| Unlike forest fragmentation, which
is known to disrupt wildlife habitat, parcelization is the change
in ownership patterns when larger forested tracts are divided into
smaller parcels owned by several owners. As the largest unfiltered
surface water supply in the country, the New York City Watershed
is vulnerable to these potential changes in land use.
Nationwide, 80 percent of the new housing construction happens
in rural areas, with only 57 percent on lots larger than 10 acres.
As subdivision increases the number of smaller pieces owned by
diverse owners with different visions for their land, it becomes
a challenge to coordinate efforts to teach and implement best
management practices that address soil and water conservation,
wildlife habitat, timber production, recreation opportunities
and aesthetics.
When parcelization and housing development happen together, paved areas
increase and the soils that remain are stressed as they filter excess
nutrient (i.e., phosphorus) from septic systems, lawn fertilizers, animal
wastes and road salts.
*Updates on future research documenting parcelization and land use changes
will appear as they become available.
|
Since
well-managed forests provide one of the most optimal land
covers for protecting a pristine water source, a land-use
phenomenon called parcelization can have some potentially
negative effects on the future of forestland and the watershed.