control prey populations. • Because fires are an integral part of national park ecosystems, with this policy in place, fires Because fires are an integral part of national park ecosystems, with this policy in place, fires

would not be suppressed unless they threaten people or buildings. The controversy over would not be suppressed unless they threaten people or buildings. The controversy over natural regulation involves what kinds of and how much human intervention are necessary to natural regulation involves what kinds of and how much human intervention are necessary to maintain ecological systems in pristine condition. maintain ecological systems in pristine condition.

AnswersAnswers

Managed by two US Managed by two US AgenciesAgencies

1. US Department of the Interior1. US Department of the Interiora.a. The Bureau of Land Mngmnt (BLM) national resource landThe Bureau of Land Mngmnt (BLM) national resource land

• 270 million acres 270 million acres

b. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) National Wildlife refuges b. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) National Wildlife refuges • 92 million acres 92 million acres

c. The National Park Services (NPS) National Park System c. The National Park Services (NPS) National Park System • 84 mil acres 84 mil acres

2. US Department of Agriculture2. US Department of Agriculture a. US Forest Services (USFS) National Forests a. US Forest Services (USFS) National Forests

• 191 million acres191 million acres

Wildlife RefugesWildlife Refuges•National Wildlife Refuge system was National Wildlife Refuge system was

established by Theodore “Teddy” established by Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt in 1903.Roosevelt in 1903.

•535 refuges with at least one in each of 535 refuges with at least one in each of the 50 states with 38.4 million hectares the 50 states with 38.4 million hectares

(95 million acres).(95 million acres).•These represent all the major These represent all the major

ecosystems in the U.S. and are home to ecosystems in the U.S. and are home to most of the endangered species most of the endangered species

(Whooping Cranes).(Whooping Cranes).•Fish & Wildlife Service operates these Fish & Wildlife Service operates these lands for observation, fishing, hunting, lands for observation, fishing, hunting,

photography, and education.photography, and education.

Whooping Whooping Cranes ??Cranes ??

ForestsForests• Forests occupy less than 1/3 of the Forests occupy less than 1/3 of the

Earth’s total Earth’s total land arealand area..• Forests have Forests have economiceconomic as well as as well as

ecologicalecological value. value.• Forests provide Forests provide timbertimber for fuel, paper, for fuel, paper,

and construction. and construction. • Nuts, fungi, fruits, & medicines. Nuts, fungi, fruits, & medicines.

Employment for millions, recreation and Employment for millions, recreation and “escape” from urban areas. “escape” from urban areas.

ForestsForests• Forests provide ecosystem services;Forests provide ecosystem services;• They control the local climate via They control the local climate via

transpiration (natural cooling).transpiration (natural cooling).• Control global biogeochemical cycles Control global biogeochemical cycles

(nitrogen and carbon cycles) (nitrogen and carbon cycles) • Forests are carbon sinks & absorb Forests are carbon sinks & absorb

copious amounts of COcopious amounts of CO22 from the from the atmosphere.atmosphere.

• Roots anchor soil, protect watersheds, & Roots anchor soil, protect watersheds, & provide habitat for varieties of provide habitat for varieties of organisms.organisms.

Forest Management Forest Management PracticesPractices

• Tree “farms” or plantations are often Tree “farms” or plantations are often monomonocultures with one variety of tree. cultures with one variety of tree. Low diversity provides little Low diversity provides little habitat/Disease prone.habitat/Disease prone.

• Herbicides & fungicides are used on tree Herbicides & fungicides are used on tree farms because monocultures are more farms because monocultures are more prone to disease & pests.prone to disease & pests.

• These farms limit the use of existing These farms limit the use of existing forests for timber and timber products.forests for timber and timber products.

U.S. ForestsU.S. Forests• Vermont’s forests are increasing,.Vermont’s forests are increasing,.• The Rockies, New England, & the The Rockies, New England, & the

Great Lakes regions have been Great Lakes regions have been constant.constant.

• Conservation Conservation easementseasements can protect can protect forests by owners selling the right to forests by owners selling the right to develop the land to the U.S. develop the land to the U.S. government. The government then government. The government then protects the land for a certain # of protects the land for a certain # of years.years.

Forests Forests

• Natural RegulationNatural Regulation: involves letting : involves letting nature take its course most of the nature take its course most of the time, time, with corrective actions being with corrective actions being taken as neededtaken as needed..

• Introduced in 1968.Introduced in 1968.

Forests DO NOW:Forests DO NOW:

• Why was the 1968 Park management Why was the 1968 Park management policy to allow natural regulation of policy to allow natural regulation of many US national parks so many US national parks so controversial? Provide examples that controversial? Provide examples that are occurring in Yellowstone as we are occurring in Yellowstone as we speak.speak.

