Environmental Impact - Inventorying & monitoring methods

Matlack, G. R. (1993). Solid logical edge effects: Spatial distribution of human impacts in suburban forest fragments. Environmental Management, 17, 829-835.

Abstract

Distributions of human impact were described in 40 fragmentary stands in northern New Castle County, Delaware. The distribution of human impact showed a significant bias to the forest edge, with 95% of the localized damage occurring in the first 82 meters. Edge distances of campsites, vandalized trees, and firewood gathering were negatively correlated with distance to the nearest graded road, indicating the importance of road access. Several forms of impact were also clustered near footpaths, although distance to paths was independent of edge distance in all cases. These findings suggest that damage may be minimized by limiting road access and avoiding the creation of small forest fragments.

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