30 (Land Management Practices)- Questions

What is the natural role of fires in many ecosystems? What have been the consequences of humans suppressing fires?

Fires are important for nutrient cycling. IF fire is suppressed, large amounts of biomass accumulate until there will be a fire.

Why have suburban and exurban areas been growing so rapidly in recent years? What effects has this had?

Highways, lower living costs, causes urban blight

Why is selective cutting less damaging to the environment than clear-cutting? What problems does it still have?

Instead of cutting down a whole forest, only parts of a forest are lost. There still is land degradation

Generally speaking, how do the principles of smart growth reduce cities' impact on the environment?

Ofer a more conscious approach to the neighborhood, allowing conversation towards sustainability

Have the Taylor Act and BLM regulation been successful in protecting rangelands from degradation? Explain.

The Taylor Act created a permit system , which limits the number of people farming on the land. The BLM set regulations and guidelines, which attempt to ensure basic biological function continues.

What are the main problems with tree plantations?

These areas lack biodiversity and may deplete the soil

Why are rangelands so fragile? Why do we continue to heavily use them despite their fragility?

They are semi arid, which makes them more likely to be disturbed. We need the land to raise cattle.

How does the amount of money the government spends on timber programs compare to income from these activities?

They often spend more than they receive

Why were national parks established, and what principles does the National Park Service follow managing them today?

They were to protect the land and there goal is protect so that is may exist, be used for recreation, and research