•Hint think Elk over population.Hint think Elk over population.

DO NOW:DO NOW:

• Natural regulation of Yellowstone elk? Natural regulation of Yellowstone elk? Weather and predation (grizzlies and Weather and predation (grizzlies and wolves) wolves)

Follow-ups:Follow-ups:

1.1. Why are wildfires not always Why are wildfires not always suppressed at Yellowstone? suppressed at Yellowstone?

2.2. Why are they removing lake trout for Why are they removing lake trout for Yellowstone?Yellowstone?

““New” Forest New” Forest Management PracticesManagement Practices

• Ecologically Sustainable Forest Ecologically Sustainable Forest ManagementManagement involves mixing trees of involves mixing trees of different ages and species to increase different ages and species to increase diversity and available habitat for diversity and available habitat for organisms as well as conserve forests for organisms as well as conserve forests for harvesting.harvesting.

Management PracticesManagement Practices• Loggers, environmentalists, farmers, Loggers, environmentalists, farmers,

indigenous peoples, and government indigenous peoples, and government agencies need to cooperate for this type agencies need to cooperate for this type of management to be successful.of management to be successful.

• Wildlife CorridorsWildlife Corridors are uncut to set aside are uncut to set aside zones that are connected to nearby un-zones that are connected to nearby un-logged areas.logged areas.

Wildlife CorridorsWildlife Corridors

Chapter 17Chapter 17


Role of forests in the Hydrologic CycleRole of forests in the Hydrologic Cycle

Wilderness, Parks, and Wilderness, Parks, and Wildlife Refuges Wildlife Refuges

• National ParksNational Parks• Most popularMost popular

Land Use in the Natural Land Use in the Natural AreasAreas

•Provide habitat, flood & erosion Provide habitat, flood & erosion control, & groundwater control, & groundwater recharge.recharge.

•Natural areas also break down Natural areas also break down pollutants and recycle wastes.pollutants and recycle wastes.

•Provide recreation (camping, Provide recreation (camping, hiking, fishing)hiking, fishing)

Wilderness, Parks, and Wilderness, Parks, and Wildlife Refuges Wildlife Refuges

• National ParksNational Parks• Threats to US ParksThreats to US Parks

Land UseLand Use

• World Land UseWorld Land Use

ForestsForests• Forest ownership in the USForest ownership in the US

Forest Legacy Program in 1990 Farm Bill assists . . .

ForestsForests• Trends in Tropical ForestsTrends in Tropical Forests

Do Now- Harvesting Do Now- Harvesting PracticesPractices

• Compare the Compare the 4 Types4 Types of tree of tree harvesting in terms of methods, harvesting in terms of methods, cost, and economic gain.cost, and economic gain.

• Selective CuttingSelective Cutting• Shelterwood CuttingShelterwood Cutting• Seed tree CuttingSeed tree Cutting• Clearcutting(even-ages cutting)Clearcutting(even-ages cutting)

Harvesting PracticesHarvesting PracticesSelective CuttingSelective Cutting: fells single trees or : fells single trees or

small groups of trees.small groups of trees.

Shelterwood CuttingShelterwood Cutting: fells all the : fells all the mature trees in an area over time.mature trees in an area over time.

• Seed tree CuttingSeed tree Cutting: fells almost all of : fells almost all of the trees in an area except a few the trees in an area except a few trees that are left to re-seed the area.trees that are left to re-seed the area.

• Clearcutting (even-age harvesting):Clearcutting (even-age harvesting): fells all the trees from an area. fells all the trees from an area. (Cheapest type $$)(Cheapest type $$)


• Identify and discuss four ways in Identify and discuss four ways in which forest trees are currently which forest trees are currently harvested. Which method is the harvested. Which method is the most ecologically sound, and why? most ecologically sound, and why? Which method is the most Which method is the most economical? If your answer is economical? If your answer is different for these two questions, different for these two questions, how could a compromise be how could a compromise be reached? reached?


