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The most
obvious aspect of biodiversity is species diversity, the
number of species. There are a number of
measures that reflect important aspects of species diversity.
Species diversity across a landscape or ownership is often
produced by differences in topography, soils, water, plant
communities, and disturbance history. Topography, soil and water are a part of the landscape
that produces species diversity. Management affects
diversity through forest regeneration, forest age and disturbance (harvesting, fire).
We tend
to first think of terrestrial organisms when considering
biodiversity, but a major source of the diversity
in Alabama is due to aquatic species.
Streams:
A Natural Heritage Worth Conserving details aspect of
stream protection and stream biodiversity in Alabama.
For forest owners the major consideration in aquatic
biodiversity are riparian forest management and the
implementation of
forestry
best management practices.
Riparian forests are those forests that contribute most
to aquatic life and diversity because of their proximity to
the water body. In fact its likely that portions of
riparian areas may be
wetlands.
The establishment of
riparian forest buffers is important to wildlife habitat
and water quality. To maintain riparian forest values
consider managing hardwood species (Alabama
and
South) to the extent of the flood
plain and transition to more intensive management, if
desired, at the edge of the flood plain.
Uneven-aged
management in riparian areas will also contribute to biodiversity.
Riparian
areas highlight the importance of landscape diversity in
conserving biodiversity. Diversity in stand age,
timber type, and management practices all contribute to
landscape diversity. Connections or corridors between
landscape components helps plants and animal communities to
maintain populations as forests change over time. The
Sustainable Forestry Initiative has developed a
publication titled
Biological Diversity and Wildlife Habitat Considerations in
Managed Forests.
The publication discusses issues for conservation of
biodiversity at the stand, ownership, and landscape level.
The
presence or possibility of endangered species on your
property is an indication of a rare or important habitat for
these species. Endangered species in Alabama that
might be impacted by forest management are catalogued in
T&E Species of Alabama: A Guide to Assist with Forestry
Activities.
The guide identifies which species have been found in your
county, a brief discussion of their habitat, and their
impact on forest management activities. Taking of endangered
species is prohibited by the
Endangered Species Act.
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