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Predictions of Ecological and Social Impacts of Alternative Residential Development Policies to Inform Decision-Making in a Rural Landscape
Conservation Letters (2011)
  • Max Nielsen-Pincus, Portland State University
  • Caren S. Goldberg, University of Idaho
  • Amy Pocewicz
  • Lisette P. Waits, University of Idaho
  • Penelope Morgan, University of Idaho
  • Jo E. Force, University of Idaho
  • Lee A. Vierling, University of Idaho
Abstract
Anthropogenic landscape change has had a disproportionately large effect on temperate grassland systems. We used simulations of landscape change to compare the impacts of three commonly applied alternative residential development policies (protecting productive lands, growth boundaries, targeted protection of conservation lands) on ecological and socially important resources in a rural grassland landscape of northern Idaho, United States. Our simulations showed that development patterns were least socially acceptable and most detrimental to ecological resources under current land-use policies. Protecting productive agricultural lands led to the highest level of endangerment for remnant Palouse Prairie communities. Urban growth boundary policies produced the most socially acceptable development patterns and supported habitat for a wide range of species. Targeted conservation actions protected key habitat areas but did little to protect habitat for wide-ranging species. Detailed analyses such as these provide planners with the information required to assess and mitigate the consequences of policy decisions.
Publication Date
December, 2011
Citation Information
Max Nielsen-Pincus, Caren S. Goldberg, Amy Pocewicz, Lisette P. Waits, et al.. "Predictions of Ecological and Social Impacts of Alternative Residential Development Policies to Inform Decision-Making in a Rural Landscape" Conservation Letters Vol. 4 Iss. 6 (2011)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/max_nielsen-pincus/12/