Getting to the Root of Forest Fragmentation
Forest fragmentation, the breaking up of large blocks of intact forest ecosystems into small, often isolated fragments, is one of the greatest threats to diverse healthy forest systems in Pennsylvania. Forest fragmentation also threatens the sustainability of the forest industry as well.
Once an ecologically complete forest becomes a patchwork of fragments, forest systems begin to deteriorate. The newly created edges of the woodlots alter soil conditions and change the way water flows through a forest. Fragmentation limits habitat integrity and makes it easier for the invasion of weedy and exotic species. Animals that require large tracts of interior forest to roam and breed are replaced by invasive species that favor habitat near the forests edge. Ecologists have found that the increase of edge habitat creates "hostile landscapes" for many forest interior species.
Help conserve forests for future generations! Governor Rendell proposes $200 million for open space acquisition and agricultural conservation easements as part of a $1.4 B Quality of Life initiative. Contact your legislators today in support of open space conservation. Find out more about Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's Forestland Conservation Program.
Trees
I think that I shall never see
a poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day
and lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
a nest of robins in her hair;
upon whose bosom snow has lain;
who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
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--- Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918 |
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