Urban concerns

[Gloria]

Just finished reading this really good article about urban biodiversity loss.
While the fact of urbanization meaning a loss of plant and animal species is not surprising to anyone and therefore you might think a waste of time and funding, this information could help change that view.

By understanding exactly what the reasons for diversity loss are and the actual process by which change and disturbance occur we learn ways to make a difference and thereby increase the retention of and/or return of species diversity. By understanding the disturbance and succesion of urban ecology we acquire tools to use in restoring species richness.

Subsequent studies have found even more reason to be somewhat optimistic about what can be done for conservation within the urban matrix.

Read here...
Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Conservation
MICHAEL L. McKINNEY
http://www.esf.edu/cue/documents/McK...nserv_2002.pdf

[jack]

Originally Posted by Gloria

Just finished reading this really good article about urban biodiversity loss.
While the fact of urbanization meaning a loss of plant and animal species is not surprising to anyone and therefore you might think a waste of time and funding, this information could help change that view.

By understanding exactly what the reasons for diversity loss are and the actual process by which change and disturbance occur we learn ways to make a difference and thereby increase the retention of and/or return of species diversity. By understanding the disturbance and succesion of urban ecology we acquire tools to use in restoring species richness.

Subsequent studies have found even more reason to be somewhat optimistic about what can be done for conservation within the urban matrix.

Read here...
Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Conservation
MICHAEL L. McKINNEY
http://www.esf.edu/cue/documents/McK...nserv_2002.pdf

You were correct in saying much of what is said is to be expected. The essay, it seems, was primarily advocating a change in policies, including how builders handle land they are about to develop. My experience with that, one the article fails to mention, is that it is cheaper for builders to simply eliminate the existing vegetation and to sell the top soil. Leaving shrubs and trees would require care that heavy equipment operators aren't interested in bothering with, and if they do, it slows them down and, to the contractor, time is money.

The only place I see care taken on building lots is in highly affluent towns where town bylaws or customer request mandates care of existing vegetation.

Good essay, Gloria, thanks.

[Gloria]

Did you notice where it talks about plant succession beginning to show in older urban centers and how although suburbs are usually more diverse than urban areas they are maintained to such a degree as to become sinks? These are some of the clues.

Most of the information reiterates what should be well known by now. Save as much of the native vegetation as possible or if badly degraded , restore native vegetation.
But what is just as important is managing with plant and animal life cycles in mind.

Parks and urban nature centers that are managed well along with programs to include human participation in securing a place for plants and animals, roadways,utility right of ways, and the areas around our homes make for enough space to increase urban biodiversity. We can not go back but there could be a way forward. Maybe?

[jack]

Originally Posted by Gloria

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Parks and urban nature centers that are managed well along with programs to include human participation in securing a place for plants and animals, roadways,utility right of ways, and the areas around our homes make for enough space to increase urban biodiversity. We can not go back but there could be a way forward. Maybe?

Yes, it could be- I'm all for thinking positive. My own experience, however, has not been encouraging on that front. Starting with my own neighbors who mow their entire property sometimes twice a week, it's discouraging. Now, if a program like 60 minutes or some other popular venue were to push the principles, perhaps there would be a better response.

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by jack

Now, if a program like 60 minutes or some other popular venue were to push the principles, perhaps there would be a better response.

Hmm...Good idea. How do we make it happen?