• Ans: Selective cutting harvests mature trees by cutting individual or small Ans: Selective cutting harvests mature trees by cutting individual or small clusters of trees while the rest of the forest remains intact. This is clusters of trees while the rest of the forest remains intact. This is ecologically sound because it allows the forest to regenerate naturally ecologically sound because it allows the forest to regenerate naturally through seeding from remaining trees. While this method has fewer through seeding from remaining trees. While this method has fewer negative impacts on the forest community, it is not profitable in the short negative impacts on the forest community, it is not profitable in the short term because timber isn’t removed in great enough quantities. term because timber isn’t removed in great enough quantities. Shelterwood cutting removes all mature trees in an area over an extended Shelterwood cutting removes all mature trees in an area over an extended period of time. The first harvest removes dead or diseased trees. The period of time. The first harvest removes dead or diseased trees. The second harvest, perhaps ten years later, removes mature trees but leaves second harvest, perhaps ten years later, removes mature trees but leaves some of the largest to shelter the younger trees. After another decade, a some of the largest to shelter the younger trees. After another decade, a third harvest removes the remaining mature trees. By now the younger third harvest removes the remaining mature trees. By now the younger trees are established. This method is ecologically sound because it trees are established. This method is ecologically sound because it prevents soil erosion and is self-sustaining. In seed tree cutting, almost all prevents soil erosion and is self-sustaining. In seed tree cutting, almost all trees are harvest from an area leaving a scattering of desirable trees to trees are harvest from an area leaving a scattering of desirable trees to provide seeds for regeneration. This method is not ecologically sound provide seeds for regeneration. This method is not ecologically sound because it allows erosion and a severe alteration of the forest ecosystem, because it allows erosion and a severe alteration of the forest ecosystem, including loss of habitat for other organisms. Clearcutting is harvesting including loss of habitat for other organisms. Clearcutting is harvesting timber by removing all trees from a forest. Afterward, the area is either timber by removing all trees from a forest. Afterward, the area is either allowed to reseed and regenerate naturally or is planted with one or more allowed to reseed and regenerate naturally or is planted with one or more variety of trees. This is the most cost effective method of harvesting variety of trees. This is the most cost effective method of harvesting forests yet it is ecologically unsound because it destroys biological habitats forests yet it is ecologically unsound because it destroys biological habitats and increase soil erosion. The recreation and ecological services of forests and increase soil erosion. The recreation and ecological services of forests are lost and sometimes the forests do not regenerate. Because selective are lost and sometimes the forests do not regenerate. Because selective cutting is the most ecologically sound and clearcutting is the most cutting is the most ecologically sound and clearcutting is the most economical, a compromise could be reached by clearcutting selective economical, a compromise could be reached by clearcutting selective patches of the forest. This might benefit the species who thrive in the patches of the forest. This might benefit the species who thrive in the regrowth of trees and shrubs that follow removal of the overhead canopy.regrowth of trees and shrubs that follow removal of the overhead canopy.


Harvesting PracticesHarvesting Practices

Clearcuttin’ Phil says “Clearcutting is the cheapest method!”

Land Use in the Natural Land Use in the Natural AreasAreas

•Provide habitat, flood & erosion Provide habitat, flood & erosion control, & groundwater control, & groundwater recharge.recharge.

•Natural areas also break down Natural areas also break down pollutants and recycle wastes.pollutants and recycle wastes.

•Provide recreation (camping, Provide recreation (camping, hiking, fishing)hiking, fishing)

DeforestationDeforestation• Increased loss of soil due to erosion Increased loss of soil due to erosion

and loss of habitat.and loss of habitat.• The World Commission of Forests was The World Commission of Forests was

established at the 1992 Earth Summit.established at the 1992 Earth Summit.• 1999 report that the Earth’s forests 1999 report that the Earth’s forests

are decreasing by 15 million hectares are decreasing by 15 million hectares (37 million acres) annually.(37 million acres) annually.

• Major causes of deforestation; fires, Major causes of deforestation; fires, drought, clearcutting, agriculture, drought, clearcutting, agriculture, construction, tree harvesting, pests, construction, tree harvesting, pests, and disease.and disease.

•

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Deforestation leads to...Deforestation leads to...

• Decreased soil fertilityDecreased soil fertility• More runoff and sediment in More runoff and sediment in

waterwayswaterways• Loss of speciesLoss of species• Alteration of global climate???Alteration of global climate???• Increase in global temperature???Increase in global temperature???

ForestsForests• Forest Trends in the USForest Trends in the US• US National ForestsUS National Forests• Case-in-Point: Tongass National Case-in-Point: Tongass National

ForestForest

Tongass National Tongass National ForestForest

• Temperate rainforest similar to the Temperate rainforest similar to the Olympia National Forest in Washington Olympia National Forest in Washington State.State.

• Contains old growth forest (primary Contains old growth forest (primary succession) with 700 year old trees.succession) with 700 year old trees.

• Grizzly Grizzly Ursus arctos horribilis) &Ursus arctos horribilis) & • Bald Eagles (Bald Eagles (Haliaetus leuoccephalus)Haliaetus leuoccephalus)• Clearcutting in the Tongass was slowed Clearcutting in the Tongass was slowed

due to the Tongass Management Plan due to the Tongass Management Plan (Modified 1997 Forest Plan).(Modified 1997 Forest Plan).

