Browsing by Subject "Human impacts"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Building Superior Coastal Communities(University of Minnesota. Minnesota Sea Grant, 2006) Schomberg, Jesse; Hagley, Cindy; Desotelle, Diane; O'Halloran, SueChanges to this region and its human population are inevitable. This paper provides a discussion of human-induced stresses and impacts on the Lake Superior basin (runoff, sediment and erosion, nutrient loading, increased water temperatures, bacteria and toxic contaminants). Development pressures (including subdivisions) and economic growth and industrial activities (logging, mining etc.) impact sensitive areas in the Lake Superior basin. Environmental indicators (forest cover, water storage, impervious surfaces) are summarized and explained. The paper describes fundamental management tools (natural resource inventory, comprehensive land use planning, zoning and conservation design). The document provides several examples of innovative coastal projects.Item Human Impacts to Minnesota Wetlands(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1991) Johnston, Carol AMinnesota’s 3.6 million ha of wetlands have been impacted by a variety of human activities, including agricultural drainage, urbanization, water control, and nonpoint source pollution. More than half of Minnesota's wetlands have been destroyed since the first European settlers arrived, an average loss of about 35,600 ha/yr. Drainage for agriculture is the major cause of wetland loss in Minnesota, particularly in southern Minnesota and the Red River Valley. In addition to impacting wetlands directly, wetland drainage affects downstream areas by increasing flood flows, and releasing sediment and nutrients. Urban development and highway construction affect a smaller proportion of Minnesota’s wetlands, but substantially alter their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Hydrology has a major influence on the structure and function of wetlands, so changes in the frequency, duration, depth, and timing o f wetland flooding can severely impact wetlands. While wetlands can assimilate low levels o f sediment and nutrient enrichment, excessive inputs can be detrimental. Peat harvesting is not currently extensive in Minnesota, but could cause substantial impacts. Cumulative impact, the incremental impact o f an action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, is becoming an area of increasing concern.