What are the tactics being used to prevent fragmentation?

The previous two articles have described some of the ills of forest fragmentation including loss of wildlife and plant habitat, decrease in biodiversity, and loss of recreational opportunity. With all of the pressure weighing against it, fragmentation seems like a lost cause. However, policy makers and researchers have discovered some preventative measures that seem to lower the effects of fragmentation on our nation's land base.Land use planning is one of the main tools being suggested to help control for fragmentation. These initiatives are increasingly being implemented in states throughout the nation. They are helpful in controlling fragmentation by setting a framework for land use taking into consideration issues of urbanization and increases in population and development.  Many of these programs are given the name, 'Smart Growth' because essentially these programs plan for growth in the 'smart' way, before it happens. Most land use plans operate under legislative measures.  They prescribe recommendations and regulations, support research, and use zoning measures. Zoning is more specific than land use plans; they are put into place on specific parcels of land while land use plans are more on a general basis.  Each state has its own set of land use plans, to link to some of these sites on the internet click here.

Legislators have recommended other tools to combat fragmentation which relate to changes in land use policy. Some examples include devising policy which would:1) Give tax incentives to landowners who choose to leave their land undeveloped or 2) Lower estate taxes in order to encourage current landownership. Other possible alternatives could be: 1)Provide better mass transit to city outskirts so road development to help decrease road development 2) Provide educational activities to inform landowners and developers of the threats of fragmentation. These are just a few examples of the different tactics that exist and are being used to help maintain and prevent fragmentation. For more details, contact your local land use planning committee.

• What is fragmentation?
• Prevention
• Experts
• Bibliography
• Links
• Terminology
• White paper