• On Vancouver Island was clearcut 1911 On Vancouver Island was clearcut 1911 and ahs regrown 20% of their original size and ahs regrown 20% of their original size

Do Now:Do Now:

• Identify the criteria used by the Identify the criteria used by the Defenders of Wildlife to rank the Defenders of Wildlife to rank the endangered ecosystems in the endangered ecosystems in the United States. United States.

• Identify three endangered Identify three endangered ecosystems that meet these criteria ecosystems that meet these criteria and explain how the criteria apply to and explain how the criteria apply to them. them.

Do Now: AnswerDo Now: Answer• The criteria used to rank the most endangered The criteria used to rank the most endangered

ecosystems include:ecosystems include:– a) The area lost or degraded since Europeans colonized a) The area lost or degraded since Europeans colonized

North AmericaNorth America– b) The number of present examples of a particular b) The number of present examples of a particular

ecosystem or the total areaecosystem or the total area– c) An estimate of the likelihood that a given ecosystem c) An estimate of the likelihood that a given ecosystem

will lose a significant area or be degraded during the will lose a significant area or be degraded during the next 10 yearsnext 10 years

– d) The number of threatened and endangered species d) The number of threatened and endangered species living in that ecosystemliving in that ecosystem

• The three most endangered ecosystems in the U.S. The three most endangered ecosystems in the U.S. are the are the South Florida landscapeSouth Florida landscape, , Southern Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forestsAppalachian spruce-fir forests, and , and longleaf pine longleaf pine forestsforests and and savannassavannas. They fit the criteria of being . They fit the criteria of being lost and degraded and the organisms that compose lost and degraded and the organisms that compose these ecosystems are declining in number and in these ecosystems are declining in number and in genetic diversity.genetic diversity.

Most Most endangeendangered red ecosysteecosystems in ms in the USthe US

Why are forests Why are forests disappearing?disappearing?

• Population growth seems to be the major Population growth seems to be the major cause.cause.

• Causes differ based upon economic, Causes differ based upon economic, cultural, & social issues.cultural, & social issues.

• Govt. policies sometimes favor deforestation Govt. policies sometimes favor deforestation ex: Brazil selling forest to fast food ex: Brazil selling forest to fast food companies (McDonald’s) for grazing land.companies (McDonald’s) for grazing land.

• 1999 Brazil set aside 10% of rainforest for 1999 Brazil set aside 10% of rainforest for conservation. conservation.

• Sponsored by the World Bank & the WWF Sponsored by the World Bank & the WWF (World Wildlife Fund).(World Wildlife Fund).


• Subsistence agriculture causes Subsistence agriculture causes deforestation. Families produce deforestation. Families produce enough to survive & that’s it. They enough to survive & that’s it. They don’t own the land they use. Farmers don’t own the land they use. Farmers typically follow logging roads, and typically follow logging roads, and slash & burnslash & burn the forest to raise crops the forest to raise crops there. 1there. 1stst batch of crops use nutrients batch of crops use nutrients from the burn but then soil quality from the burn but then soil quality declines fast. So the family then declines fast. So the family then moves to the next patch of forest to moves to the next patch of forest to start the process again. Ranchers use start the process again. Ranchers use the land soon after.the land soon after.


• Compared to 50 years ago, only ½ Compared to 50 years ago, only ½ of the world’s tropical forests of the world’s tropical forests remain.remain.

• Commercial loggingCommercial logging contributes to contributes to 20% of tropical forest depletion.20% of tropical forest depletion.

• Cattle RanchingCattle Ranching: contributes to : contributes to 12% of tropical forest depletion.12% of tropical forest depletion.

• 20 years after ranching the land is 20 years after ranching the land is left as left as scrub savannascrub savanna. .

Tropical ForestsTropical Forests

• Tropical RainForests: have 200 or Tropical RainForests: have 200 or more cm of rain annually (>79 in). more cm of rain annually (>79 in).

• These are found in Central & S. These are found in Central & S. America, S.E. Asia, and Africa. America, S.E. Asia, and Africa. Brazil, Congo, & Indonesia have the Brazil, Congo, & Indonesia have the majority of this type of forest.majority of this type of forest.

Tropical ForestsTropical Forests• Tropical Dry ForestsTropical Dry Forests: have less than : have less than

200 cm of rain annually (<79 in). 200 cm of rain annually (<79 in). During the dry season these forests During the dry season these forests shed their leaves & become dormant shed their leaves & become dormant similar to deciduous tree in temperate similar to deciduous tree in temperate climates.climates.

• These are disappearing rapidly in S. These are disappearing rapidly in S. Asia, Indonesia, C. America, and the Asia, Indonesia, C. America, and the Phillipines.Phillipines.

Tropical ForestsTropical Forests• These forests both (rain and dry) These forests both (rain and dry)

are disappearing at a rate of 12.6 are disappearing at a rate of 12.6 hectares (31.1 million acres) hectares (31.1 million acres) annually.annually.

• All will be gone at current rate by All will be gone at current rate by the first half of the 22the first half of the 22ndnd century century (2150) but probably sooner (2150) but probably sooner ..


• Population growth seems to be the major Population growth seems to be the major cause.cause.

• Causes differ based upon economic, Causes differ based upon economic, cultural, & social issues.cultural, & social issues.

• Govt. policies sometimes favor deforestation Govt. policies sometimes favor deforestation ex: Brazil selling forest to fast food ex: Brazil selling forest to fast food companies (McDonald’s) for grazing land.companies (McDonald’s) for grazing land.

• 1999 Brazil set aside 10% of rainforest for 1999 Brazil set aside 10% of rainforest for conservation. conservation.

• Sponsored by the World Bank & the WWF Sponsored by the World Bank & the WWF (World Wildlife Fund).(World Wildlife Fund).


• Subsistence agriculture causes Subsistence agriculture causes deforestation. Families produce enough deforestation. Families produce enough to survive & that’s it. They don’t own to survive & that’s it. They don’t own the land they use. Farmers typically the land they use. Farmers typically follow logging roads, and follow logging roads, and slash & burnslash & burn the forest to raise crops there. the forest to raise crops there.

• 11stst batch of crops use nutrients from the batch of crops use nutrients from the burn but then soil quality declines fast. burn but then soil quality declines fast.

• So the family then moves to the next So the family then moves to the next patch of forest to start the process patch of forest to start the process again. again.

• Ranchers use the land soon after.Ranchers use the land soon after.


• Compared to 50 years ago, only ½ Compared to 50 years ago, only ½ of the world’s tropical forests of the world’s tropical forests remain.remain.

• Commercial loggingCommercial logging contributes to contributes to 20% of tropical forest depletion.20% of tropical forest depletion.

• Cattle RanchingCattle Ranching: contributes to : contributes to 12% of tropical forest depletion.12% of tropical forest depletion.

• 20 years after ranching the land is 20 years after ranching the land is left as left as scrub savannascrub savanna. .


• Plantation style agriculturePlantation style agriculture grows grows citrus fruits (pineapple) and citrus fruits (pineapple) and bananas for export.bananas for export.

• DDT and fertilizers are then DDT and fertilizers are then introduced to the area.introduced to the area.

• Dry Tropical forests also provide Dry Tropical forests also provide biomass energy for families. biomass energy for families. As As Woodfuel (heat, light, Woodfuel (heat, light, cooking)cooking)

What About the Boreal Forest What About the Boreal Forest Biome?Biome?

• Circumpolar distribution of boreal Circumpolar distribution of boreal forest biomeforest biome

• The term boreal finds its roots in The term boreal finds its roots in BoreasBoreas, the Greek God of the North , the Greek God of the North Wind. Wind.

• Often referred to as Often referred to as TaigaTaiga, a Russian , a Russian word meaning "land of little sticks", word meaning "land of little sticks", boreal forests are the world boreal forests are the world northernmost forests.northernmost forests.

Boreal ForestsBoreal Forests

• Occur in Taiga and comprise the Occur in Taiga and comprise the world’s largest Biome (11% of Earth’s world’s largest Biome (11% of Earth’s land area).land area).

• Worlds Largest BiomeWorlds Largest Biome• Primary source of wood & wood fiber Primary source of wood & wood fiber

comes from this area via clearcutting. comes from this area via clearcutting. (almost (almost twicetwice the area as Amazonia). the area as Amazonia).

• Spruce, fir, cedar, hemlock Spruce, fir, cedar, hemlock

Do Now: Do Now:

• Describe public rangelands, stating Describe public rangelands, stating which government agencies which government agencies administer them in the U.S. administer them in the U.S.

• What is the carrying capacity of a What is the carrying capacity of a rangeland and what results when this rangeland and what results when this capacity is exceeded?capacity is exceeded?

Do Now: Do Now: • Rangelands are grasslands, in both temperate and Rangelands are grasslands, in both temperate and

tropical climates that serve as important areas of tropical climates that serve as important areas of food food productionproduction for humans by providing fodder for livestock for humans by providing fodder for livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

• In the U.S. the rangelands are administered by the:In the U.S. the rangelands are administered by the:– BLM guided:BLM guided:

• Taylor Grazing Act of 1934Taylor Grazing Act of 1934• Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976• Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978. Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978.

• The USFS manages an additional 50 million acres. The USFS manages an additional 50 million acres. • The The carrying capacitycarrying capacity of a rangeland is the maximum of a rangeland is the maximum

number of animals the rangeland plants can sustain number of animals the rangeland plants can sustain over an indefinite period without deterioration of the over an indefinite period without deterioration of the rangeland. rangeland.

• When the carrying capacity is exceeded, overgrazing When the carrying capacity is exceeded, overgrazing leaves the ground barren and susceptible to erosion.leaves the ground barren and susceptible to erosion.

Rangelands and Rangelands and Agricultural LandsAgricultural Lands

• Agricultural LandsAgricultural Lands• US has 300 million acres of prime US has 300 million acres of prime

farmlandfarmland• Main problem: suburban spread onto Main problem: suburban spread onto

agricultural landagricultural land


• RangelandsRangelands

RangelandsRangelands• These important grasslands are These important grasslands are

comprised of grasses, forbs (small comprised of grasses, forbs (small herbaceous plants), and shrubs with herbaceous plants), and shrubs with extensive fibrous root systems.extensive fibrous root systems.

• Cattle, sheep, goats, and other domestic Cattle, sheep, goats, and other domestic animals graze these lands.animals graze these lands.

• Rangelands are renewable Rangelands are renewable within a within a specific carrying capacity.specific carrying capacity.

RangelandsRangelands• Roughly 2/3 of U.S. rangelands are Roughly 2/3 of U.S. rangelands are

privately owned, the feds own much of privately owned, the feds own much of the rest.the rest.

• There are more than 89 million There are more than 89 million hectares of federally owned rangeland hectares of federally owned rangeland in the U.S.in the U.S.

• The BLM manages most of the The BLM manages most of the rangelands with the remainder rangelands with the remainder overseen by the USFS.overseen by the USFS.

Do Sometime Today Do Sometime Today PleasePlease

• Identify some of the major Identify some of the major Rangeland Management Rangeland Management issues?issues?

Rangeland Rangeland Management issuesManagement issues• OvergrazingOvergrazing can result in barren, exposed soil that is prone can result in barren, exposed soil that is prone

to erosion. (remember the dust bowl)to erosion. (remember the dust bowl)• DegradationDegradation of soil affects future productivity. of soil affects future productivity.• Continual degradation leads to Continual degradation leads to desertificationdesertification, the , the

development of unproductive desert like conditions in once development of unproductive desert like conditions in once fertile areas.fertile areas.

• federal costs: federal costs: – 2004 $1.43 on lands managed by BLM, + $1.52/ month lands 2004 $1.43 on lands managed by BLM, + $1.52/ month lands

managed by the USFSmanaged by the USFS• i. Monthly cost on private land is $13/monthi. Monthly cost on private land is $13/month• ii. Taxpayers contribute $67 million more than the ii. Taxpayers contribute $67 million more than the

grazing fees collect by public rangeland.grazing fees collect by public rangeland.• iii. Money used to maintain rangelands, installing iii. Money used to maintain rangelands, installing

water tanks+fences, fix damages caused by over grazing.water tanks+fences, fix damages caused by over grazing.

RangelandsRangelands• The federal government issues The federal government issues

permits that allow private permits that allow private livestock operators to use public livestock operators to use public rangelands for grazing.rangelands for grazing.

• Others feel that public rangelands Others feel that public rangelands should be used for habitat, should be used for habitat, recreation, and aestethic value.recreation, and aestethic value.– Cutthroat trout?????Cutthroat trout?????


• Rangeland Trends in the USRangeland Trends in the US• Rangelands comprise 30% of Rangelands comprise 30% of

land in USland in US• 1/31/3rdrd public, 2/3 public, 2/3rdrd private private• Issues Involving Public RangelandsIssues Involving Public Rangelands• Grazing permit feesGrazing permit fees• Wild horses and burrosWild horses and burros

Rangeland Rangeland Management issuesManagement issues• 44,000 Wild horses and burros are not 44,000 Wild horses and burros are not

indigenous and need to be managed.indigenous and need to be managed.• Adopt-a-horse program sold to Adopt-a-horse program sold to

slaughterhouses.slaughterhouses.• Contraceptives are now used for females.Contraceptives are now used for females.

Agricultural lands, Agricultural lands, Corn belt:Corn belt:• It is now commonly called the Feed Grains and Livestock It is now commonly called the Feed Grains and Livestock

Belt. Belt. • Located in the north central plains, Large-scale commercial Located in the north central plains, Large-scale commercial

and mechanized farming prevails in this region of deep, and mechanized farming prevails in this region of deep, fertile, well-drained soils and long, hot, humid summers. fertile, well-drained soils and long, hot, humid summers.

• The belt produces much of the U.S. corn crop, but The belt produces much of the U.S. corn crop, but agriculture has diversified; soybeans are an important agriculture has diversified; soybeans are an important yield. yield.

• Winter wheat and alfalfa are also significant crops in the Winter wheat and alfalfa are also significant crops in the areaarea

Agricultural lands, Agricultural lands, Corn belt:Corn belt:

Ohio

Indiana

Minnesota

Illinois

Iowa

Missouri

Kansas

Nebraska

SouthDakota

NorthDakota

Michigan

Wisconsin

Land UseLand Use

• Land Use in the USLand Use in the US

Private

Tribes

Federal Gov.

State Gov.

Private

55%

Federal

Government

35%

Tribes 3%

State

7%

Do Now: Do Now:

• Identify the factors contributing to Identify the factors contributing to the desertification of Rangelandsthe desertification of Rangelands..

Dust Bowl Dust Bowl "And then the dispossessed were drawn west- from "And then the dispossessed were drawn west- from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico; from Nevada Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico; from Nevada and Arkansas, families, tribes, dusted out, tractored and Arkansas, families, tribes, dusted out, tractored

out. out.

Car-loads, caravans, homeless and hungry; twenty Car-loads, caravans, homeless and hungry; twenty thousand and fifty thousand and a hundred thousand thousand and fifty thousand and a hundred thousand

and two hundred thousand. and two hundred thousand. They streamed over the mountains, hungry and They streamed over the mountains, hungry and

restless - restless as ants, scurrying to find work to restless - restless as ants, scurrying to find work to do - to lift, to push, to pull, to pick, to cut - anything, do - to lift, to push, to pull, to pick, to cut - anything,

any burden to bear, for food. any burden to bear, for food. The kids are hungry. We got no place to live. Like ants The kids are hungry. We got no place to live. Like ants

scurrying for work, for food, and most of all for scurrying for work, for food, and most of all for land." land."

- John Steinbeck, - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath, , 19391939

Dust Bowl Dust Bowl

Desertification 1Desertification 1




QUESTION ABOUT THE: QUESTION ABOUT THE: The Trout Creek Mountain The Trout Creek Mountain

Working GroupWorking GroupIn 1988 this group was organized to In 1988 this group was organized to improve the habitat of a threatened improve the habitat of a threatened species species the Lahontan Cutthroat the Lahontan Cutthroat trout. trout. Mainly due to local cattle grazing Mainly due to local cattle grazing many species of plants (many species of plants (Willow, aspen, Willow, aspen, alder, and wild rose) alder, and wild rose)

• Define an Ecosystem Management, what Define an Ecosystem Management, what must it take into account and what was must it take into account and what was done to protect this species? done to protect this species?

ANSWERS: ANSWERS: • Ecosystem Management: a long term flexile Ecosystem Management: a long term flexile

collaboration (scientists, land owners, gvnmt collaboration (scientists, land owners, gvnmt workers, business leaders) to sustain or restore workers, business leaders) to sustain or restore ecosystems.ecosystems.

• Must account:Must account:– economic well being of human communities is linked to economic well being of human communities is linked to

sustainable resources. sustainable resources. – Ecosystems:Ecosystems:

• do not recognize political boundaries extending between do not recognize political boundaries extending between federal, state country and private lands.federal, state country and private lands.

• An interdisciplinary approach towards social, geographic, An interdisciplinary approach towards social, geographic, economic, scientific and political factors.economic, scientific and political factors.

ANSWERS: ANSWERS: How was it repaired? How was it repaired? • Species declared threatened\endangered Species declared threatened\endangered

– ESA was used to protect Riparian Areas (buffering zone)ESA was used to protect Riparian Areas (buffering zone)– Local cattle ranchers withdrew 3000 cattle from sensitive stream from Local cattle ranchers withdrew 3000 cattle from sensitive stream from

1989-1992 (prevented cattle grazing zone and inc temperatures and 1989-1992 (prevented cattle grazing zone and inc temperatures and pollution into waterways)pollution into waterways)

– Compromise: open parts to some cattle 1992 Compromise: open parts to some cattle 1992

• How did improving the Riparian Zone help?How did improving the Riparian Zone help?– Willow, aspen, alder, wild rose Willow, aspen, alder, wild rose are Willow, aspen, alder, wild rose Willow, aspen, alder, wild rose are

reestablishing themselvesreestablishing themselves– Sedimentation has decreasedSedimentation has decreased– Water temperatures decreasedWater temperatures decreased

• 2005 Group conducted a PRESCRIBED burn and closed local 2005 Group conducted a PRESCRIBED burn and closed local roads in an attempt to reestablish flood plains.roads in an attempt to reestablish flood plains.

Page 418Page 418

The Trout Creek Mountain The Trout Creek Mountain Working GroupWorking Group

• Riparian areas are the zones along water Riparian areas are the zones along water bodies that serve as interfaces between bodies that serve as interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

• Typically they are more structurally diverse Typically they are more structurally diverse and more productive in plant and animal and more productive in plant and animal biomass than adjacent upland areas. biomass than adjacent upland areas.

• Riparian areas Riparian areas supply foodsupply food, , cover,cover, and and water water for a large diversity of animalsfor a large diversity of animals, and serve as , and serve as migration routesmigration routes and and connectors between connectors between habitats for a variety of wildlifehabitats for a variety of wildlife

Riparian Riparian AreasAreas

Wetlands and Coastal Wetlands and Coastal AreasAreas

• WetlandsWetlands

Do Now-WetlandsDo Now-Wetlands

• Definition?Definition?• Ownership?Ownership?• Ecosystem services and economic Ecosystem services and economic

value?value?• Threats?Threats?• Protection?Protection?

ANSWERS-WetlandsANSWERS-Wetlands• Definition? Definition? Transitional areas-Wet Transitional areas-Wet partpart or or allall of year of year

• Ownership? Ownership? Government owns 25%/ Rest is privately heldGovernment owns 25%/ Rest is privately held

• Ecosystem services and economic value? Ecosystem services and economic value? Filter Filter groundwater, breeding grounds, flood control, home to groundwater, breeding grounds, flood control, home to many species, commercial use.many species, commercial use.

• Threats? Threats? Are being drained for development, mosquito Are being drained for development, mosquito control, mining, solid waste disposal.control, mining, solid waste disposal.

• Protection? Protection? Partially protected by Clean Water Act of Partially protected by Clean Water Act of 1972.1972.

CoastlinesCoastlines

• Are being overdeveloped, highly Are being overdeveloped, highly polluted, and overfished.polluted, and overfished.

• Estuaries are “nurseries for the sea”Estuaries are “nurseries for the sea”


• CoastlinesCoastlines• Severely degraded or destroyed in Severely degraded or destroyed in

US by filling and drainingUS by filling and draining• Residential and industrial Residential and industrial

development commondevelopment common• Resulting problems: ????Resulting problems: ????


• Human activities that threaten wetlands:Human activities that threaten wetlands:• Draining for agriculture or mosquito Draining for agriculture or mosquito

controlcontrol• Dredging for navigationDredging for navigation• ChannelizationChannelization• Construction of dams, sea walls, dykesConstruction of dams, sea walls, dykes• Filling in for solid waste disposal, roads, Filling in for solid waste disposal, roads,

residential / industrial developmentresidential / industrial development• Conversion to aquacultureConversion to aquaculture

Seawalls and Beach erosion


• US legislation has attempted to US legislation has attempted to maintain a “no net loss” of wetlandsmaintain a “no net loss” of wetlands

Reconstructed wetland in San Diego


• CoastlinesCoastlines• Coastal DemographicsCoastal Demographics

• In US, 19 of 20 most densely populated areas along coast.

• Worldwide, coastal management plans rarely integrate land and offshore water concerns

• Results in overdevelopment and pollution


• CoastlinesCoastlines• National Marine SanctuariesNational Marine Sanctuaries

• US has 12

• Managed for multiple uses, including conservation, recreation, education, etc.

• Commercial fishing permitted, though there are “no take” zones

Suburban SprawlSuburban Sprawl

Suburban sprawl results Suburban sprawl results in...in...

• Loss of agricultural landLoss of agricultural land• Urbanization...More pollutionUrbanization...More pollution• Depletion of resources...Ex. “water”Depletion of resources...Ex. “water”

Wise-Use Movement Want Wise-Use Movement Want ListList

(Feel that lands should (Feel that lands should serve the $)serve the $)• AllAll National forest under timber National forest under timber

management.management.• Allow mining and development of wilderness Allow mining and development of wilderness

areas, wildlife refuges, and National Parks.areas, wildlife refuges, and National Parks.• Unrestricted development of wetlands.Unrestricted development of wetlands.• Change the Endangered Species Act to Change the Endangered Species Act to

consider $economic factors$.consider $economic factors$.• Sell resource rich federal lands to mining, Sell resource rich federal lands to mining,

oil, ranching, and timber groups.oil, ranching, and timber groups.

Documents

Chapter 18 Land Resources and Conservation Mojave Desert